Cottage in Nelson County, VA
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this cottage rental
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.
Amenities at Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Nelson County, VA
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2025
We stayed here for a weekend in the area. We went to a concert in Charlottesville on Saturday night and this was a great, quiet location for us to get to the concert and also enjoy a few places along 151. We enjoyed our stay, though it was a rainy weekend so we didn't get to enjoy the property or the many trails on the property as I had hoped. Great accommodations if you don't mind the bed on the lower level and the bath up. We didn't have an issue with that and the owners are very upfront about that detail. They were very responsive and the details about the property are spot on. Thanks!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2025
Cottage was exactly as described. Very clean. The grounds gave a great opportunity to hike in the morning and relax in the evening. Right in the middle of many great wineries and breweries. We will definitely be back.
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2025
Only shortcoming was the uncomfortable matress.
5 / 10·Aug 2022
We loved our stay at the Gracewood Cottage. Michael and Heather are fantastic hosts, and are extremely accessible, since they live next door. The area is so quiet and peaceful. We really enjoyed getting out and walking the trails that they had thoughtfully marked on the property. The Cottage is beautifully decorated and thoughtfully appointed throughout. We went to the Blue Ridge Rail Tunnel trail, Crabtree Falls, Crozet (Smoked Taproom and Grill was really good), Humpback Rocks. We checked out a few wineries. We would definitely stay here again!
[Cook's Notes: I do this for all VRBOs, I cooked in every Breakfast and Dinner, there are few dine-in options that are close by, however, we ordered ribs and sides from Paulie's Pig Out one night, and it was superb. The kitchen had most everything I needed. Bring a good knife, and any spices/sauces/seasonings you may need (there was salt/pepper, and someone left a bag of Jasmine Rice). There is a small grocery store in Nellysford (IGA) and the Dollar General actually has a surprising array of dry goods and baking needs. The closest Kroger is in Waynesboro, so plan accordingly. ]
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Top rated by guests
9.9Outstanding
(66 Ratings)
"We stayed here for a weekend in the area. We went to a concert in Charlottesville on Saturday night and this was a great, quiet location for us to get to the concert and also enjoy a few places along ..."
Joe S.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
