Lovely C.1890 Flat with Garden in Historic Downtown

Lexington, Virginia
$206 avg/night
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Apartment

Property Type

Sleep 4

Max Sleeps

Like the owners' other property, Middleton House, McDowell Studio combines 19th-century charm with pure comfort. The Studio, which has lofty ceilings and a generous sitting room, sleeps 4. It occupies the 3rd floor of a handsome historic house, just blocks from downtown, Washington & Lee, and VMI. A charming stone walk winds through the Studio's private garden to its private stairs and entrance. (Since there are two flights of stairs, McDowell Studio is definitely NOT HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE.)

Formerly an artist's studio, the secluded apartment floods with light during the day, thanks to large windows with views and skylights. (Skylights operate electronically and open to catch the breeze.) Hand-printed wallpapers, c. 1880-1890 antiques, sea grass matting, comfortable seating, and a collection of paintings and prints contribute to the flat's atmosphere and charm. A carefully equipped custom kitchen with soapstone counters and a spacious tiled bathroom with shower offer thoroughly modern convenience.

The bedroom features a queen-sized iron and brass bed, while a top-quality sleeper sofa in the living room accommodates two additional guests. Meals can be taken at a small table in the kitchen or a large one in one corner of the airy sitting room.

Visitors can lounge on the sitting room's sofas or on the flat's small porch--or in the Studio's garden, which has a grill and Adirondack chairs. Thanks to the gardens surrounding the house, birdsong fills the air. (Bird-glasses are provided for those who want a closer look.) Guests also enjoy strolling or cycling nearby Wood's Creek Trail, which follows the creek to the Maury River and Jordan's Point Park.

McDowell Studio is perfectly positioned for shopping and dining in historic downtown Lexington. W & L's Lenfest Center, just 3 blocks away, presents concerts, plays, ballets, and even opera. And this luxurious apartment provides a convenient base for visiting Washington & Lee or VMI, with their elegant architecture and abiding sense of Southern tradition. McDowell Studio offers guests a rare opportunity to live graciously in the very heart of historic Lexington.

Keywords: flat, apartment

Read More Expand
  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    1 Bedroom Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Property Does Not Allow Children
  • KITCHEN

    Ice Maker Microwave Refrigerator
  • INTERNET

    WiFi Available
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Garden Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English German Russian Spanish
  • THINGS TO DO

    Cycling Nearby Fishing Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Horse Riding Nearby Kayaking Nearby Power Boating Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    DVD Player TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    Near A Health Or Beauty Spa Near A Zoo
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 05:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 4

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • NINA

    Submitted May 19, 2024

    Stayed May 15, 2024

    What was not clear in the initial description was that the unit was accessed by two flights of outdoor stairs. The first flight of stairs was uncovered which made me a bit anxious as to lugging my stuff up an uncovered stair in the rain.

  • Charles K.

    Submitted Nov 22, 2025

    Stayed Oct 2, 2025

    Very nice and clean space

  • David N.

    Submitted Oct 19, 2025

    Stayed Oct 17, 2025

    Fantastic location and such a cozy and nice place!

  • Marshall R.

    Submitted Oct 11, 2025

    Stayed Oct 10, 2025

    Clean room. No bath soap or shampoo

  • Shelly C.

    Submitted Sep 28, 2025

    Stayed Sep 26, 2025

    Ideal location for walking to downtown, nearby trails.

  • Shannon W.

    Submitted Sep 21, 2025

    Stayed Sep 19, 2025

    Amazing stay! Very clean with a fantastic walkable location. Will definitely be returning.

  • Dina H.

    Submitted Sep 7, 2025

    Stayed Sep 5, 2025

    Apartment is adorably quaint and perfectly located to all the in town fun. Worked out very well for our needs.

  • Christine G.

    Submitted Jul 20, 2025

    Stayed Jul 18, 2025

    This is an ideal location with easy walking to everything. The bed was comfortable, and we loved the light and antiques. We didn't do any cooking, but the kitchen had everything we would need. The garden was very overgrown, so we weren't able to use it unfortunately. The AC was perfect since it was very hot and humid during our stay.

  • Andrea H.

    Submitted Jul 13, 2025

    Stayed Jul 11, 2025

    Beautiful home full of charm and character. Easy, check-in. Comfortable temperature inside, despite the heat outside. SUPER comfortable bed (neither fluffy nor firm). The towels smell wonderful (just fresh, not perfumy) :)Quiet, lovely, neighborhood; just 1 block from downtown shops and restaurants etc- easily walkable. If you’re a coffee person, you may love that there’s a French press (in addition to the keurig and drip coffee maker).

  • William B.

    Submitted Jul 9, 2025

    Stayed Jun 29, 2025

    We had a good time!

  • Katye H.

    Submitted Jul 7, 2025

    Stayed Jun 18, 2025

    We really enjoyed our stay in Lexington! The property had so much character and was a wonderful space to unwind and relax. It’s is a great location with easy access downtown. Highly recommend.

  • Erin F.

    Submitted Jul 5, 2025

    Stayed Jul 2, 2025

    Unique, nostalgic apartment within easy walking distance from downtown. Very comfortable bed. The access code email did not provide the key code and we were not able to reach the owners at check in, but Vrbo was able to provide the code.

  • Adam M.

    Submitted May 23, 2025

    Stayed May 9, 2025

    Great location and unique and historic digs for a night in Lexington. Well appointed and quite comfortable. Be aware of all of the steps to get to the 3rd floor. Would definitely stay again next time I’m in the area.

  • Kimberly D.

    Submitted May 18, 2025

    Stayed May 14, 2025

    Stayed here for VMI graduation. Perfect location to VMI and downtown attractions. Apartment was cute and comfortable!! I definitely would stay here again

  • tara m.

    Submitted Apr 15, 2025

    Stayed Apr 11, 2025

    My husband and I enjoyed a night away, visiting our son at Washington and Lee and taking in a dance concert. This apartment is the perfect location, with everything in walking distance.

  • Marsh R.

    Submitted Apr 10, 2025

    Stayed Apr 5, 2025

    Cozy bed, great location. It is an apartment at the top of a larger older house with tall ceilings and comfortable living room. Perfect for a short visit. It's on the third floor, so if you don't mind that, it's perfect.

  • Ashley F.

    Submitted Mar 31, 2025

    Stayed Mar 28, 2025

    I love this storied 3rd story apartment. It is so charming and convenient. I will definitely stay here again

  • margot m.

    Submitted Mar 30, 2025

    Stayed Mar 21, 2025

    Great location! Great stay!

  • Betty O.

    Submitted Nov 25, 2024

    Stayed Nov 22, 2024

    Location is a quick walk to downtown. The accommodations were welcoming, cozy, quiet and clean. We enjoyed admiring the antiques and art too. We did not cook in the kitchen but it looked well stocked for cooking too.

  • Collin S.

    Submitted Sep 27, 2024

    Stayed Sep 13, 2024

    The apartment was larger than we had thought, and was in a great location to be able to walk to and from the university and downtown Lexington. Would highly recommend!

  • Susan B.

    Submitted Aug 23, 2024

    Stayed Aug 20, 2024

    This is my third stay at this delightful property. Charming, comfortable, well-equipped kitchen, walking distance to Lexington restaurants and an easy drive to the Virginia Horse Center. Can't wait for my next visit! The hosts are responsive, the apartment is filled with character, and the views over the treetops are peaceful and private.

  • Leslie W.

    Submitted Aug 5, 2024

    Stayed Aug 2, 2024

    This cozy apartment is tucked at the back of a house through a secret garden. It is lovely to walk around the neighborhood, And a 5 minute walk to W&L campus. It was a perfect location for us as we were heading back and forth to campus for an athletic camp. If we come back to Lexington, will definitely check this location first.

  • Marsha K.

    Submitted Jul 21, 2024

    Stayed Jul 18, 2024

    Very pleasant and well lovated

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$206+
View details