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Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton
Cottage in Afton with kitchen
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom 1 bathroom Sleeps 2 800 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Afton, VA
- Place, Veritas Vineyard and Winery13 min drive
- Place, Afton Mountain Vineyards14 min drive
- Place, Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance18 min drive
- Airport, Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle)55 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Downstairs
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton
Located in the George Washington National Forest, Gracewood is a retreat from the mental and emotional activity of everyday life. The house was recently remodeled as a comfortable setting for couples or small families who want a break. We hold meditation retreats here twice a year, so it would work well for a writer or artist or a contemplative. Yet it is relaxing and healing for anyone.
Upstairs is a full modern kitchen with new appliances. We made the cottage so nice that one of us could live there comfortably if we chose to do that. There is also a dining set and a comfortable full size futon couch. (Many futons are not that comfortable. We own an organic mattress company, so the mattress and frame are the best.)
Downstairs is a queen size mattress and two comfortable Ekornes chairs (stressless chairs). We use Savvy Rest organic bedding.
Within 12 minutes are several breweries, wineries, and a cidery.
The property is 39+ acres, with 1/2 mile along Meriwether Creek. The volume of water varies with the season, but the feeling of energy is always powerful, calming, and clearing. There are about two miles of well maintained, private trails suitable for hiking or running. Trails are well marked, and a map is available.
Over the course of eight years we have seen a few bears, raccoons, groundhogs, bats, lots of box turtles, a few snakes, a wide variety of birds, along with plenty of deer and other wildlife. We took pictures of what appeared to be bobcat tracks one winter, but we haven't caught sight of the nocturnals.
Please note that there is no television, although we do have fiber optic for internet which is pretty fast and reliable. Cell service inside the cottage is intermittent, although right outside it is usually pretty reliable. So it's relatively easy to unplug.
Also note that the main queen size bed is downstairs, and the bathroom is upstairs if you get up in the night.
There are wonderful musical events spring to fall. Skiing at Wintergreen in the winter.
Live music at our charming farmer's market in Nellysford on Saturdays May to November.
For COVID prevention we wash the soft materials. For hard surfaces where COVID can survive longer, we thoroughly wash them and then disinfect them with natural disinfectants. We pay our cleaning help well, and they do an excellent job.
Upon your arrival you'll see that our house is close to the cottage, but there is landscaping next to both buildings; and the cottage is actually quite private. It's likely that you won't see anyone on our 40 acres during your stay.
Upstairs is a full modern kitchen with new appliances. We made the cottage so nice that one of us could live there comfortably if we chose to do that. There is also a dining set and a comfortable full size futon couch. (Many futons are not that comfortable. We own an organic mattress company, so the mattress and frame are the best.)
Downstairs is a queen size mattress and two comfortable Ekornes chairs (stressless chairs). We use Savvy Rest organic bedding.
Within 12 minutes are several breweries, wineries, and a cidery.
The property is 39+ acres, with 1/2 mile along Meriwether Creek. The volume of water varies with the season, but the feeling of energy is always powerful, calming, and clearing. There are about two miles of well maintained, private trails suitable for hiking or running. Trails are well marked, and a map is available.
Over the course of eight years we have seen a few bears, raccoons, groundhogs, bats, lots of box turtles, a few snakes, a wide variety of birds, along with plenty of deer and other wildlife. We took pictures of what appeared to be bobcat tracks one winter, but we haven't caught sight of the nocturnals.
Please note that there is no television, although we do have fiber optic for internet which is pretty fast and reliable. Cell service inside the cottage is intermittent, although right outside it is usually pretty reliable. So it's relatively easy to unplug.
Also note that the main queen size bed is downstairs, and the bathroom is upstairs if you get up in the night.
There are wonderful musical events spring to fall. Skiing at Wintergreen in the winter.
Live music at our charming farmer's market in Nellysford on Saturdays May to November.
For COVID prevention we wash the soft materials. For hard surfaces where COVID can survive longer, we thoroughly wash them and then disinfect them with natural disinfectants. We pay our cleaning help well, and they do an excellent job.
Upon your arrival you'll see that our house is close to the cottage, but there is landscaping next to both buildings; and the cottage is actually quite private. It's likely that you won't see anyone on our 40 acres during your stay.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 247
About the area
Afton
Located in Afton, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. Crozet Tunnel and Swannanoa Palace are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Shenandoah National Park and Rockfish Gap Entrance Shenandoah. War Fields and Wildlife Center of Virginia are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Afton, VA
What's nearby
- Silverback Distillery - 7 min drive - 4.1 km
- Veritas Vineyard and Winery - 13 min drive - 12.3 km
- Afton Mountain Vineyards - 14 min drive - 10.2 km
- Bold Rock Hard Cider Nellysford Cidery - 17 min drive - 15.4 km
- Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance - 18 min drive - 17.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Trager Bros Coffee Shop - 8 min drive
- Blue Mountain Brewery - 12 min drive
- Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery - 10 min drive
- Belties - 12 min drive
- Paulie's Pig Out - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Michael and Heather Penny

Heather and Michael met in a yoga ashram in 1976 and were married in 1982. We have always had an interest in what makes everything work, particularly human nature. Although we have both started successful businesses, we are teachers at heart.
We love meeting like minded people and sharing the beauty and serenity of our property. It has been transformative for us and many friends.
We have two wonderful adult children--one a hydrologist and one self-employed in IT.
We love meeting like minded people and sharing the beauty and serenity of our property. It has been transformative for us and many friends.
We have two wonderful adult children--one a hydrologist and one self-employed in IT.
Why they chose this property
We had been looking at property for years. Heather was on retreat in Brazil when this property came on the market; but once we had both seen it, we gave up looking anywhere else.
Nelson County is so beautiful, and being in the George Washington National Forest is like Eden.
It's so easy to calm the mind and relieve emotional stresses here.
Nelson County is so beautiful, and being in the George Washington National Forest is like Eden.
It's so easy to calm the mind and relieve emotional stresses here.
What makes this property unique
2 Miles well maintained walking trails, 1/2 mile along a bubbling creek.
Serenity beyond words.
Breweries and Wineries galore.
Nice restaurants nearby.
4.5 mile walk to Humpback Rocks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 2.5 miles to Shenandoah National Park.
Ekornes Stressless chairs from Norway.
Savvy Rest organic bedding throughout, although the main mattress on the Murphy bed could not tolerate the weight of an organic mattress. The bedding on top is all certified organic.
Low EMF Environment: Cell phones don't work in the cottage, and you can unplug the wireless router.
Environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
Real china dishware & mugs.
Stainless steel pots and pans.
Serenity beyond words.
Breweries and Wineries galore.
Nice restaurants nearby.
4.5 mile walk to Humpback Rocks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 2.5 miles to Shenandoah National Park.
Ekornes Stressless chairs from Norway.
Savvy Rest organic bedding throughout, although the main mattress on the Murphy bed could not tolerate the weight of an organic mattress. The bedding on top is all certified organic.
Low EMF Environment: Cell phones don't work in the cottage, and you can unplug the wireless router.
Environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
Real china dishware & mugs.
Stainless steel pots and pans.
Languages:
English
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