Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views
Purpose-built vacation house for a country escape. Less than fifteen minutes from the highway, yet peaceful and private. Perfect as an artist's retreat, a romantic weekend, or a getaway from the city. Enjoy mountain/valley views from the patio with porch swing, breakfast nook, outdoor fireplace and stargazing chairs. Or sit on the screened-in porch off the studio after a remote-office work session. Set in a working cattle farm near a beautiful 19th century barn, Cardinal Cottage is conveniently located halfway between Lexington and Staunton, approximately 30 minute drive to either city. A wonderful spot for relaxation, restoration and happy memories.
Property manager
Chris and Julie Fox, Jumping Fox LLC
Premier Host
Languages
English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym
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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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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 first aid kit
About the area
Raphine
Located in Raphine, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. VMI Museum and Lee Chapel and Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Stonewall Jackson Grave and Beverley Cigar Store. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Alumni Memorial Field or Cameron Hall. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Raphine, VA
What's nearby
Rockbridge Vineyard - 10 min drive - 7.2 km
Virginia Horse Center - 28 min drive - 26.6 km
Virginia Military Institute - 30 min drive - 34.5 km
Washington and Lee University - 31 min drive - 35.0 km
Wintergreen Resort - 54 min drive - 49.6 km
Getting around
Staunton Station - 31 min drive
Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
Wendy's - 13 min drive
McDonald's - 19 min drive
Burger King - 14 min drive
Smiley's Bar-B-Q - 15 min drive
Quaker Steak & Lube - 16 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views ?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cottage is 4.5 mi (7.2 km) from Rockbridge Vineyard and 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from George Washington National Forest. Windmill Square and Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Cardinal Cottage was absolutely one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been to. The home and the amazing view cannot be beat. We went there to get away from the bustle of the City, and we were not disappointed. Chris and Julie were so gracious and so accommodating … they even had a bottle of wine waiting for us when we arrived. So many amenities that we hadn’t even thought of awaited us. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility, there is not a better place. I would highly recommend Cardinal Cottage!
Amazing sunsets, peaceful surroundings, an abundance of deer and turkeys, a well-designed and comfortable home with easy access to all that the Shenandoah Valley area has to offer and attentive owners/hosts (Chris and Julie) who genuinely desired for us to have a wonderful visit and experience - that’s how we would describe our week at the Cardinal Cottage. It was superb!
We’ve stayed at VRBO’s across the country and this one tops them all for the complete experience. Thank you Chris and Julie for an awesome time.
If you are going to the Shenandoah Valley area and have the opportunity to book the Cardinal Cottage, I would highly recommend it. We look forward to returning.
Unique property, quiet and comfortable. Immaculate and thoughtfully decorated home away from home. One of our favorite places we have ever stayed. Highly recommend.
Note, far from town but worth the winding drive.
My husband and I stayed at the Cardinal Cottage for our Anniversary and it was perfection. The owners Chris and Julie welcomed with a thoughtful gift of flowers and wine to celebrate the special occasion. They also provided information regarding things to do and see in the area. The property itself was a dream and the cottage is gorgeous. Thank you so much! Can't wait until next years Anniversary!
My husband and I came to Virginia with our 17-year old son to do some scouting of the western Virginia area. We are hoping to relocate to Virginia in the next 5-10 years. Cardinal Cottage served as home base for our quick stay, and we never wanted to leave.
Chris and Julie have the most beautiful home that they share with others. The view cannot be described, but the pictures don’t even do it justice. We loved spending afternoons swinging on the front porch with the company of the pasture cows to debrief our days in other parts of VA, and they all lacked in comparison to what we found at Cardinal Cottage.
We didn’t get a chance to meet Julie, but Chris was extremely attentive. The area lost power, and he was down within minutes to ask about turning on the generator. We didn’t even know the house had lost power because it’s so airy and the landscape is so beautiful that we were really only inside to sleep.
With that said, the furnishings and comforts are top notch. Cardinal Cottage is stocked with all of things you need while away from home. I seriously can’t think of anything the home was missing, and there are personal touches and helpful, yet discrete, messages everywhere. Truly a gem, and we can’t wait to visit again someday!
The Cardinal Cottage in Raphine, VA was just what my husband and I were looking for as we planned for a family get together. This spacious cottage deserves a 10+ star rating. The location and amazing view of the mountains were exceptional! The hosts, Chris and Julie, focused on all the little details to make your stay as comfortable as if you were home. My husband noted that the electric car charger was another big plus for us. Chris' directions off the interstate were clear and made the cottage easy to find. We would not hesitate to stay here again and would highly recommend it if you are going to be in this area.
My family truly enjoyed our stay at the cardinal cottage. The cottage is perfection. Comfortable, clean, excellent location, and the decor was tasteful and modern. Chris is a wonderful host, gave us fantastic recommendations for activities and dining nearby. Such a picturesque location and the view from the patio and cottage were incredible. We are already planning our return!
The pictures on VRBO don't show how absolutely beautiful the property is. The cabin is comfortable, well decorated, and had everything you could possibly need. Unfortunately we were not able to stay the entire time due to a family emergency. The hosts were so kind and understanding and invited us to come back another time.
The house and property exceeded expectations. Really a lovely location and place. Chris provided us with some great local recommendations for our 5 year old. We also found lots to do nearby and the ultra insulated house was especially great to come back into we were in the middle of a massive heat wave. We'd stay there again for certain!
Loved the house, surrounding property, and the hosts. We’ll be returning to this cabin very soon. An amazing getaway from the city. The house was immaculate and everything about the posting was accurate.
Cardinal Cottage has all you could ask for in a getaway! Despite having grown up 10 minutes down the road, I felt like I was seeing the spectacular landscape from a whole new perspective...epic views of Jump Mountain and the House Mountains in addition to rolling hills and peaceful sounds of the countryside drew us out to the porch as much as possible (with plenty of seating options!).
The passive house design kept us so comfortable inside, and was very interesting to read about. All amenities we could need were easy to find in the tastefully arranged house. The owner's communication was very clear and helpful. A wonderful stay for our wedding week! We can't wait to come back again.
We enjoyed our stay. Great house & property. We used the hiking/walking trails that were available on the property which had nice surprises along the way. Also, there were a wide variety of birds in the area for those that may be interested. Used the free "Merlin" bird app which heard eastern blue birds, meadowlarks, mocking birds, indigo buntings and many more. It was worth checking out the town of Staunton (Stanton) and Wade's Mill. Thank you for the use of your house!
The house and property are pristine and the view is majestic. Chris and Julie are hosts like no other. Not only do they make you feel welcome like family, but they have thought of every amenity you would need. Hands down the best getaway experience you will ever have.
Stunning views with a beautiful cottage. Porch sitting with fire and wine with birds and animals talking. The inside is stunning with comfortable rooms and all amenities. Will be going back.
The house is located in a beautiful setting, with a gorgeous mountain view. The outdoor area is so peaceful and the interior was clean and well stocked. We really enjoyed our stay there very much.
Our stay at Cardinal Cottage was incredible! From our initial interactions with the hosts to our walk through the property, we enjoyed every second. It was a great escape from the city and the best way to ring in the New Year. Enjoying the final sunset of 2023 by the fire was worth every penny paid. The home is built to maximize your enjoyment no matter what your reason for booking.
We hope to visit again soon!
This is my second time staying in this lovely cottage home. It's just as I remember and also feels brand new each time. My friend and I enjoyed cooking in the well stocked kitchen, having a fire under the stars, and venturing to neighborhood farms for groceries and honey. This property is stunning, both inside and out. Chris and Julie are simply the best hosts. I hope to see them again next year :)
My wife and I celebrated Thanksgiving and our second year wedding anniversary here. This rental checks all the boxes for us: great hiking locations, beautiful landscapes, peace and quiet, small town shops, and more. The hosts are amazing, they're there for you and it was a pleasure to meet them.
If in any way you're hesitating about staying here, ignore that feeling, you'll love this property and area. This is one of those "we'll be back" homes.
Chris and his wife’s house is amazing. They are super responsive, and are fantastic hosts. The house itself is awesome. The farm they live on is breathtaking. Will be coming back.
We had an amazing two day stay (which was way too short). This is a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend. The scenery is beautiful, it is quiet, and the property is well maintained with great hosts. Highly recommend.
Es war ein sehr schöner Aufenthalt in diesem wundervoll eingerichteten Haus. Alles war sauber und wie beschrieben vorhanden. Die Gastgeber haben schnell geantwortet und waren sehr freundlich.
Wir können dieses Haus nur empfehlen und würden jederzeit wiederkommen!!!
Jasmin H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
About the host
Hosted by Chris and Julie Fox, Jumping Fox LLC
Chris is from nearby Fairfield, Julie from Massachusetts. We lived overseas for many years and bought this property in 1987 with the intention of retiring here one day. Since 2014 it is a dream come true, we have retired and built a home here. Eight years later we constructed a purpose-built house for guests on our property to enjoy the unique beauty, activities and peace of the area.
Why they chose this property
We built this house specifically for guests when we have more than we can handle at our house, for big family get-togethers, and to share with our VRBO guests. Every aspect of the house was built for you, the guest. We hope you will appreciate it and enjoy it very much.
What makes this property unique
Incredible setting in the Shenandoah Valley. Gorgeous views, sunsets and dark starry nights. This is a true getaway, yet only 15 minutes from Highway 81/64. You are about 30 minutes from the charming cities of Staunton and Lexington, yet when you get "home" to Cardinal Cottage, you are away from it all, listening to the cattle on the farm, watching deer come down out of the woods at dusk, watching the most beautiful sunsets, and enjoying the comforts of an energy-efficient purpose-built country home. We hope that artists discover this property; what a place to paint, write, compose music, be inspired, be creative and rejuvenate.
Languages:
English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests