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Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace

Photo gallery for Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace

The Cottage showing side entry and seating area. Large BBQ for your convenience
Huge master bedroom with new Cal. King bed. Large day bed shown on the left
Suzu comes in the house and loves bananas.
Your first view of The Cottage from the long driveway entrance to the farm
Bronze giraffes and lion greet you on the drive into the farm

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
The Plains, VA
  • Barrel Oak Winery
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Jiffy Lube Live
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Manassas, VA (MNZ-Manassas Regional)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2nd Bedroom

2 Single Beds

3rd Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace

Nestled in the hillside of 130 acre Cedar Hill Alpaca Farm, the views from all windows are of rolling hills and grazing alpacas, horses and Guiseppe the donkey. Lovely and very cozy/but roomy comfortably furnished apartment. Quiet. Wake up listening to birds. Private. Beautifully decorated. Hope you like colors! Quiet and peaceful and close to Great Meadow Event Center. Bring a horse or alpacas and board them here if you'd like (additional fees apply). Basic Internet and DirectTV. Can be combined with our beautiful Studio Apartment (sleeps 2) for more guests. (https://www.vrbo.com/2274856)

Property manager

Mary Forte

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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View of the Cottage in the summertime.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Yes, but under supervision
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
By special arrangement.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
$125 pet fee. Must be approved by owner
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO NO NO
Manor House & The Cottage House Rules Quiet hours after 10PM. If you expect to be late please inform the host.
Use of the pool: Use of the pool is available for a fee. No rafts, and pool closes at dusk. You might be sharing with the home owner and other guests
Check out at 11AM and Check in no earlier than 3PM. This is because of the extra disinfecting and fogging that we do. Call me at 3058031444 to talk

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6
Note from host: By special arrangement.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Marshall

Located in Marshall, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area and George Richard Thompson State Wildlife Management Area, while Old Jail Museum and Liberty Heritage Society Museum are cultural highlights. Northern Fauquier Community Park and Haymarket IcePlex are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
The Plains, VA

What's nearby

  • Marshall Center - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Barrel Oak Winery - 15 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Blue Valley Vineyard And Winery - 16 min drive - 16.4 km
  • Robert Trent Jones Golf Course - 25 min drive - 26.1 km
  • Jiffy Lube Live - 27 min drive - 29.4 km

Getting around

  • Manassas, VA (MNZ-Manassas Regional) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Marshall Diner - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Harry's at Airlie - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Doppio Bunny - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Alpacas & The Stars at night. Private Retreat. Fun & Peace located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Archwood Green Barns Farmers' Market, Marshall Center and Northern Fauquier Community Park. Barrel Oak Winery and Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area are also within 9 miles (15 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. 43 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

gen r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Create Your Own Wine Country Spin Off

We had a fantastic girls weekend in Alpaca Country. The cottage is decked out in African decor and surrounded by alpaca and horses. It’s very quiet and comfortable. Our host Mary met us and toured the unit and was always willing to help out. The grounds are gorgeous and there is a little store where you can purchase alpaca wool productsThere are several wineries nearby and we made meals in week equipped kitchen. .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Retreat

Very nice place to stay that is generally convenient to several towns and eating places. Hosts were very nice and helpful and we enjoyed getting to know them and their animals. Look forward to returning.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

carrie c., Portland Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This was the most magical place ever

I would love to return here every year. Mary and fam were so welcoming and their property is absolutely gorgeous.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kyle H., Northwest Arkansas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A splendid birthday at Mary's Alpaca Farm

My family and I gathered for a few days at Mary's Alpaca Farm to celebrate a milestone birthday. The location was in proximity to some family in the area, which is how we serendipitously found this lovely property. It's about an hour drive from DCA and well worth the drive. Mary is a genuine pleasure to work with and know. The accommodations were terrific with beautiful art and furnishings throughout the cottage, pool house, and beyond. Everything we could ever need and more was on-hand. The grounds themselves were impeccable and gorgeous. Mary was the most engaged, hard working, and accommodating host I've ever worked with. She is one of a kind and extremely generous with her time and attention. The kids loved the Alpacas, the pool, and all the pets and animals around the farm. An incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience. Lucky we found it and I'll be surprised if we don't make it back sooner than later!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mitch C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The escape we needed

The stay with Mary was incredible. It feels like it was a dream… everything was perfect, from checking in and touring the property to relaxing by the pool. We hope to escape to this magical place again very soon! We highly recommend and if you go, tell Peggy Betsy and Sunshine hello for us!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

July 4th Escape from the City

My family and I had a wonderful stay at Mary's alpaca farm. The cottage is well appointed and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay as a family of four. We loved the location overlooking the horse pastures and my kids adored meeting all of the animals on the farm (alpacas, horses, cats, dogs and a cockatoo). We also loved Mary's pool and pool house, such a bonus to use those lovely facilities. Mary is a wonderful and gracious host and we cannot wait to visit again! As a Fourth of July bonus, we could also watch the Great Meadows fireworks from the cottage and didn't have to leave to experience a great fireworks show.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

William C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Wonderful, Unique Experience!

We were fortunate enough to spend a couple of days at Mary's Alpaca Farm recently. Her property is beautiful; over 100 acres of green pastures, rolling hills, and of course, alpacas! Our family of four arrived on a Saturday afternoon and were greeted by Mary at her home. She was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we then followed her to the lovely guest house where we were staying. Mary's husband is an award-winning photographer and writer, and the home is decorated with the art and collectibles of his favorite subject, Africa. It was a visual feast! The couches and beds are very comfortable and the home well stocked with all the supplies and snacks one would need! And now for the best part: The animals! Mary allowed us inside the pen to interact with the alpacas and our daughter got the opportunity to bottle feed one of the babies who was rejected by its mother. We learned so much from Mary about these intelligent and docile animals. She even arranged for us to meet the donkey and two beautiful horses that live on her sister's property! There's also an adjacent shop where Mary sells the alpaca poop for fertilizer and beautiful clothing made from alpaca hair. We all can't thank Mary enough for her hospitality. She went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous farm stay property in great location!

Farm life at its best! Heaven on earth! We were greeted by Symba, Angel and Guissepe grazing freely in the front yard of the comfortable cottage. The views from the cottage were awesome and it was furnished and stylishly decorated with comfort in mind. Fascinating history, super experience! Mary was a superior host and is a special person full of positive energy. It was a treat to to meet Jay and to learn about his Safari adventures via the wonderful book he’d written. Wow is about the best single word to describe this adventure!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tonya R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great place

Thanks, Mary!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing getaway!!

We had the most delightful stay on this magnificent property! Mary was such an awesome and charming host and the property is even prettier than pictured. We’ve stayed at many properties and this one was by far the best. The kids loved the pool, playing in the creek and loved waking up to the alpacas and horses every morning. We hiked Shenandoah National Park one day and also found a small family friendly zoo called zoofari one day. We definitely want to come back some time soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful place with wonderful hosts

Gorgeous property with hosts who are more than happy to introduce guests to the alpacas. Loved it and hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway perfection!

We truly enjoyed this unique getaway! The cottage is beautiful and comfortable, complete with everything you could need. The beds were incredibly comfortable and the setting was nothing short of idyllic. The pool is gorgeous and the property is paradise! Mary was a wonderful host, and we are so thankful for her. We had a BLAST and can't wait to go back and see Mary and our precious alpaca friends!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat w a lovely host

Mary is a great host. The place is beautifully decorated with views of the alpacas right outside During the day we visited all the beautiful parks around the area and swim in the pool in the afternoon. Much needed R&R retreat. The grounds had a lot of wildlife which kept our 2 yo busy!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quick family getaway for MDW

We were looking for a change of scenery and outdoor fun for our toddler over the long weekend and this place fit the bill! The cottage itself is comfortable and clean but the highlight is the property, the views, and the hosts Mary and Jay. They were so welcoming and taught us all about the alpacas. Our daughter loved getting to interact and feed them. In the evenings we went for dinner one night in Marshall and the next night in The Plains. Both beautiful quaint towns only 10mins away. If you’re looking to unplug and relax in a beautiful setting, this is a great option! We loved it and would certainly return. Thanks Mary!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A trip to heaven.

This was surely our best mini vacation ever. Mary makes the alpaca experience wonderful in so many ways. There was even a baby born the night we arrived and we saw it take its first steps on little wobble legs. The cottage had amazing art everywhere and we especially enjoyed delightful books. Mary took us on a tour of her house which is filled with magnificent statues, art and memorabilia of Africa. We learned a lot, particularly about Marys Alpaca Poop which is the world’s best plant fertilizer
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

KEVIN C., North Potomac, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A+++

Very responsive, beautiful property, relaxing stay. Enjoyed interacting with all the animals. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charles P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alpacawesome!

This was awesome, kids had a blast, the property is gorgeous and the cottage is warm and welcoming. Loved it and can't wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway on a beautiful property

Our family just returned from a wonderful vacation on the Alpaca Farm. Mary greeted us as we arrived and gave us a tour of the property, including the alpacas! My boys got a kick out of petting the alpacas and learning their names. The guest house was perfect for our family. The master bedroom is huge, the kitchen was well stocked. Lots of towels, and everything was clean. We loved the space. The location of the property itself truly cannot be beat. It's barely an hour outside DC and close to conveniences, but it truly feels like the country with rolling farms and lots of animals. The hot tub was really the icing on the cake! We've done a number of local VRBO weekends and this was by far the best. Mary knows how to host, and all the thoughtful details were much appreciated. We can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette M U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alpaca house

We found the accommodations to be in excellent order and roomy. Mary met with us and was available to answer any questions. It was fun to watch the alpacas, horses, donkey and the dogs running freely, throughout the spacious property. There was plenty space for the 5 of us. Internet is available but, on the slow side. Cell service was spotty.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matt A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and relaxing

This was our second stay at Mary's alpaca farm this year. We had a wonderful time playing with the alpaca, hiking, and lounging in the hot tub. This is a perfect property for being active or just sitting and relaxing. We look forward to seeing Mary and the alpacs again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debbie D., Seaboard, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Finding peace on Mary's Alpaca Farm

This place is magical! Mary is the best! She is so lovely to work with and plan our weekend. My sister and I spent the weekend in the beautiful cottage surrounded by rolling pastures and alpacas! The cottage is clean, spacious, and decorated beautifully. We loved on some alpacas and got to spend quality time with one another. Would recommend this property to anyone looking for peace and quiet!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Family Getaway

Our family of 5 had a fun, relaxing stay at Mary’s farm. The property, home, pool, host, and alpaca are all amazing. It was a perfect weekend getaway for our family. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anne T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Slice of Heaven in the Country

Our family of 4 visited over Labor Day weekend and had a wonderful time at Mary’s alpaca farm. The grounds are beautiful! We enjoyed wandering the farm and swimming in the pool. Mary is delightful and fascinating. We learned much about the history of the area and alpacas. We drove less than an hour to Shenandoah National Park one day of our stay. DC is also an option for a day trip. We were having too much fun to leave again. Looking forward to a future trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matt A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful country getaway

Our family had a great time staying here with the alpacas! The property is beautyful and the cottege is spacious and well appointed. The hostess, Mary, is very kind and attentive. We loved visiting the alpacas (especially the babies) and the pool. The farm is great for hiking and exploring and the views are idylic. We look forward to returning! After the first day here my 7 year old daughter informed me that she now wants to be an alpaca farmer. Thank you to Mary for a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and enjoyable

We had an enjoyable visit and Mary was a wonderful host. We loved the site and Mary gave us a memorable visit to meet and learn about the alpacas on her farm. Our kids will remember for a long time!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Mary Forte

Host profile image
I'm a twin and my sister Anna live right next door on their own let our animals have free run of both you'll love them. We were born in DC but have lived in NY, FL, NJ and CO.
This is the most beautiful place we've ever had.

Why they chose this property

This 130 acres of rolling green hills is the loveliest property I've ever seen. It had to be close to an international airport and convenient to shopping and entertainment. We can get to anything for fun, canoeing, hiking, The Kennedy Center for entertainment, fine restaurants within 3 miles...

What makes this property unique

Interact with the animals....

Languages:

English, French
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