Forget your worries at this slice of paradise! The home is nestled between national forests and perched on the James River overlooking the mountains. Use our home as a basecamp for exploring (e.g., Natural Bridge State Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail); visiting the town of Lexington (home to Washington & Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, restaurants, boutiques, and breweries); or enjoy a staycation whiling away the hours on our deck. The space THE AREA We are perfectly situated for exploring countless natural wonders (e.g., Natural Bridge State Park, The Caverns, Washington & Jefferson National Parks, the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, tubing or kayaking the James or Maury Rivers, and fishing galore). There are also a number of local attractions for the whole family (e.g., Dinosaur Kingdom II, Safari Park, Boxerwood Nature Center, local breweries and wineries, Lexington). THE PROPERTY You will have access to the entire main house, including the large wrap-around deck, which is perfect for bird watching during the summer (e.g., eagles, hawks, buzzards, cranes, and much more) and taking in the changing leaves in the fall. The property faces the James River and Appalachian Mountains to the East. Enjoy an evening on the deck star gazing and watching the moon crest the mountains. To the North our private rolling acreage has a creek that runs through it. You can frequently see deer and groundhogs traveling between our pasture and the creek. Feel free to splash about and enjoy it for yourself too! THE MAIN HOUSE The main floor has an open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen with tall cathedral ceilings and lots of windows. The sofa folds out into a sleeper sofa (though the master bedroom on the first floor is also large enough to accommodate an inflatable mattress if preferred). The master bedroom opens to a seating area on the deck. The bathroom has a step-in shower and garden tub. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, pots and pans, casserole dishes, blender, tons of baking supplies, and most other items you may need. There is also a laundry room with commode on the first floor. The second floor has the other bedroom, a bathroom with a tub/shower combo, a seating area on the landing, and a private balcony with seating. We can have a kids' corner set up with toys for little ones if you would like. The deck has a number of comfortable chairs, coffee table, propane fire pit, and gas grill for your enjoyment. For those traveling during fall and winter months, we will most likely have seasonal holiday decorates up. HOSTS IN DOWNSTAIRS APARTMENT The owners and two dogs live in the downstairs apartment and will most likely be on the property during your stay. We have a separate, private parking area and entrances/exits to the apartment. Our doggos will be kept on leash during your stay. There is also a cat that has lived on the property for far longer than we have and she roams at will. You may see her on the deck or lounging out on the rocks. WE ARE A LITTLE WORKING HOMESTEAD WITH A BIG HEART As we are frequently feeding animals, repairing pasture fencing, or tending the property in some way, it is quite possible you will see us out on the property at some point. Additionally, we use an exterior wood stove in the colder months to heat the home and the stove is located in one of the sheds close to the guest parking area. Please feel free to say hello and ask any questions you may have! We want you to have a peaceful and relaxing stay so will take our lead from you regarding whether you would like to chat. If you would like to visit with the animals, please just let us know! We ask that you do not open any gates in the pasture as we do not want our precious goats to get loose! We will be happy to escort you and introduce you to our sweet goats so that everyone has a good time and nobody escapes. SAFETY There is a lot of outdoor space for playing and exploring in the field, by the pasture, in and along the creek, and in the front yard. Please do not play or let children explore unattended behind the property, however, which faces the river. The property sits up high on a bluff and the area behind the property has large granite slabs in the ground, which is part of what makes the property so beautiful. This area is meant for enjoying from the deck. We are not liable for any injuries. All guests are required to stay at least 6-10 feet from the bluff's edge at all times. There are signs and it will be clearly indicated where is off limits. There are train tracks that run along the James River and another that crosses on a trestle a little up river. The bluff blocks the majority of the sound and the trains do not toot their horns. It is not uncommon to see a couple of trains each day. We find the sound of the train, the babbling of the creek, and the moo'ing of the neighbor's cows all quite calming. We look forward to you joining us at our little slice of paradise! Guest access Entire main house, wrap-around deck, yard, creek, and property. Other things to note Please let us know if you are traveling for a special occasion and/or if there is anything you may need to make your stay a wonderful experience.