Vacation Rentals By Owner In Afton, VA

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, Virginia, United States

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.brbrYou'll be interacting via TEXT directly with the owners, but not in person unless needed.brbrThe 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.brbrThis 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.brbrGuests have private access to the entire cottage. Entry is via keypad for easy self check-in. Parking is available on-site.brbrBuilt 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.brbrThe 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.brbrFirst Floorbr→ Cozy living area with wood-burning fireplace and Smart TVbr→ Dining area with seating for fourbr→ Fully equipped kitchenbr→ Utility room with washer and dryerbrbrSecond Floorbr→ Two inviting guest bedroomsbr→ Shared full bathroombrbrSurrounded by nature and history, this cottage offers a unique stay that feels both timeless and welcoming — a true home away from home.brbrFree driveway parking on premises – 4 spacesbrbrAsk us about private winery tour options through local car companies!brbrLocation & Mountain AccessbrThis 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.brbrWhile the setting feels secluded, the cottage sits just above I-64 and Route 250, and some distant highway noise may be audible at times.brbrOther Things to Note:brNo pets or smoking permittedbrIntended for relaxed stays; events and parties are not permittedbrbrMountain Weather & WildlifebrAfton 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.brbrWildlife 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.

2

Bed

1

Bath

4

Sleeps

Exceptional(8)

$428.24

/ Nightly

Chalet

Elk Mountain Overlook: Breathtaking Views

Afton, Virginia, United States

Mountaintop overlook with jaw dropping views and camp themed interior design. Perched upon Elk Mountain just off the Blue Ridge Parkway this petite chalet is under 30 min from Charlottesville, 10 min to 151 vineyards/breweries/cideries, and 10 min to Waynesboro. Relax in this natural retreat featuring 2 king bedrooms, 2 person soaker tub, double headed shower, and ample kitchen w/many extras. Take in the views from the large deck, firepit, under porch swing, or mountainside adirondack chairs.brbrPrimarily one level home with sleeping loft. Main floor consists of open concept kitchen, dining, living with electric fireplace. Full bathroom with dual head shower has jack and jill access off the hallway and primary bedroom. Main floor primary bedroom has king bed, walk in closet, and large soaker tub. Laundry is located in the primary bedroom. Upstairs there is a sleeping loft with another king bed. Deck is on the back of the house accessed from the main living/dining areas. From the deck you can see Afton Mountain Vineyard, Veritas, Blue Mountain Brewery, Hazy Mountain and even across to Mont Alto on a clear day. There are approximately 4 steps to get into the front door from the gravel driveway. The one Roku TV is located in the living room. This property was designed for adult guests so anyone wanting to bring children should keep in mind that the property is quite steep and the deck is high off the ground. Note- no ice maker.brbr4WD or AWD highly recommended in winter- all roads are paved but snow or ice can be prevalent in winter and provide a challenge to 2WD vehicles. While our private road can be accessed directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway we advise arriving via Howardsville TPK to avoid road closures. Weather should always be checked before heading up the mountain as fog can limit visibility. The house does have a generator that kicks on in case of power outage. High speed fiber internet provided.brbrThis property is DOG FRIENDLY with an additional fee/stay. No cats,brPrimarily one level home with sleeping loft. Main floor consists of open concept kitchen, dining, living with electric fireplace. Full bathroom with dual head shower has jack and jill access off the hallway and primary bedroom. Main floor primary bedroom has king bed, walk in closet, and large soaker tub. Laundry is located in the primary bedroom. Upstairs there is a sleeping loft with another king bed. Deck is on the back of the house accessed from the main living/dining areas. From the deck you can see Afton Mountain Vineyard, Veritas, Blue Mountain Brewery, Hazy Mountain and even across to Mont Alto on a clear day. There are approximately 4 steps to get into the front door from the gravel driveway. The one Roku TV is located in the living room. This property was designed for adult guests so anyone wanting to bring children should keep in mind that the property is quite steep and the deck is high off the ground. Note- no ice maker.brbr4WD or AWD highly recommended in winter- all roads are paved but snow or ice can be prevalent in winter and provide a challenge to 2WD vehicles. While our private road can be accessed directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway we advise arriving via Howardsville TPK to avoid road closures. Weather should always be checked before heading up the mountain as fog can limit visibility. The house does have a generator that kicks on in case of power outage. High speed fiber internet provided.brbrThis property is DOG FRIENDLY with an additional fee/stay. No cats, fines may apply.

1

Bed

1

Bath

4

Sleeps

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