Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery.

Photo gallery for Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery.

A house surrounded by lush greenery and a winding road.
A view from a window overlooking a lush green landscape with a variety of trees and shrubs, and distant hills under a clear sky.
A house surrounded by dense forest with a winding road nearby.
A wood-burning fireplace with logs, a metal grate, and a stone wall background.
A covered patio with wicker furniture, stone walls, and a view of the outdoors.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Games at the ready
    One of the few properties with video games available for guests.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Swannanoa Palace

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Afton, VA
  • Place, Swannanoa Palace
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Rockfish Gap Entrance Shenandoah
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Airport, Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

About the area

Lyndhurst

Located in Lyndhurst, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. Swannanoa Palace and Crozet Tunnel are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Basic City Beer Co. and Veritas Vineyard and Winery. Ready for a night out? Consider Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.
Map
Afton, VA

What's nearby

  • Swannanoa Palace - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Rockfish Gap Entrance Shenandoah - 1 min drive - 1.0 km
  • Veritas Vineyard and Winery - 5 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Afton Mountain Vineyards - 11 min drive - 9.3 km

Getting around

  • Staunton Station - 20 min drive
  • Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Basic City Beer Co. - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Happ Coffee Roasters - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Estate Of Captain G Wilson - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Royal India Palace - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Shredders Smokehouse - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Unwind in a charming historic cottage near Nelson 151 featuring a Level 2 EV outlet, modern comforts, and easy access to Virginia's wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge scenery. located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Swannanoa Palace and Shenandoah National Park. Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance and Rockfish Gap Entrance Shenandoah are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cottage with breathtaking views and close proximity to attractions. Very friendly and helpful hosts who went out of their way to make sure our stay was perfect. I highly recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov 2026
Thank you Tim! We loved hosting you and hope you come back again soon! Scott and Heather
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay here! The cottage was clean, cozy, and secluded; which was exactly what we needed for our honeymoon. You can hear the traffic from the highway outside, but it really isn't noticable indoors. The view is so beautiful out the back too, I loved looking out the kitchen window at it. We also enjoyed using the woodburning stove on the cooler days. We'd highly recommend staying here and will be sure to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2026
Thank you so much for choosing the Swannanoa Gatekeeper Cottage for your honeymoon! We’re honored to have been part of such a special occasion. We’re so glad you enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, peaceful setting, beautiful views, and warmth of the wood-burning stove. It’s wonderful to hear that the cottage provided just the getaway you were hoping for. We’d absolutely love to welcome you back, perhaps for an anniversary celebration! Scott & Heather
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Such a special place!

This is a wonderful and special place. So convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive. We were doing a good bit of cycling and. biked right out of the house for easy access right onto both Parkways, as the cottage is just above where the two meet (steep climb getting back!!). We also enjoyed nearby hiking- including the Blue Ridge Tunnel and Humpback Rocks, just a few miles from the house. Beds were comfy, nice sheets & pillows, delightful kitchen & living room with nice amenities. We enjoyed the back porch every day - morning sunrises and evening sunsets. Very clean and well appointed. The historic nature of the house made it all extra special! Many thanks for a great stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our favorite VRBO rental because if it's remote location yet near National Park, freeway access, easy trip to Charlotteville. Felt as tho we were in our own little world atop a mountain surrounded by greenery swaying in wind looking down on the world below. Minor concerns were met immediately with phone access to three contacts available. Highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2026
Hi Sylvia, Thank you so much for this beautiful review—it truly means a lot to us. We love how you described the setting, “your own little world atop a mountain”—that’s exactly the feeling we hope every guest experiences at Gatekeeper Cottage. The balance of peaceful seclusion while still being close to Shenandoah National Park, the freeway, and easy access into Charlottesville is something we’re so glad you were able to enjoy. We also appreciate you mentioning that any minor concerns were taken care of—that’s incredibly important to us, and we’re always here to make sure your stay feels seamless and well-supported. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime you’re ready for another mountain escape. Warmly, Koehler Vacation Rentals
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