Hike our 2 miles of our beautiful, well maintained trails. The cottage and property are very serene and quiet. Ideal location: Only 1.5 miles to Route 151. About 3.5 miles hiking provides access to the Appalachian Trail from the cottage. Explore local wineries, breweries, and cideries. Located in the George Washington National Forest, Gracewood is a retreat from the mental and emotional activity of everyday life. This eco-friendly house was recently remodeled as a comfortable setting for couples or small families who want a break. We hold meditation retreats here twice a year, so it works well for a writer or artist or a contemplative to do a solo retreat. Upstairs is a full modern kitchen with new appliances. We made the cottage so nice that one of us could live there comfortably if we chose to do that. There is also a dining set and a comfortable full size futon couch. (Many futons are not that comfortable. We own an organic mattress company, so the mattress and frame are the best.) Downstairs is a queen size mattress and two Ekorness chairs (stressless chairs). We use Savvy Rest organic bedding. Within 12 minutes are several breweries, wineries, and a cidery. The property is 39+ acres, with 1/2 mile along Meriwether Creek. The volume of water varies with the season, but the feeling of energy is always powerful, calming, and clearing. There are about two miles of private trails suitable for hiking or running. Trails are well marked, and a map is available. Over the course of ten years we have seen a few bears, raccoons, groundhogs, bats, lots of box turtles, a few snakes, a wide variety of birds, along with plenty of deer and other wildlife. We took pictures of what appeared to be bobcat tracks one winter, but we haven't caught sight of the nocturnals. Please note that there is no television. Internet is fiber optic and reliable, but cell service inside the cottage is intermittent, although right outside it is usually pretty reliable. So it's relatively easy to unplug. Also note that the main queen size bed is downstairs, and the bathroom is upstairs if you get up in the night. We also have a full size futon upstairs if needed. (If you need to use it as a bed, we ask you to let us know ahead of time so we can prepare it for you, or show you how to use it so as not to ding the walls.) Upon your arrival you'll see that our house is close to the cottage, but there is landscaping next to both buildings; and the cottage is actually quite private. It's likely that you won't see anyone on our 40 acres during your stay. There are wonderful musical events spring to fall. Skiing at Wintergreen in the winter. Live music at our charming farmer's market in Nellysford. Regarding COVID preparation, we clean thoroughly, wash all the soft materials, and we particularly clean the hard surfaces and then disinfect them. We pay the cleaning folks well, and they do a really good job. :) For visiting nurses or doctors looking for a longer stay, ask about our longer term discounted rates.