Apartment
Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage
Photo gallery for Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroom Sleeps 4
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Scottsville, VA
- James River Brewing11 min drive
- Trump Winery30 min drive
- Walton's Mountain Museum33 min drive
- Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle)57 min drive
Rooms & beds
0 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Common area
1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage
Voted one of the coolest Airbnbs in Virginia by Trips to Discover!
Voted one of the top 12 tiny houses in Virginia by Trip101!
Peaceful, safe and magical are just a few words guests use to describe our farm. It's the perfect retreat to relax and reconnect with yourself and nature. Enjoy exploring the farm, spending time with our animals and stargazing by the firepit. We invite you to soak in all the richness the farm and animals have to offer. We’re also 420 friendly. Please let us know if you're bringing pets.
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"You have a very special place. We felt as if the animals were watching over us. The whole farm just emanates contagious love and the property is breathtaking. The combination of the two just heals your soul. We felt really lucky to be there."
-Shane Wynn, Guest
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We love the beauty and spirit of our farm so much that we want to share it with people who appreciate a peaceful vibe. You'll find that we are very relaxed, inclusive and welcome guests to enjoy the farm for all it has to offer. Spend as much time with the animals as you'd like - many free range so they'll visit you. Enjoy our private beach on the James River (with a fire pit), inflatable tubes and rafts are available at no extra charge and the house is stocked with books and games...even Legos for ages 18+. Dog are allowed and we charge a non-refundable $25 pet fee.
We are the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions. Guests have shared birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and holidays with us. We also have tent and RV camping sites if you have a large group that would like to stay at the farm. Please message us for more information.
We're located in historic Scottsville Virginia (the heart of Virginia’s Monticello Wine Region). Seated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 25 acre farm is home to many domestic, farm and wild animals. The lush green rolling pastures offer exquisite views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and direct access to the James River. It truly is a serene private paradise.
Our focus at the farm is two-fold. Promote agro-ecotourism and support our sister non-profit, Gentle Moon Conservancy. The mission of Gentle Moon is to provide lifetime care and shelter for animals in-need and inspire environmental stewardship through the power of individual action.
We are a working farm and have livestock guardian dogs who free roam guarding the farm. River, Ben, Daisy and PB are very friendly and will likely greet you when you first get here. They work at night so don’t be surprised if you hear them sounding off in the shadows protecting the farm from critters.
Safety and privacy is very important to us. The farm gate is locked overnight and reopened early in the morning. We will provide guests the gate code when needed.
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1. Wifi
2. Queen size daybed with 12" mattress, lounge chair that folds out to a twin bed and two air mattresses (queen and twin).
3. Smart TV, DVD and Dish.
4. Games, puzzles, Legos for ages 18+, and books.
5. Fully equipped kitchen with full size stove, pots, pans, cooking utensils, microwave, toaster, coffee maker (and coffee), water kettle and washer/dryer combo.
6. Sweet well water.
7. Big yard with plenty of space for outdoor games, sunbathing, reading and naps with our free-ranging animals (they like to nap outside with guests).
8. Outdoor fire pit and wood supply.
9. Small propane grill.
10. Access to the James River (bring your fishing equipment, canoes and kayaks!)
11. Easy hiking around the farm.
12. Snacks, coffee, tea and sparkling water
Guest access
Guests have the tiny house to themselves and have full access to explore the farm and surrounding area.
Other things to note
Please let us know when you book that you're bringing a dog/s. Most of the animals on the farm roam free so you'll be greeted by a few Great Pyrenees (livestock guardian dogs), goats, geese, chickens, turkeys and peacocks. We also have barn cats that like to keep our guests company outside of the tiny house. Please be mindful of this if your dog is uncomfortable with other dogs and animals. Please don't bring your dog/s if they are high-strung, overly sensitive, aggressive, or not trained. Our livestock guardian dogs are hard-wired to protect so if they sense an uncomfortable vibe from another dog, it will make them uncomfortable and they need to be focused on doing their jobs.
Your dogs are welcome to be off-leash as long as they won't chase or harm people or the farm animals.
Please pick up after your dog.
Voted one of the top 12 tiny houses in Virginia by Trip101!
Peaceful, safe and magical are just a few words guests use to describe our farm. It's the perfect retreat to relax and reconnect with yourself and nature. Enjoy exploring the farm, spending time with our animals and stargazing by the firepit. We invite you to soak in all the richness the farm and animals have to offer. We’re also 420 friendly. Please let us know if you're bringing pets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You have a very special place. We felt as if the animals were watching over us. The whole farm just emanates contagious love and the property is breathtaking. The combination of the two just heals your soul. We felt really lucky to be there."
-Shane Wynn, Guest
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We love the beauty and spirit of our farm so much that we want to share it with people who appreciate a peaceful vibe. You'll find that we are very relaxed, inclusive and welcome guests to enjoy the farm for all it has to offer. Spend as much time with the animals as you'd like - many free range so they'll visit you. Enjoy our private beach on the James River (with a fire pit), inflatable tubes and rafts are available at no extra charge and the house is stocked with books and games...even Legos for ages 18+. Dog are allowed and we charge a non-refundable $25 pet fee.
We are the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions. Guests have shared birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and holidays with us. We also have tent and RV camping sites if you have a large group that would like to stay at the farm. Please message us for more information.
We're located in historic Scottsville Virginia (the heart of Virginia’s Monticello Wine Region). Seated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 25 acre farm is home to many domestic, farm and wild animals. The lush green rolling pastures offer exquisite views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and direct access to the James River. It truly is a serene private paradise.
Our focus at the farm is two-fold. Promote agro-ecotourism and support our sister non-profit, Gentle Moon Conservancy. The mission of Gentle Moon is to provide lifetime care and shelter for animals in-need and inspire environmental stewardship through the power of individual action.
We are a working farm and have livestock guardian dogs who free roam guarding the farm. River, Ben, Daisy and PB are very friendly and will likely greet you when you first get here. They work at night so don’t be surprised if you hear them sounding off in the shadows protecting the farm from critters.
Safety and privacy is very important to us. The farm gate is locked overnight and reopened early in the morning. We will provide guests the gate code when needed.
-----------------------------------------------------
1. Wifi
2. Queen size daybed with 12" mattress, lounge chair that folds out to a twin bed and two air mattresses (queen and twin).
3. Smart TV, DVD and Dish.
4. Games, puzzles, Legos for ages 18+, and books.
5. Fully equipped kitchen with full size stove, pots, pans, cooking utensils, microwave, toaster, coffee maker (and coffee), water kettle and washer/dryer combo.
6. Sweet well water.
7. Big yard with plenty of space for outdoor games, sunbathing, reading and naps with our free-ranging animals (they like to nap outside with guests).
8. Outdoor fire pit and wood supply.
9. Small propane grill.
10. Access to the James River (bring your fishing equipment, canoes and kayaks!)
11. Easy hiking around the farm.
12. Snacks, coffee, tea and sparkling water
Guest access
Guests have the tiny house to themselves and have full access to explore the farm and surrounding area.
Other things to note
Please let us know when you book that you're bringing a dog/s. Most of the animals on the farm roam free so you'll be greeted by a few Great Pyrenees (livestock guardian dogs), goats, geese, chickens, turkeys and peacocks. We also have barn cats that like to keep our guests company outside of the tiny house. Please be mindful of this if your dog is uncomfortable with other dogs and animals. Please don't bring your dog/s if they are high-strung, overly sensitive, aggressive, or not trained. Our livestock guardian dogs are hard-wired to protect so if they sense an uncomfortable vibe from another dog, it will make them uncomfortable and they need to be focused on doing their jobs.
Your dogs are welcome to be off-leash as long as they won't chase or harm people or the farm animals.
Please pick up after your dog.
Property manager
Katie VanSciver
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Free WiFi
10.0 out of 10, (42 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Please let us know what type of pets you have.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is permitted outside the tiny house
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Scottsville
Located in Scottsville, this apartment is in a rural area and on a river. James River Brewing and Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore James River and Horsepen Lake. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Scott Stadium, or consider a night out at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Scottsville, VA
What's nearby
- James River Brewing - 11 min drive - 8.2 km
- Trump Winery - 30 min drive - 28.6 km
- Blenheim Vineyards - 31 min drive - 25.1 km
- Walton's Mountain Museum - 33 min drive - 29.5 km
- University of Virginia - 45 min drive - 43.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Lumpkin's Restaurant - 12 min drive
- Tavern on the James - 11 min drive
- James River Brewery - 11 min drive
- Amici's Italian Bistro - 11 min drive
- Baine's Books & Coffee - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
4 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie R.
18 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable
Stephanie R.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Diane H.
18 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage
Diane H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather B.
12 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun at the farm
Heather B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rich C.
21 Apr, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an AMAZING place!!
Rich C.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carla E., Medford, NJ USA
6 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful animal sanctuary
Carla E.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jessica P.
10 Aug, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dreamy!
Jessica P.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Cathy C., Manakin, Virginia
25 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing plus
Cathy C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Vicki C.
21 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don’t miss this!
Vicki C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dawn L.
17 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
You could not ask for a better host.
Dawn L.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kristin S., USA
13 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
AWESOME!
Kristin S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kristin G., Hanover, PA USA
15 Nov, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Relaxing Stay Ever!
Kristin G.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Anthony B.
22 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Valhalla
Anthony B.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
julia s.
26 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely farm
julia s.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Brooklyn J.
19 May, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Home Base
Brooklyn J.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Michael F.
7 May, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another Great Stay
Michael F.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Taylor L.
1 Oct, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our short stay was nothing short of perfect! Great little house on gorgeous property
Taylor L.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
SONIA K.
25 Aug, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for relaxation and fun!
SONIA K.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Michelle L.
1 Jul, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical
Michelle L.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
Christopher V.
25 Jun, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful setting and comfortable lodgings.
Christopher V.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
John L.
22 Jun, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a lovely tiny house.
John L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
MJ S.
18 Feb, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Animal lovers
MJ S.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
About the host
Hosted by Katie VanSciver

Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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