Retreat Cottage is a private, charming 100 year old one-bedroom cottage located on 120 acres of beautiful farmland, landscaped grounds, and gorgeous woods on historic property on a quiet road. Retreat is a great place to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle. Please keep in mind that because we are in a remote location, internet and cell service can be spotty, especially with inclement weather.
While we are in a rural location, we are centrally located to a number of wonderful Virginia cities and towns - Richmond is about 40 minutes away, Fredericksburg 45 minutes, Williamsburg and Charlottesville an hour and a half, and DC is about two hours away. We are 15 minutes away from the Kings Dominion amusement park, the Meadowpark summer music venue, and the fall Virginia State Fair.
Retreat Cottage is beautifully appointed - with a mixture of antiques and modern, as well as some whimsy. The cottage is well-maintained and has a living room and dining room and full kitchen, as well as a large bathroom with full sized washer and dryer. There is a sweet bedroom with a queen size bed (if more two people, we do have self inflatable mattresses that can be used in living room for up to two additional people,). There are a front porch and small back screened porch to sit and relax and enjoy the lovely views. The back porch is quiet and sweet and overlooks the barn - and the animals.
The cottage is refreshed with frequency with new sheets, pillows, towels, and other upgrades. It is landscaped and mulched - it is not tired or neglected. Great care has been taken to make your stay comfortable and relaxing - with the hope that you can unwind as much as you may care to.
The Retreat property has more than 80 acres of mature woods, with natural springs, creeks, and walking trails throughout - and an amazing tree canopy as well as remarkable topography. An electric golf cart is made available to you if you want to explore the property. It is parked in front of the cottage when you arrive. If we are available, we can take you on a hayride throughout the property. A hammock is located in front of the cottage which is great for the occasional nap, and the nearby tree has a wonderful wooden swing.
We have cornhole boards if you want to play - just ask, we will bring them out to you! Games are in the cottage for rainy days, as well as books and magazines.
A large, well-maintained fenced outdoor saltwater, inground pool is available for guest use - please coordinate with the owners to reserve hours for use (although, generally, guests have exclusive use). The pool has Frontgate floats and pool noodles, as well as pool toys. The pool is usually open from mid to late April through the end of September.
A large brick and slate fire pit in close proximity to the cottage is for guest use as well - with comfortable Adirondack chairs. Firewood is provided. A Weber grill and charcoal and lighter fluid also are provided.
We are a small working farm. Resident free range chickens roam the grounds. They are very social and sometimes follow you around or sit in your lap. You can always almost count on fresh eggs to be in the refrigerator upon your arrival! You can help collect eggs, feed the hens, and put the hens away at night if you are interested. We love to have guests involved in the farm experience as much or as little as they like.
The owners are raising a small flock of Hog Island Sheep, a critically endangered breed - with only a few hundred registered the world. The largest flock is maintained at Mount Vernon. Our sheep have will begin having their lambs in early Spring 2025. Our flock is protected by Sasha and Pickles, our majestic Great Pyrenees. We also have a few Dexter cows - a breed that was critically endangered, but is now recovering. Three are bred heifers due to have calves Spring 2025.
As an FYI, if booking, vrbo gives guests two options relating to the damage deposit. One is that guests pay a refundable 1,500 deposit which becomes due and is charged to the card before the stay - like a security deposit. If the host has no damage to report after the stay, the charge is reversed from the card. The second option is for guests to pay a 59 non refundable fee that is charged before the stay - through an insurance carrier. The insurance carrier receives the 59 fee and any damage reported by the host is worked out between the host and the insurance company.