Entire home

Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream

Photo gallery for Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream

Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Interior
Interior
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Swoope, VA
  • Mary Baldwin College
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • American Shakespeare Center
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • George Washington National Forest
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream

Baldwin Farm is located in the central Shenandoah Valley, the house is a three-bedroom, two-bath modern country home framed with a large sitting porch looking out on the Alleghany mountains. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle.

The mattresses are brand new pillowtops with all new bedding so you can have a comfortable, restful sleep.
Pastoral setting. Outside Middlebrook, VA, the house is the center of a working farm. The property sits in a natural bowl with progressively rising hills culminating in the foothills of the nearby mountains. Mark the passage of time as the light descends the slopes in the morning and ascends later and finally gives way to the starry night after the sunset.
Contemplative. Sitting off a country road, quiet solitude with some country noise should be expected at Baldwin Farm. Get out, walk around the farm, and experience a simple, slower pace. Watch the cattle graze while looking out over pastureland framed by the mountains. On clear nights, enjoy a view of the starry night sky that one can only get in a relatively light free environment.
Meditative atmosphere. Sit on the large covered porch and listen to the wind chimes or gaze out the large picture window in the living room while contemplating the foothills of the Alleghany mountains, verdant in the spring and summertime, cloaked in color in the fall.
Location, Location, Location
Located 15 minutes from Staunton; 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the George Washington National Forest; less than an hour to Lexington, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Bath and Highland Counties.

Property manager

Harry and Susan Baldwin
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 4 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please remove your shoes in the house, and please wipe your dogs feet.
Please do not allow your pets on the furniture.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Swoope

Located in Swoope, this holiday home is in a rural area. Sunspots Studios Glassblowing and Staunton Railroad Station are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Staunton Mall and Orchard Hill Square Shopping Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Swoope, VA

What's nearby

  • Mary Baldwin College - 30 min drive - 23.8 km
  • American Shakespeare Center - 30 min drive - 23.8 km
  • The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library - 30 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Frontier Culture Museum - 31 min drive - 26.2 km
  • George Washington National Forest - 34 min drive - 29.5 km

Getting around

  • Staunton Station - 21 min drive
  • Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Edelweiss Restaurant - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 4 total).

What time is check-in at Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 12 miles (20 km) of George Washington National Forest, Staunton Mall and Gypsy Hill Dog Park. Orchard Hill Square Shopping Center and Dogwood Square are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 235 out of 237 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 237 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 237 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 237 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 237 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gerry A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Accommodations very relaxing!

Well kept... very comfortable....
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loretta S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home and countryside surroundings

This property had everything we needed for a fun time. We loved everything about the home, and the area was so beautiful. Even though it was in the country, it was central to the things we wanted to go to. The house was everything they said and more!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Retreat

A beautiful and relaxing stay. Enjoyable and peaceful and close to Shanedoah National Park, cavens and other sites. The hosts were pleasant and easy to reach if needed to ask any questions. close to ShanedoahNatioanl Par
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri L. J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serene

Peaceful, quiet, great for star gazing, bird watching and enjoying a cup coffee on the porch, an evening glass of wine and or a good game of Cribbage! The home is large with warm tones, very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brytani F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Stay with Beautiful Scenery

I don’t think the listing does this place justice. The home itself is what I would consider large with charming and comfortable decor. The living room and sitting room were perfect places to enjoy some sunshine and a book. The bed was comfy and the bathrooms and kitchen had everything you’d need.The scenery is what really makes the place. Sunrises and sunsets were gorgeous to watch and the night sky is so clear. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for humans to enjoy and a yard that had plenty of space for my two large dogs to run and play. The fencing is secure and around five feet tall.This will stay on our list of favorite getaways.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely break from workaday cares

We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful views, great weather, and comfortable property. We left feeling recharged. The hosts were very kind and left us goodies!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and Comfortable

Friends came for a wedding in the area. Wished we had more time here at the house. It was so peaceful on the deck and in the house. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace on Earth

Third Christmas visit. Our favorite VRBO - feels so good here. Wonderful hosts. Joys and glories of Mother Nature and of simple things fill our senses and bless our hearts. Love the large comfy house and rolling property and starlit sky and deer and wild turkeys and cows and birds and… stillness. Many thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good Stay…

Enjoyed the stay. Love the porch and the views of the surrounding farms.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Had so much fun the property is beautiful, especially at night with all of the stars
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Edward T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Great hosts, great home, great scenery, and great comfort. Wonderful experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Favorite fall destination

Love this property! We have visited many times and it never disappoints. Very dog friendly with huge fenced area. So nice to arrive to find the best banana bread waiting along with eggs, milk, half and half and just about anything to get settled in. So much to do in the area…vineyards, antiques, fall festivals, orchards with the best apple cider doughnuts, downtown Staunton or just hanging on the porch looking at the mountains and cows!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacey S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sixth Stay

This was my 6th stay at the farm. The house is always welcoming and clean. The absolute quiet is my favorite part. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but you are only 15 minutes from Staunton.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betsy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful scenery

Wonderful place of inspiring views🌄
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful view and relaxing stay

We very much enjoyed our stay. We had everything we needed and loved sitting on the huge porch watching the cattle.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great

had a great time. will be back soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and beautiful

The place was fantastic. Views from the porch were fantastic. Watching the farm animals and the wild animals was peaceful. Great find to get away too.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

angela w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Our time was relaxing. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sallie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best views

This was a wonderful place to relax and watch the amazing Blue Ridge change with the weather. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot. Great place. Great host.

Everything we needed for a restful and peaceful family retreat. Would not hesitate to recommend this spot to our friends. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Farmhouse and Location

Our family of 6 traveled to VA for a wedding and wanted to steer away from the hotel route. My husband found this gem of a house and let me say this home truly exceeded our expectations. The property is absolutely beautiful and the home itself was incredibly spacious and super clean. Will definitely be staying here for any future VA visits.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming home; beautiful scenery

A little slice of heaven if you enjoy nature. We are typically on the move every day but chose to just sit on the porch for an entire day out of the 3 we were in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This is our happy place

This was our 2nd stay at the property. We love the cows, the view, and that the dogs can run to their hearts' content. The owners were responsive. When you come, be sure to check out The Cheese Shop and Miller's Bake Shop in Stuart's Draft and the fun shops in Staunton.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shelley G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing experience

The view of this place in person is beyond words. What an incredible location, and comfortable home. We felt welcomed by the hosts, and had everything we needed! Looking forward to coming back here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always a pleasure

We’ve stayed at this home 3 times and it always feels like home. So clean and comfortable. Close to Staunton but still get to enjoy the Mountain View from the huge porch. We saw so many deer on this trip. There were over 40 in a nearby field. Really enjoyed the chocolate cake waiting for us at check in.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Harry and Susan Baldwin

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests