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Respite from Reality

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Front View
COVID Certification
Side View
Kitchen
Kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 4130.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Etlan, VA
  • Old Rag Mountain
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Luray Caverns
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Skyland
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Culpeper, VA (QCL-Culpeper Regional)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Respite from Reality

Come join for a respite from reality. Your stay includes a warm and welcoming one-bedroom cottage with a queen-size bed and a dresser and closet for your clothes. There is also a king size bed in the family room downstairs. You also can enjoy your own full-service kitchen. If you are concerned about traveling during the pandemic, our cleaning staff have been COVID19 certified and we fog the house between each guest visit with disinfectant that is recommended by the CDC to kill coronaviruses. You can rest comfortably knowing you are free from the virus while at the Cottage! You can order pre-prepared items from our breakfast menu and they will be delivered to the Cottage.

Property manager

Cheryl Johnson

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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Exterior

Cozy retreat near Old Rag

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10.0 out of 10, (35 reviews)
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House Rules

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Madison

Located in Madison, this holiday home is in the mountains. Blue Quartz Winery and DuCard Vineyards are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shenandoah National Park and Lawrence Beasley Park.
Map
Etlan, VA

What's nearby

  • DuCard Vineyards - 17 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Early Mountain Vineyards - 19 min drive - 19.2 km
  • Old Rag Mountain - 30 min drive - 19.4 km
  • Luray Caverns - 48 min drive - 52.3 km
  • Skyland - 49 min drive - 47.9 km

Getting around

  • Culpeper Station - 30 min drive
  • Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shotwell Run Brew Co L - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Ducard Vineyards - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Central Coffee Co. - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Mill Valley Barbeques - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Sparrows Rest - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Respite from Reality pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

Where is Respite from Reality located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Blue Quartz Winery and within 9 miles (15 km) of DuCard Vineyards and Sharp Rock Vineyards. Madison County Public Library and Lawrence Beasley Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maria S.

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

Comfortable & close to Old Rag

This place was comfortable and had a fully stocked kitchen and bathroom. I would stay here again for visits to Shenandoah.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

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

Weekend getaway

Our stay was perfect. It was a great location to graves mountain lodge. The cabin had a very homey feel to it, and had everything we could possibly need. Owners were very accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ed K.

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

soo peaceful!

these hosts are incredible, friendly, accomodating to our requests and just generally all round great people! Thanks for a great stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad K.

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

Tucked away

Nice cottage tucked away in the mountains. Close to amenities and the National Park.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise Z.

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

Great experience!

Wonderful stay at the Cottages. We chose it since it was close to Old Rag and White Oak Canyon trailheads. Place was very clean. Exceptional hosts. Would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robin A., Scottsville, VA

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

Wonderful Cottage in the Woods

We had the pleasure of staying in the cottage the first weekend in October while we were part of the Graves Mountain Apple Festival. The cottage was situated on a lovely property surrounded by trees. Every amenity was well thought out - from toiletry items, plenty of paper products and towels, coffee and tea, even breakfast!! It was very clean, the beds were comfortable and if we had time, there were games to be enjoyed. Cozy and quiet, it was the perfect place for us to rest after long days. We were thankful to have great lodging nearby and would love to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica D.

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

Great Family Getaway

This was a great family getaway for us. We had a great time in this cozy cottage. The home was clean and we had access to everything we needed. Internet was spotty but if you need to disconnect and be present with your family, this is a great place to go. We will definitely be coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sheila R.

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

Well-stocked home

This home was filled with tons of kitchen items, towels, games, blankets, etc. Owners were responsive and friendly. Special considerations were made for our pets. I would definitely rent again next time I'm in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

David K.

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

Quiet and Quaint Cottage, perfect for Old Rag hikers

Tons of extra amenities including coffee. Located really close to Blue Quartz winery in case you want an afternoon or evening glass. Also perfect driving distance for if you want a hike to Lower Oak White Falls or Old Rag! I had a wonderful stay! Side note: Do not trust google maps, you’re looking for the waypoint “Horse Dreams Come True” - the route almost lead me to the adjacent property. Also I recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp if you arrive in the dark.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Ankita V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Nice but had some address issue

The property was nice but we had difficult time finding it as the address was wrong on VRBO and there was no phone signal in the neighborhood to call the owner. We thought the breakfasts was hot served but its all frozen food so you have to cook it by yourself. I am not a big fan of frozen food. Overall the property was nice and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chris O.

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

Cottage in the foothills, Thoughtfully Equipped

NO problems whatsoever finding the cottage; GoogleMaps brought us straight to the property. Spouse and I (plus small-ish hound dog) enjoyed a perfect getaway in this clean, pleasant, pet-friendly country cottage in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. We have never stayed in a better-equipped vacation rental home. Hosts Mike and Cheryl go above and beyond to make sure you don't have to bring your own (insert whatever you thought a vacation rental home would lack here). Nice sheets/pillows/blankets? On nice mattresses? Check. Abundant good towels, including kitchen hand towels? Check. Memory foam dog bed? Yup. Clothes-washing detergent and dryer sheets in the laundry room? Check. Cheryl placed spices in the cabinets, including flour and powdered sugar. Wine glasses and two mini bottles of wine, thoughtful and generous. We ordered cereal and juice in advance at no extra cost; another thoughtful touch. Appreciated the Britta-filtered pitcher of water in the fridge, alongside jam, honey, ketchup and mustard. The Kuerig has a complete assortment of coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Internet that works, two decent-sized flat screens w/Roku, and a very comfortable sofa sectional for downtime. The A/C is quiet, efficient, icy cold, and easily adjusted – darn nice during August! There are even a small pair of binoculars on a shelf in case you forgot yours. Wildlife watching is excellent; we heard owls and woodpeckers in the trees, saw deer and a flock of wild turkeys. This property is so quiet that, sitting outside at dusk, we could hear bats chirping and squeaking overhead as they emerged from the nearby hills. Magical.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tatiana Z., Germantown, MD

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

Great cabin in the woods for family hiking and biking getaway. Breakfast included. Amazing hosts.

We had an amazing, very active and at the same time very relaxing 3 day family getaway in this cozy, very clean and very well equipped 2 story cabin in the woods. Perfect size for a family of 4. The owners go far and beyond to make you feel welcomed and truly taken care off. They were very sweet to accommodate our very specific check-in and check-out requests. The owners left us a beautiful Easter Lily live flower arrangement on the kitchen table and a box of local hand made chocolates as a welcome Easter gift. The property was spotless clean and the owners left us light everywhere for our late night check in. We had a choice of large variety of breakfast items that was included with our stay that were brought to the cabin for us. If you want to cook your own meals the kitchen is equipped gas stove and a microwave. There was a pitcher with fresh filtered water in the fridge. Kitchen is well stoked up with a capsule coffee maker with large selection of capsules , spices, salt, paper and everything you might need for cooking. There are set of dishes sufficient for a family of 4. Please note that there is no dishwasher, so please prepaid to do your own dishes or bring paper plates. The first floor of the house has a large living area with TV, couches and a gas stove. There is a king bed on the first floor, a powder room and a laundry room with washer and dryer. The second floor of the house has kitchen, smaller living room with TV and 2 very large bean bag chairs, full bathroom with shower and a private bedroom with queen size bed. In front of the house there is a patio with large table, 4 chairs and umbrella - perfect for having family meals outside. There is a brand new grill as well. The owners gave us excellent suggestions about interesting and challenging family bicycle rides looping right from the property and local hikes. They also gave great us tips on the local vineries. This is a great place for family getaway! Very short drive to epic local hikes such as Old Rag mountain, great place for long bicycle rides and trips to local vineries. You can do horse back riding at the Graves farm, or go on a mountain bicycle runes on the same trails.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Franco A.

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

Clean, quiet, comfortable home in the hills of Va

Overall everything was very comfortable, comfy, and to our hopes/expectations. The only downside was on on the part of VRBO's booking system, as the dates appeared to be available and the prices were different than what we were charged. Luckily, Cheryl was more than accommodating and patient with the discrepancies, and I hope VRBO rectifies the discrepancies. She was a lovely host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

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

Wonderful

The cabin was amazing, close to the National park for hiking and climbing and Cheryl and her husband were lovely and helpful hosts. As noted previously there’s little to no cell service and the internet can be touchy, but other than that the bed was comfy, the kitchen WELL stocked with all the little things you might need as well as and array of cooking/kitchen items. There’s not much by way of food/restaurants in the area that are open later than 7p… i mostly ate what I had there, but if you’re an earlier eater there’s a town about 12 mins away with options. Definitely would stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph I., Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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

Perfect location to Shenandoah NP

Clean and quiet. Communication was great. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Marc M.

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

Escape from suburban life

Good little spot out of the business of the city. Kids loved seeing some deer in the woods and the beanbags were a big hit for both kids and dog. Thanks Cheryl!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

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

Peaceful place to stay!

I stayed with a dear friend this weekend. We wanted to spend time hiking and checking out Shenandoah NP. We also were close enough to visit the White Oak Lavender Farm about an hour away and thoroughly enjoyed it. At the Cottage, we met the host who was gracious and accommodating. The property is beautiful. We enjoyed the grill and picnic table as well as beanbag chairs in the upstairs family room. The kitchen was well appointed and we really enjoyed the breakfast choices. Highly recommend for a place to use as home base for SNP, local wineries/breweries and a relaxing place to rest.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Cheryl Johnson

Host profile image
Meet Mike and Cheryl. We have lived in many places in our life and have traveled a bit (pre-covid). We live on the property and would love to share our cottage with you. At times we have family come to visit and stay with us in the 'big house' (as our grandson calls it). We love to visit with guests, but you are welcome to enjoy your own space. We want to respect your style.

Why they chose this property

The Cottage is conveniently located at the base of the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are lots of hiking trails and many outdoor activities available. There are several historical sites in the area if you like to explore American history. We have a tablet with virtual tours of many historical sites. These include the ones close to us but also the ones that may not be close by our Cottage. We know the area pretty well and can share what we know or you can explore on your own.

What makes this property unique

We are also happy to make advanced reservations for you at local area attractions if you would like.

Please make sure to check the Welcome Guide once you book the property so you can find it. It can be tricky and there are detailed instructions in the guide. Cell phone reception can be spotty in our area.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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