Title: 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. - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=120867931&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) 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)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120868000/120867931/798ae4c9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![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)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120868000/120867931/fdd736fc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![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)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120868000/120867931/afbd888e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![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)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120868000/120867931/e7fb20cd.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![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)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120868000/120867931/41a37b17.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies 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 bathroom1152 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Free WiFi - Air conditioning - Outdoor Space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## 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 transportation - Electric car charging station on site - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Stovetop - 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 - Smoking not allowed ### 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 ![TV, fireplace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74730000/74729400/74729344/0d2d6ad3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Welcome to The Sanctuary! 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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 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 Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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 ### 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](https://www.expedia.ca/Lyndhurst.dx128578) [View more Cottages in Lyndhurst](https://www.expedia.ca/Lyndhurst-Cottages.d128578-aaCottages.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C38.02911%2C-78.86068&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=vAJ5dZnItG4_CvNRunjxcf2Yj2Y=) Afton, VA ### What's nearby - ![The exterior of Swannanoa Palace in Afton, Virginia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658245/4981ce79-8549-4192-9afe-412fa73d9a7c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Swannanoa Palace 11 min walk \- 1.0 km - ![Shenandoah National Park featuring forests and a river or creek as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635823382488/3f05c44b-cf29-4c7c-80e3-ed0e8d0d7a81.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) 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? ### How much is parking? ### 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.? ### 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.? ### 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? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## 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. 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