Summary:
Secluded chalet near the top of a mountain on 8 acres, just 70 minutes from downtown DC, 20 minutes to old town Front Royal, close enough to get Instacart from groceries, Costco and Target, and private enough to enjoy your sunset view from the deck every night and to not see any other homes! The home is at the end of a long gravel road and parking in a small cul-de-sac. Dogs are allowed for a $100 fee per stay (3 dogs max, can not be left alone overnight) .
The Space:
Two levels of luxury meets rustic charm, with three gas fireplaces, billiards table, hot tub (almost floating in the trees!), huge deck, and TV's with Rokus in almost every room, including bedrooms. Guests can divide into two groups, one upstairs and one down: Upstairs features the three bedroom, two bathroom space with vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows facing sunset; Downstairs features a kitchenette, two king bedrooms, bathroom and incredible views downstairs plus a separate wheelchair-friendly entrance below. There is a gas grill, gas fire pit, outdoor dining table for 10, and new carpet, paint, lighting, furniture and decor as of 2021! NOTE: there is bedding and towels for 5 king/queen beds and 4 additional twin beds that can be placed in any bedroom or living area as extra. If you intend to also use the four twin beds you must bring your own bedding for those.
A vaulted ceiling on the main level, with a stone-look gas fireplace and 65" television, 8-speaker surround speaker system and Roku/Alexa for entertainment. Two internet networks and 5 bars on AT&T/Verizon with full internet and voice connection.
Guest Access:
Guests can drive in and enter using the code provided to them before check-in. Note: the road and driveway is steep and paved with gravel. 4WD or AWD vehicles are recommended but we have had guests in small 2-wheel-drive sedans without issue. If it is icy you may have issues.
The Neighborhood:
A secluded neighborhood in the heart of Shenandoah Farms, with access to the Shenandoah River just at the bottom of the mountain (with parking lot and boat put-in too). There are two convenience stores within a 5 minute drive of the home, and you can be at the Ashby Inn (reserve early!) in 13 minutes, Hunter's Head Tavern in Upperville in 25 minutes, or downtown Front Royal in 25 minutes too.
Getting Around:
To the right on Howellsville Road, you can be in Winchester in 30 minutes, Upperville in 25 minutes, Middleburg in 35 minutes and Front Royal (downtown) in 25 minutes.
Other Things to Note:
ON 8 PRIVATE ACRES!! Almost no one else is visible... just you and the sprawling valley view in front of you, including the Shenandoah river from one side of the vista to the other, sunsets over the ridge every night and deer in your front yard each morning!
Here are some of our favorite things to do when we're not just enjoying the hot tub, grilling and eating on the deck or lounging by the fireplace:
HIKING SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK:
Just around the corner, about a 13 minute drive from the house is Sky Meadows State Park, with several trails and great views there.
DINING AT A HISTORIC INN:
The Ashby Inn is next to Sky Meadows, in Paris, VA. It dates back to the Revolutionary War and has food that is to die for. (BOOK EARLY)
CANOEING/KAYAKING/TUBING THE SHENANDOAH: They call Front Royal the Canoe Capital of America, but it is fantastic for kayaking and lazy river tubing too! There are two great companies nearby that can arrange a float, or bring your own equipment and use the put-in just at the bottom of the mountain, free for residents and guests of our neighborhood.
EXPLORING HISTORIC TOWNS:
Just around the other corner is Millwood, a lovely town with a fantastic market (Locke Market), beautiful restaurant (the Buttery), both across from an old Mill with picnic area and a waterfall. 20 minutes down the other direction is Upperville, with the Hunter's Head Tavern, with great food and great prices too! Just past Upperville is Middleburg, a super quaint town with its own distillery, plus markets, ice cream shops and even a tasting room nearby (Boxwood).
And, duh.... DRINKING WINE:
Route 17 connects 50 and 66 (exit 23 on 66) and has 4 or 5 wineries peppered between gorgeous estate manors. Blue Valley is one of our favorites, with excellent wine and gorgeous grounds and views. Delaplane is a pretty location too, and for the fancy wine tasting experience in an architecturally stunning setting, check out rdV WInery (maximum 4 people). Our favorite wine is probably the Cabernet Franc at Chester Gap Cellars, which also has one of the most stunning views too, and that is just about 35 minutes from the house too.