At this time of year, there are quite a few exciting things one can do in a rented Shenandoah Valley cabin—sleep late, drink coffee, look at the view, read, take an easy hike, and snuggle by the fireplace.
Of course, there are plenty of more active options, too —take a challenging hike, go skiing or snowboarding, and even rediscover romance. For the truly fearless, if you pick the right place, you can even try living without the Internet for a few days.
2020 was a difficult year, full of hardship for a lot of people. Virtually all of us are ready to de-stress and enjoy some peace and quiet as we welcome 2021. The chance to sneak off to a secluded mountain cabin or inn with a beautiful view may be just the thing we need to restore some sense of calm to our lives. Below we offer eight suggestions where you may do just that. Many more options may be explored here.
The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, (540) 869-0200
Hidden away about 12 miles south of Winchester, the Inn at Vaucluse Spring is a 44-acre “village” of six guest houses surrounded by a beautiful limestone spring. Enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, well-kept gardens, an outdoor pool in season, and walking trails. Accommodations range from elegant rooms in the 200-year-old Manor House to cozy rooms in an 1850’s log house. Wake up to a full 3-course breakfast that changes with the season’s available options.
By The Side of The Road
Five intimate cottages for couples, one cozy apartment, and a 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom circa 1789 Manor House located on nine spacious acres with large fishing pond and deck. Your rental will include all the amenities expected in a high-end getaway lodging accommodation – cozy bedding and linens, spa tubs or multi-faucet shower rooms, mini kitchens, beautiful décor, peace, and privacy. The setting combines nine peaceful, scenic acres with quick proximity to all Harrisonburg has to offer.
L’Auberge Provencale
An authentic, French country experience in both décor and cuisine. The main property, features 11 unique guest rooms and suites, with an additional three rooms at Villa La Campagnette just three miles away. Each room features cheerful yet elegant decor, Provencale fabrics, antiques and reproductions to convey a true French countryside atmosphere. Located in rural White Post, about 11 miles south of Winchester.
Shadow Mountain Escape
A 15-acre property near the town of Luray, and literally in the shadow of Shenandoah National Park. Shadow Mountain Escape specializes in serving couples for romantic getaways. All guests receive a clean, climate controlled timber frame cabin with comfortable beds, full kitchen, satellite television, DVD, and modern amenities. Guests receive a complimentary welcome basket with home-baked goods and can add a wine select package featuring wines on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop.
Blackburn Inn
A historic past, signature spiral staircase, pristine grounds, and high-end amenities characterize the Blackburn Inn. Just a five-minute walk from Downtown Staunton, the Blackburn Inn nonetheless provides seclusion over its expansive 80 acres. Originally built as a hospital in the 1800s, many of its early architectural features have been preserved or given new life. Other features include: gardens and patios, a 24-hour fitness room, an art gallery displaying Virginia works, and a variety of special packages.
The Inn at Forest Oaks (540-291-1005)
Located in Natural Bridge, not far from Lexington, the Inn at Forest Oaks (pictured left) is a restored manor house (originally built in 1806) with six beautiful rooms, each with its own bath. A restored, century-old guest cottage with five bedrooms is on the property as well. The views are stunning. The Inn’s youtube channel offers several videos for a close inspection.
The Inn at MeadowCroft Farm (540) 712-0791
Just outside Staunton is a pastoral area known as Swoope, where the Inn at MeadowCroft has been a working family farm for seven generations. In 2013, restoration began on a two-story, hand-hewn log cabin on the property that dated back to 1820. Shortly after starting the renovation, the owners purchased a 1795 two-story log cabin, with intentions on creating a bed and breakfast. They dismantled the original log cabin, log by log, and had it transported to Swoope. The renovations and updates to the adjoining cabins were completed in 2018. MeadowCroft is an alluring combination of fine amenities housed in historic surroundings and classic Shenandoah Valley scenery.
The Iris Inn (540) 943-1991
Located in Waynesboro, minutes from the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Iris Inn is a complex of a main inn, cabins and cottages. Each was planned and built to provide the best view possible of the rippling Blue Ridge Mountains. And “complimentary breakfast” here doesn’t mean toast and coffee. Depending on the time of year, it might include: fresh fruit, eggs, waffles, French toast, bacon, sausage, and cheesy omelets. Special offer: For a limited time, when you stay with them in one of the main Inn rooms between now and January 31st for a minimum of two nights, you’ll get a $100 Gift Certificate for a future stay. (Some restrictions apply.)
Banner photo: The view from the Iris Inn