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"Travel Back to Simple" 1910 Renovated Bunkhouse

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Property grounds
Exterior
Exterior
Just finished in 2020.  New grass had not grown in yet
Grapevine outside kitchen window.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 492.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Independence, VA
  • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Stone Mountain State Park
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Grayson Highlands State Park
    ‪45 min drive‬
  • North Wilkesboro (IKB-Wilkes County)
    ‪83 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest

2 Single Beds

Master

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen

About this property

"Travel Back to Simple" 1910 Renovated Bunkhouse

Step back in time at Gracies Bunkhouse. No wifi but great connection. This 100 year old renovated cabin is heated by a newly installed Mini Split which serves for both heating and cooling. The main source of heat is a Jotul wood stove that has endless amounts of wood at your disposal to keep you warm.

The bunkhouse sits on 2 of a 16 acre parcel atop a very large waterfall. The waterfalls make a beautiful soothing backdrop noise as you listen from the back porch or anywhere outside. At the base of the falls in the distance is my other rental that is usually booked year round. It is always nice to know that my guest like their privacy and know not to venture too far down or too far up to the other houses.

You will not find a better place to hang out than on the back porch in a rocking chair or seated at the bar with a cup of coffee and a journal. Long range mountain views are best seen with the leaves off the trees but can also be seen from the deck and other parts of the property.

The only guest you will have are the occasional wild turkey, deer, or black bear that likes to show itself every now and then. There are apple trees, grape vines, wild cherries and wild raspberries that them plenty of food.

The bunkhouse was purchased in a state of distress at the same time as her sister property Healing Water Falls (the house below the falls.). She was built in 1910 and has many additions but was fully renovated in 2020 keeping honor to her heritage of a time more simple. A hot water on demand unit keeps the hot water flowing. Guest will find a fully stocked kitchen with new appliances including a gas stove and refrigerator. Pour over coffee maker and french press are how we do coffee here. You will not find a microwave, toaster, or coffee maker but there is an electric teapot for heating water. No dishwasher either but some of the best times are standing by the enameled double sink reminiscing about grandma doing the same back in her day.

The master bedroom has its own electric wood stove to offer ambiance and warmth and you will not find a better sleeping bed anywhere. Open the windows and let the mountain breeze blow through on spring nights as you cozy up under a comforter. A separate bedroom on the opposite side of the house has 2 twins with fairy lights on the ceiling to mimic stars outside.

There is a fire ring with tree stumps for sitting and plenty of wood on hand for burning. Nothing compares to nights around a campfire spent telling stories smelling the crisp mountain air.

There is much to be found in going back to basics and giving up things our modern world takes for granted. Gracies was loved back to life in every way. You will feel it when you enter. It's like coming home to an old memory. Won't you come and experience her warmth?

Property manager

Caroline Carter
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Parking available

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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 3–17
Best for ages 7 plus
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Contact me for additional pets
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Stay Off The Waterfall!!!!!!!! You can play in the creek above the Fall but not where water drops.
Pets are to stay off Beds. Please pick up after your pet.

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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Independence

Located in Independence, this holiday home is in the mountains. Rex Theater and Blue Ridge Music Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Gibboney Rock House Museum and Hutchinson Homestead. Wayne Henderson's Workshop and Galewinds Amusement Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby kayaking, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
Map
Independence, VA

What's nearby

  • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - 19 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Oak Hill Academy - 32 min drive - 29.1 km
  • Blue Ridge Music Center - 39 min drive - 35.6 km
  • Stone Mountain State Park - 41 min drive - 37.6 km
  • Grayson Highlands State Park - 45 min drive - 47.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Ciro's Pizza & Subs - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Plus - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Aunt Bea's BBQ - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Ogles - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "Travel Back to Simple" 1910 Renovated Bunkhouse pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at "Travel Back to Simple" 1910 Renovated Bunkhouse?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "Travel Back to Simple" 1910 Renovated Bunkhouse?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "Travel Back to Simple" 1910 Renovated Bunkhouse located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of New River, Jefferson National Forest and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Wayne Henderson's Workshop and Rex Theater are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

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. 30 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

carli c.

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

Fantastic getaway

Fantastic place next to a little waterfall
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Devon O.

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

Great stay!

Wonderful stay at the Bunkhouse. We'd love to come again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan L.

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

Quaint Cabin Close to State Parks

Cabin was nicely outfitted. Off to itself. No neigbhors in site. Short drive to Grayson Highlands State Park. Perfect for couples or small family looking to unplug.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

becky h.

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

Awesome decompression week

I scheduled a screen free decompression week. the cabin was perfect. the porch overlooking the woods provided an awesome breeze and constant sound of water. the cabin was comfortable and roomy. I highly recommend Gracies bunkhouse.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Penny P.

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

Very beautiful and peaceful!

The fall colors were beautiful and the bunk house was adorable. I didn’t realize there was no tv or internet but it was a nice break from the noise. It was a very pleasurable stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra B.

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

Peace and quiet

The little house was perfect for my son and me. We attended the Fiddle Convention in Galax and it was a 20 minute drive. The house is lovely with all that we needed. Listening to the breeze and sounds of the creek with my morning coffee was just the best.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Logan C.

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

Grayson Co. Cabin

We had an absolutely beautiful and peaceful getaway to this remote cabin. The place was very clean and decorated with lots of character! We hope to be back again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonah S.

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

A Great Respite from Doomscrolling

We had a wonderful stay. It is so peaceful there and only 15 mins from town. Caroline is the most responsive host I've ever dealt with and had lots of good recommendations. The property has wonderful views of the stars as well. Be sure to bundle up in the winter, the heating is mostly on the living room side of the cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randall C.

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

Rest,rest, and more rest..

What a relaxing weekend! No phones, TV, internet. Awesome place to get away from it all. So peaceful and nice. The Bunk house was really cool. Decorated just right. It was cold so we made use of the wood stove which gave off the best warmth. Beautiful surroundings. Great place to stay. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin H.

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

Second visit and it was perfect

We’ve now enjoyed the bunkhouse wood stove in the cold of winter and the beautiful yard in the peak of summer, and both were incredible visits. There is no more beautiful countryside than rural Grayson County VA, and the drive to the bunkhouse is breathtaking. We can’t wait to come back in the fall!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michaela B.

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

Amazing!

This was an absolutely amazing and needed getaway from the world and couldn’t have asked for a better cabin to do it in! Caroline is also amazing with responding if anything is needed 10/10 will definitely be booking with her again in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alan H.

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

Couldn’t have asked for a better weekend

We set out to find a quiet relaxing weekend getaway with our two dogs and that’s exactly what we got. The owner has created such a welcoming spot to block out the every day distractions that take away from what’s truly important. We will for sure be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather N.

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

Ta Ta technology

The listing states "step back in time" and that certainly sets the tone. If you are looking for a place to stay where peace and nature are the main features, look no further. Nice accommodations, plenty of heat sources to help you stay warm, kitchen is fairly well stocked with pots, pans, spices, oils to help make meals with. I personally loved the that there was a new kitchen sponge waiting for me (it's the little things). Back porch is covered with a tin roof. We sat out there for over an hour drinking coffee and watching/listening to the rain. Place feels very private, but it isn't so remote that you feel vulnerable. Major perk was the ability to bring our dogs. Host keeps a dog gate and two large kennels in the laundry room as well as poop bags and a basket of "dog towels". So this is someone who really gets how to improve your stay when traveling with your dog(s). I would stay here again and would tell anyone I know who is looking for a quiet place to get away to stay here as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki H.

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

Mountains of fun

The only negative was we had to leave. Other wise it was a w e s o m e !!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

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

Blissfully quiet getaway

We could not have dreamed a more ideal place for our 17th wedding anniversary. Oh we’ve stayed in fancier places in more exotic locations, but never anywhere so charming and quiet. The lack of cell service and wifi, and no TV create an atmosphere of peace and calm that are unsurpassed. It may be the best place we’ve ever stayed. Thank you for sharing the bunkhouse with us!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison F.

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

Unplugged Weekend

We had a wonderful stay at the Bunkhouse. The cabin is as-advertised: no frills, but well stocked and comfortable. We brought our dog with us, and the provided crate for a large dog was very handy when we had to run to town for a bit. There is no WiFi and very limited cellular signal, so plan ahead and bring a book or a board game, but we had a lovely weekend and would definitely stay again if we come back to the area!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W., Lexington

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

Staying at the bunkhouse

Beautiful rustic cabin with remote setting. Clean comfortable linens and unique decor. The details make the difference. Wildlife is abundant, we saw deer during our stay. Love there are no clocks, you are on mountain time here.. Hostess goes out of her way to make sure you have everything you need. Love our time there!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

John S.

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

Nice restful stay

It was bigger than it looked in photos. A nice covered backporch to rock and listen to the stream. Not too far to town if you need supplies. The cabin was rustic but very comfortable and tastefully decorated. An excellent opportunity to wind down and relax with nearby outdoor options if you feel like burning some calories. When we needed to contact the host she was quick to reply and very useful and kind.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray G., Pittsburgh, USA

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

Weekend Getaway

My dog Dewey and I spent a long weekend at the bunkhouse and it was amazing. Plan to not need WiFi or cell service - which I personally loved. Caroline was accommodating and communicative - even from a distance. 10/10 will recommend - and if you don’t have pets I suggest her lower house!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

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

Great time

Had a really nice relaxing time. Went hiking one day, then enjoyed a fire most of the evening. It rained but the canopy of trees kept us dry, and the fire nice and warm. The house was amazing, and i got some good ideas for future renovations at our house. Didn't see the bear, but did find some bear scat..lol
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

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

Incredible Place To Stay!

My wife and I are just home from our weekend stay at the bunkhouse. It was everything we had hoped and more. Quiet and peaceful. Beautiful house and beautiful scenery. At night, we sat outside and enjoyed a fire. In the mornings, we sat on the porch, sipped coffee, and watched deer and wild turkey in the woods. The house is clean and includes lots of touches that make it just right. Thank you, Caroline, for a great weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy K.

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

Peaceful Retreat

Property was exactly as described. Our favorite part was the family of deer that visited the apple tree in the front yard regularly. Loved the board games and collection of CDs available for entertainment. During the day we floated down the New River and went on a long hike at Grayson Highlands. It was a wonderful way to unplug for a few days! Host was communicative and responded quickly to all messages.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Perfect for a relaxing getaway

The cabin was very secluded, but close to town. The pictures do not do this cabin justice. I was so surprised when we walked in. Rustic without being “fake”. I didn’t notice in the listing there was no internet or TV, and at first was a little anxious about that. That feeling quickly went away. We put our electronics away and had the most relaxing time. The old church was really cool and such a great bonus to be able to access it. Overall it was the perfect romantic getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda H.

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

Total bliss

Property is wonderful. Can hear the waterfall when u stop to open the gate. Then there’s the cabin. Oh my. It’s great Can’t see any other houses. We saw deer in the mornings and at night. The bed is wonderful, able to throw the windows open and the breeze. It was heaven. We took radio/ tape player. Listened to our music of a day. And WBRF radio every night.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J.

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

Great Time at the Bunkhouse

This secluded mountain cabin is charming and rustic. Very relaxing with all the creature comforts but none of the stress. No TV or internet... which is perfect. Appreciated the games and well-appointed kitchen. Beds were beautifully made up. Decorating touches made for many small delights. The back deck is fantastic. My husband said it was worth every dollar. The place was neat and clean. The lawn was freshly mowed. We look forward to returning when we want to do more hiking and catch more bluegrass music in Galax or at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Our grandkids loved the place as well, especially the twinkle lights in their bedroom and the campfire. Thank you for a wonderful experience!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Caroline Carter

Host profile image
Recently 200 YTT certified managing my 2 properties in Grayson county and raising 2 teenagers keeps me pretty busy. I am a Southern girl through and through from and living in NC. I have had the opportunity to live in all 4 corners of the US and travel abroad which lends itself to my decorating style and taste. At 55 I am constantly trying to get back to simple and listen to who I am instead of who the world thinks I should be. It is hard to stay off screens and just be but that is my passion as is passing it along to others. I crave silence, peace, and being outdoors (well that and demolition and driving my big 4 x 4 truck.)

Moving forward I will be offering retreats here on the same property with the focus of getting off screens and getting back in touch with yourself. As the church becomes functional it will be another unique offering as well. Just content to listen and follow the gentle Whisper that continues to open doors and lead me along lines path. Hoping to always be what I want to see in the world.

Why they chose this property

Grayson county stole my heart away on the first camping trip at Grayson Highlands State Park when the kids were 2 years old. A hard go of things a few years back opened opportunities for me to purchase the Falls, Gracies, and now the church which is currently under renovation. The total acreage for all the properties is roughly 16 and Gracies sits on her own 2 so you won't feel crowded at all. Chances are you won't see a sole. When I purchased the waterfall house at the bottom of the hill Gracies was for sale and had been for a year or so. I figured it would be better for me to know who was up on the hill than to take a risk at who might be so I purchased her sight unseen on the recommendation of my realtor. She was in a terrible state of distress and over 2 times the purchase price was put into renovation.

There has never been a time I was not glad I bought her. This house has bones that just scream out to me of love and kindness and everything that is good in the world. The woman who originally owned it was a beautiful soul whose parents built it and she lived there her whole life until having to leave. That was Gracie and I kept her namesake. Apple trees, cherries and grapevines provide food for the animals and bring them to visit.

What makes this property unique

Gracies is a remote location. On 2 plus acres of her own she sits back off the road. Its about a 10 minute drive to the New River and about 15 min to downtown Independence.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests