"Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty"
Are you ready to step into adventure and create new memories on your next trip to Lynchburg?
Come and explore our private riverfront resort in the heart of central Virginia just minutes from Downtown Lynchburg, Liberty University, The University of Lynchburg, Randolph College, and Sweet Briar College.
The Space:
Welcome to the James Riviera Retreat, a warm multi-family friendly getaway, nestled in the heart of our beloved Virginia and the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Your home away from home is nestled on an exclusive 9-acre estate that rests proudly on the banks of the renowned James River. There is the potential for noise - Trains run at various times throughout the day and night across the trestle adjacent to the house.
-Only 2 miles from Downtown Lynchburg -Just a few minutes from LU, UL, Randolph College, and Sweet Briar -A clean and relaxing 3500 sq feet home for up to 16 guests -3 individual suites upstairs and a king size bedroom on the main floor -A custom boat dock with a loading ramp -Kayaks, canoes, and other water toys are available for rent -High-Speed Wi-Fi -A traditional billiard table on the main floor -Hot tub on the patio -A renovated pavilion on the river -Two fire pits, one on the patio and a classic campfire pit on the riverbank -A fully equipped kitchen -Meticulously cleaned in-between guests -Located in the heart of Virginia Wine Country -A short drive to the Peaks of Otter, D-Day Memorial, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and many other adventures.
JAMES RIVIERA RETREAT: A DEEPER LOOK Enjoy an entire retreat with family and friends! Secluded riverfront property on 9 acres with boat ramp, pool table and hot tub. Beautiful 3500 square foot home overlooking the James River just 5 minutes from Historic Downtown Lynchburg. Multi-family friendly with 3 suites, each with its own living room, bedroom, full bath, and a king bedroom on the main floor off the great room.
UPSTAIRS SUITES: Top floor has 3 master suites, each with a main level living room with full bath, queen sofa bed, large screen TV, DVD player, seating area, mini-frig, Keurig coffee maker, iron, hair dryer, etc. and a separate loft bedroom. Most of the beds, as well as all of the sofa beds, have 3-inch hypo-allergenic feather pillow toppers and lots of pillows for you to sink into.
MAIN FLOOR BEDROOM: Main floor bedroom off of the main living area has a king size bed, sofa bed, large screen TV, DVD player and seating area.
FAMILY SIZE KITCHEN: Kitchen is fully equipped with double ovens, oversized induction cooktop, pots and pans, and everything you need to make your favorite meal including a gas grill outside on the large patio. The pavilion also has picnic tables and large outdoor charcoal grill.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Large front load washer and dryer are located on the main floor.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Enjoy the best water skiing in the area, relax and fish off the big floating dock or read one of the many books we have on our shelves. Let the children play on the jungle gym while you sit around the riverfront fire pit. Take in the breathtaking views from the large outdoor six-person hot tub on the deck. Drive your own golf balls through the trestle to the tee from three different tee boxes, putt on the pavilion putting stage or bring expendable golf balls to drive across the river off the patio at the house. Relax on the swing at the meditation rocks looking at the infinity view under the trestle. Shoot skeet over the river or improve your shooting skills on the range.
INTERNET AND INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT: We now have high speed internet throughout the house so you can stream your favorite shows, work online (if absolutely necessary) and keep the teenagers happy! Indoor activities include a pool table, bumper pool and game/puzzle table, soft tip darts and a large variety of games, puzzles, and books in an oversized family room with 58-inch TV with surround sound and DVD player.
DOWNTOWN EATING AND EVENTS: Downtown Lynchburg boasts over 45 restaurants as well as multiple local breweries, rooftop bars and wine bars. During the summer there are events such as Get Downtown and First Fridays. The nearby Riverside Park hosts Movies in the Park and has a spray ground for the kids all summer long! Don’t miss the Lynchburg Community Market with local farmers on the weekend and year-round shops and restaurants indoors.
HISTORICAL SITES AND NATURE: If you’re a history buff, you will love our area. Both Appomattox Court House National Historic Park and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest make great day trips, but the downtown area is also a wealth of historical landmarks and a museum, just minutes away. We are also very close to the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a must see, especially in the fall. Take a trip to the visitor’s center for even more nearby attractions.
NEARBY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: Our retreat is 10 miles from Liberty University, 6 miles from both the University of Lynchburg and Randolph College and 13 miles from Sweet Briar College.
Pets are allowed on the ground floor level with a $100 pet fee, but only one dog under the following conditions. The dog must be crated whenever the owner is not present, and it should not get on the furniture, bed, or any other household items. Additionally, the dog must be clean, dry, and free of fleas and ticks. Please refer to the Possible Additional Guest Surcharges for further information.
MOBILITY: For our guests with mobility issues, the entire downstairs is on ground level with no steps. There is a roomy main floor bedroom with king bed and large bathroom.
EVENTS: Small events can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss prior to booking. See Possible Additional Guest Surcharges.
EQUIPMENT RENTALS: If you don't have your own water toys, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards (SUPs), etc. are now available for rent to registered guests on the riverfront from Treasure Island Outfitters, LLC. Please contact host for the contact information.
SECURITY: Due to the private/secluded nature of the property, we have three exterior cameras. Cameras are located over each of the main parking areas and entrance doors and a third camera is located on the back of the house overlooking the riverfront, dock and boat ramp. We do NOT have any indoor cameras.
WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT: Due to the unique features of the property and its inherent dangers, guests agree to waive and release the owners, hosts, etc. from any liability for damage or injury from the use of the property or its amenities, such as spiral staircases, hot tub, riverfront, dock, boat ramp, train trestle, etc. Child friendly does not mean the area is child-proof. It is the responsibility of the guardian/parent to monitor their children's actions at all times. Guests also agree to supervise children at all times to limit exposure to potential dangers. For a copy of the Waiver and Release Agreement, please contact the host.
Don't forget to consider the following guest surcharges that may apply. Being aware of these possible extra costs will help you make an informed decision regarding your booking.
1. Unauthorized parties held on the property will result in an early checkout and fines of up to $1,000.
2. An additional $250 pet fee will be charged if an unauthorized pet is discovered on the property or if a pet is found on the upper level of the building. Any damages caused by the pet(s) must also be paid for, and the pet(s) must be removed immediately.
3. A $500 deodorizing fee will be charged if smoking occurs inside the property.
4. No hair dye is allowed in the house. If hair dye is used, a $200 fee will be charged for any stained towels, linen, or a damaged bathtub/shower.
5. Our standard rate is for up to 8 guests; each additional guest after 8 costs $15 per night.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Only allowed on the main floor and with approval
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Extra Guests: A $100 fee per unregistered guest will be charged, and they must leave. If smoking inside is identified a $500 deodorizing fee applies.
If guests are found to have had an unapproved party, an extra fee of $1000 will be charged and WILL BE ASKED TO VACATE THE PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY
Due to the inherent nature of waterfront property and its amenities the guests agree to hold harmless the owner, hosts, etc from all liability or harm
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1906517vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Madison Heights
Located in Madison Heights, this holiday home is on the waterfront. James River and Monacan Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Amazement Square and Dillard Fine Arts Center. Travelling with kids? Consider AMF Lynchburg Lanes, or check out an event or a game at Lynchburg City Stadium. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and cycling nearby.
Virginia University of Lynchburg - 12 min drive - 9.5 km
Lynchburg City Stadium - 14 min drive - 11.2 km
Liberty University - 16 min drive - 12.5 km
Lynchburg College - 16 min drive - 12.2 km
Virginia Safari Park - 58 min drive - 70.0 km
Getting around
Lynchburg-Kemper Street Station - 9 min drive
Lynchburg, VA (LYH-Lynchburg Regional) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Truss - 10 min drive
The Cavalier - 11 min drive
Mother Nature's Soul Food Vegan Restaurant - 7 min drive
Bentley’s On Bedford - 10 min drive
Rivermont Pizza - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty" pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).
How much does it cost to stay at "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty"?
As of 10 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty" on 10 Jul, 2026 start from S$928, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty"?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty"?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty"?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is "Family-Friendly Retreat Near Downtown Lynchburg and Liberty" located?
This family-friendly Madison Heights holiday home is located on the waterfront, steps from James River and within 6 mi (10 km) of Amazement Square and Dillard Fine Arts Center. Lynchburg Museum and Legacy Museum of African American History are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house and grounds were amazing. Comfortably slept 12 people with lots to do right there on property. The outside deck area with hot tub was perfect for everyone to relax and socialize in the evening after the day.
Our family has stayed here before and we love it. The accommadations suit us so well with the main level and then the three separate sleeping units on the upper level. We now have 2 great grandchildren to go with us, and the playground area is great. My family enjoys kayaking, and this is a great place for it. This is a great place to stay with lots of different things to do. Look forward to coming again in the future.
Had a great long weekend with a group of friends. Toby was easy to communicate with and the property was great! Even went into town to a few restaurants as well.
This property is absolutely beautiful! Our stay was beyond our expectations! Love the layout of the main floor so the family could be all together. Loved the pavilion. House is in a perfect location to get to downtown and restaurants. Gorgeous views of the river and seeing the trains rolling by was fantastic!
Excellent communication with host. If the opportunity arises, will definitely stay there again!
We all loved the house and property
House was immaculate
Perfect for our group (3 couples)
Close to great restaurants, Blue Ridge Parkway,
And historical sites
It is perfect for families. Has so many things to do at property.
Tobi is a great host. Responds immediately to any questions
Would definitely stay again. Perfect place!!!
Our recent stay included 8 adults and 8 children of varying ages, the set-up was perfect for our mish-mosh of families. The property had lots of amenities and we had a great time. Our last night, the power/water was knocked out for the neighborhood and the host and property manager were quick to jump in and help once I contacted them, and understanding of issues that arose because of it. Would stay again if they'll have us!
This house was awesome. We had our special Olympics softball team of 14 stay. The location was unbelievable and being on the river and all the outdoor space was perfect for us have fun and hangout. We even had room to have a practice. There was plenty of room, we cooked meals every night, they played pool, corn hike, bumper pool, etc. and loved it. It was a great experience.
My friends and I really enjoyed the time spent at this beautiful house. We especially enjoyed finding everything we needed to cook with. The location was quiet and tucked away-a lovely getaway. The views were peaceful and serene; I especially loved getting to see the water from the different rooms in the house. The natural light that poured in from the windows was also beautiful! My friends and I enjoyed playing pool table and hot tub. The price was very fair, and we all enjoyed this getaway!
We rented the Riviera to host 4 high school students attending Liberty CFAW and to throw a surprise engagement party for our son and soon to be daughter in law. Comfortably slept 10 overnight and could have slept a few more. Amenities were fantastic and the combination of the open first floor plan and patio/fire pit were perfect for a group of around 40. Plenty of parking and even small cars had no trouble navigating the elevation change from the road to the house. Everyone raved about what a great venue it was. Just excellent all the way around.
Wow - can’t say enough about this wonderful property. Firstly, the communication with Tobi was the best I’ve ever had with a booking, even when there was a hiccup over the weekend with the hot tub. Tobi, was very accommodating.
The privacy of the home and location on the river is just unmatched. This was the perfect getaway for our group! We had a blast floating in the river, using the fire pit, and the boat rentals were a great touch.
The home itself had an incredibly large kitchen which made group dinners easy. And the common space was great.
I really don’t think we’d change a thing about our trip. Location, the home itself, and the amenities were unmatched. We’re already planning our next trip back!!!
Antonia P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jul, 2022
Thank YOU! We are so happy that you had a great time. We hope that you will come back to stay with us again! You and your guests are always welcome!
Verified
4/10 Poor
Raju T.
16 Aug, 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Could have been cleaner with better internet
Good stay, but the seats on the porch was not clean. There is lot of bugs below the cushions. Internet was very bad. Property had river access but no supply of Kayaks or Boats. Near by boat place was closed too. Some of the bathrooms didn’t have locks..
Raju T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct, 2021
We are disappointed that you felt your stay with us was unsatisfactory and gave us such a poor rating as we pride ourselves on our cleanliness and willingness to provide an excellent experience for our guests. Even though the property is located only 5 minutes from downtown Lynchburg, it is somewhat "remote" and private, which is why our guests typically choose it for their stays. Unfortunately, high speed internet is not yet available in that area, which we clearly state in our listing, but we do provide cellular internet for texting and emailing and have a deposit down on the new "starlink" system as soon as it becomes available in our area. As far as the use of the boats, that is also discussed in our listing and in review of our messages with you, prior to your stay, we provided you with boat rental options that are located nearby as we are not authorized to allow the use of other people's boats. We are sorry that you waited and chose a time when the rental company was closed to inquire about it. We are however exploring the option with our insurance agent on how to provide on-site rentals in the future. Our bathroom doors do have locks but how the lock on the pocket door in one of the suites works may be unfamiliar to people versus regular door locks. As far as the bugs on the cushions, our cleaners do clean the cushions but since the outside deck is nestled under the trees, it can, in many ways, be a never ending battle. Additionally, we are sorry that we could not provide you with a 3 hour late check out for reasons we related in our message with you and hope that that did not prompt this poor rating.
We stayed here while planning my husband's funeral. We, my husband and I, lived out of state. However, he grew up in Madison Heights and wanted to be buried there. The accommodations were awesome. I liked that it had 3 separate suites for each family. This was really important for me, because it gave me a chance to get away and grieve. The location was beautiful and close to where I needed to be. I am so thankful this place was available. It fit my family's need perfectly. It helped make a terrible week for me more bearable. My only suggestion would be to update how the internet is done, especially if you have a lot of people staying. This place gave me a haven to come back to after very emotionally trying days.
Kelly Mays
Kelly M.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jan, 2022
We are so happy that we could provide you a comforting place in your time of need and hope your next stay with us will be to commemorate a joyous family event. Thank you for staying with us and please come again. Tobi
The house itself is beautiful however the amenities outside was disappointing. We had 5 kids with us and we got this house for the playground,the river, and the awning. However the playground had a swarm of bees. I contacted the property manager some guy came by “to get rid of them” however it didn’t really work. Next the river had so much debris we couldn’t safely get in it. Which they couldn’t control. However the awning with the lights we tried to use the speakers to give the kids a dance party at night and it didn’t work.
Kamryn O.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul, 2024
We, too, are disappointed that Mother Nature did not cooperate with your family's outdoor vacation plans and that you felt it necessary to rate our family retreat a 2. A rating that we feel was unfair as you say that your primary issues were ones that we could not control.
We make every effort to provide our guests with the highest level of satisfaction. Not only with the house and its amenities, hot tub, gas grill, pool table, game table, games, puzzles, books, and indoor darts, which you acknowledged are beautiful but with the outdoor amenities. In addition to the playset, canoes and kayaks, and the pavilion, (what I assume you are referring to as the "awning"), we have fire pits, croquet, soccer, volleyball, outdoor darts, golf tees, archery, etc., etc.
And, of course, we strive to provide excellent, responsive guest communication and service. When you messaged about being unable to sign onto the wifi, we answered immediately to verify you were using the correct password. When you said there were bees at the playset, we sent someone down immediately to try "to get rid of them". Unfortunately, we found out, only after you checked out, that they were still there and that we needed to call in a specialist as they were a rare species of bees that had recently swarmed into this area of Central Virginia. As for your trouble with the pavilion lights, had we known that you were having difficulties, we would have guided you to the breaker box and to the instruction booklet that is kept in the toy box in the pavilion.
Again, we are sincerely sorry that your stay with us was disappointing and we will review our policies, welcome manual, and instruction guides in a continuous effort to improve our guests' experiences, despite unforeseen natural events.
Staying at this river house again was a treat! We enjoyed all of the new amenities that were added! The hot tub at night was amazing. Looking up at the stars and enjoying the relaxation. There’s a fire pit outside to enjoy with company. A beautiful two seat swing with a built in table in between under the train trestles. There’s a volleyball net as well and a boat ramp. We didn’t have a boat to use but there is a way to rent those as well as kayaks.
All in all a great place, definitely will be coming back...AGAIN. Feels great on the chilly seasons but even more amazing in the warmth.
Awesome place to get away and feel very private but still be close to downtown Lynchburg for all the nightlife. Place is super clean and the hostess went out of her way to accommodate my last minute schedule changes. Place is very well equipped for a big crowd. This is clearly the place to go with a big family gathering. Will have to come back in the summer to enjoy the warmer weather and the watersports.
This place was amazing. Lots of room and plenty spaces to play games and eat. There was a pool table that we enjoyed. It had a place on the river to launch the kayaks that we brought and had a floating dock to fish from. Some enjoyed the hot tub that was available. It was a great place to stay and look forward to doing it again and have recommended it to friends.
My friends and I annually get together to reconnect from our college days. This property was perfect for our group to be together and reconnect. Tobi was a great host.
Kyle K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Mar, 2021
Thank You for staying with us:)
About the host
Hosted by Tobi
My husband Eric and I own a rental property company called T & E Properties, Inc in Lynchburg Virginia. We specialize in unique properties such as downtown lofts and retail spaces. Typically we have always done long-term rentals but a couple years ago someone suggested we try short term in a couple of our properties. We love to travel and have certain expectations when we do and we hope that we have incorporated those into our our vacation properties.
Why they chose this property
This particular property was originally built by Eric and some friends as a fun get away that they would escape to at any time for a break from the daily grind since it is so close to downtown Lynchburg. They could be there in minutes! Over the years, the group became involved in a lot of other activities and now are only using the property occassionally and mainly just the riverfront so we decided to share the fun and offer as a vacation home for other family and friends in the hopes that they would enjoy it as much as we do.
What makes this property unique
This property is located on the James River on several acres which allows us to provide a lot of amenitites. It is one of a few properties with a boat ramp on this end of the river and the large dock makes it perfect for boating, fishing and water sports. The acrege allows us to have a picnic pavilion, 2 fit pit areas, horse shoes, volley ball, badminton, and even has a putt putt green and a target range. Treasure Island Outfitters now offers canoe, kayak, small fishing boat, paddle board rentals, etc.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests