Entire home

An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway.

Mountain cottage with kitchen, near Shenandoah National Park

Photo gallery for An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway.

Property grounds - An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. (Afton)
Smart TV, fireplace, video games - An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. (Afton)
Interior - An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. (Afton)
Interior - An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. (Afton)
Terrace/patio - An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. (Afton)
Located close to Shenandoah National Park, An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. has plenty to offer. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroom107 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway.

Welcome to Gatekeeper Cottage—an inviting mountain retreat near Swannanoa with expansive views and thoughtful comforts. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace and enjoy the convenience of on-site EV charging for effortless travel. Ideally located near Nelson 151 wineries, hiking trails, and Charlottesville, this charming escape is perfect for couples or friends seeking simplicity, warmth, and scenic surroundings.

You'll be interacting via TEXT directly with the owners, but not in person unless needed.

The Gatekeeper Cottage sits in the historic village of Afton, established in 1859 with the arrival of the railroad. For generations, families traveled here to escape summer heat, including James and Sallie May Dooley of Maymont, who built the iconic Swannanoa Palace atop Afton Mountain as their seasonal retreat.

This cottage once served as the original gatekeeper’s home for Swannanoa Palace, welcoming guests as they arrived through the formal marble gates. Swannanoa remains privately owned and is open seasonally for tours, offering a rare glimpse into Virginia’s Gilded Age history — all just steps from your stay.

Guests have private access to the entire cottage. Entry is via keypad for easy self check-in. Parking is available on-site.

Built in the late 1920s, Swannanoa Gatekeeper Cottage is a charming two-story historic home that once served as the original gatekeeper’s residence for Swannanoa Palace. Today, it offers a peaceful mountain escape with modern comforts while preserving its storybook character.

The home has been thoughtfully updated and newly furnished, featuring Wi-Fi, streaming services, and comfortable spaces designed for relaxing after a day of exploring the Blue Ridge.

First Floor
→ Cozy living area with wood-burning fireplace and Smart TV
→ Dining area with seating for four
→ Fully equipped kitchen
→ Utility room with washer and dryer

Second Floor
→ Two inviting guest bedrooms
→ Shared full bathroom

Surrounded by nature and history, this cottage offers a unique stay that feels both timeless and welcoming — a true home away from home.

Free driveway parking on premises – 4 spaces

Ask us about private winery tour options through local car companies!

Location & Mountain Access
This cottage is located at the top of Afton Mountain. We recommend arriving and departing during daylight hours when possible, as fog can occasionally settle in and the private mountain road is easier to navigate in good visibility.

While the setting feels secluded, the cottage sits just above I-64 and Route 250, and some distant highway noise may be audible at times.

Other Things to Note:
No pets or smoking permitted
Intended for relaxed stays; events and parties are not permitted

Mountain Weather & Wildlife
Afton is known for its breezes, which are part of the mountain experience. Like most homes on the east slope of the Blue Ridge, you may also encounter seasonal insects such as stink bugs or ladybugs. They are harmless and common in the area; a quick vacuum usually resolves the issue.

Wildlife sightings — including deer, rabbits, and occasionally black bears — are part of mountain living. Please avoid leaving food outside or in vehicles to help prevent unwanted encounters.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Electric car charging station
  • Unit size: 1,152 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Optional early check-in or late check-out can be arranged for a fee. Please message us to request availability.
No additional guests beside those included in your guest count on reservation allowed to stay

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

0d40a86d-b289-4041-aeeb-f4c392915f1a

About the area

Located in Lyndhurst, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. Swannanoa Palace and Crozet Tunnel are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Basic City Beer Co. and Veritas Vineyard and Winery. Ready for a night out? Consider Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. Visit our Lyndhurst travel guide
View more Cottages in Lyndhurst
Map
Afton, VA

What's nearby

  • The exterior of Swannanoa Palace in Afton, Virginia
    Swannanoa Palace
    11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Shenandoah National Park featuring forest scenes and a river or creek as well as a couple
    Shenandoah National Park
    14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Rockfish Gap Entrance Shenandoah
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Crozet Tunnel
    16 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Staunton Station
    20 min drive
  • Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional)
    37 min drive

Restaurants

  • Basic City Beer Co.
    7 min drive
  • Papa John's Pizza
    10 min drive
  • The Estate Of Captain G Wilson
    8 min drive
  • Happ Coffee Roasters
    7 min drive
  • Tailgate Grill
    9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Swannanoa Palace and Shenandoah National Park. Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance and War Fields are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

An inviting mountain cottage near Swannanoa featuring scenic views, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and dedicated EV charging. Close to Nelson 151 wineries, trails, and Charlottesville for an easy, comfortable getaway. Reviews