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Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views

Family-friendly cottage in Raphine with a fitness centre

Photo gallery for Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views

View from Cardinal Cottage patio
Cardinal Cottage
19th century barn by cottage
Cardinal Cottage setting in the Shenandoah Valley
Living Room with open space view of Kitchen and Dining areas

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Rockbridge Vineyard
  • Place, Virginia Horse Center
  • Place, Virginia Military Institute
  • Airport, Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Office 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
No children under 13 w/out prior OK from hosts.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We have a two-night minimum stay

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
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Raphine

Located in Raphine, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. Rockbridge Vineyard and 12 Ridges Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Stonewall Jackson Grave and Beverley Cigar Store. Travelling with kids? Consider Staunton Railroad Station, or check out an event or a game at Alumni Memorial Field. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Raphine, VA

What's nearby

  • Rockbridge Vineyard - 13 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Virginia Horse Center - 33 min drive - 39.1 km
  • Virginia Military Institute - 34 min drive - 39.1 km
  • Washington and Lee University - 35 min drive - 39.8 km
  • Wintergreen Resort - 60 min drive - 54.9 km

Getting around

  • Staunton Station - 31 min drive
  • Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Nathans Hot Dogs - ‬15 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. Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve and 12 Ridges Vineyard are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place in the Virginia countryside. Amazing views are matched by this great property with everything you need for a memorable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property and very helpful hosts. They were quick to answer calls and texts with anything we needed help with. House itself was beautiful and very clean. Not to mention the views from the porch were spectacular while sitting next to a nice fireplace!
Me and my Groomsmen on the back porch looking at the mountains!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views and great home! It had everything we needed and the layout is perfect. We loved seeing the cows in the pasture and listening to wildlife waking up in the morning. And the owners are wonderful. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our first stay at Cardinal Cottage so much last year that we wanted to return again. We are so glad we did! The location was as lovely as we remembered, and the cottage is so comfortable. Chris and Julie have thought of everything that could make your stay enjoyable!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was beautiful and relaxing. It is in a great location between Lexington and Staunton. We enjoyed nearby waterfall hikes. The cottage was clean, comfortable and exactly how you see it in the pictures. Chris and Julie were great hosts and easy to communicate with. Be sure and follow their directions that they give you to get there because they are easy to follow and more accurate than an app.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway

We had a wonderful stay in the cottage, and especially enjoyed the marvelous views from the porch!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Franz-Josef B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cardinal Cottage

To sum it up: a fantastic cottage, at a beautiful location, with wonderful hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aimee O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage with beautiful surroundings!

Lovely cottage with all amenities. Perfect location for getaway. The owners were super helpful and friendly and thought of everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful, Unique with stunning views

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property & Picturesque Setting

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

SEVERIN S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location and getaway

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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing cottage!

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Troy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The pictures don't do it justice

Amazing place - beautiful views and a fabulous house! Everything was absolutely perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain Views

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay!

We celebrated our 25th anniversary at Cardinal Cottage and are so glad we chose it! The scenery is majestic and peaceful. The house is so well-designed with comforts and views of the barn and mountains throughout. Really appreciative of our hosts Chris and Julie who made the visit extra special and provided excellent tips on the local events and dining. Highly recommend to anyone who needs that relaxing getaway!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Christmas

It was our second stay in the cottage, this time for Christmas. The cottage was beautiful decorated and of course perfectly clean, well equipped and embedded in a breathtaking countryside with plenty of opportunities for spending relaxing, but active days with the whole family.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hannah T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Above and beyond my expectations

Everything about this property was perfect - from the beautiful home itself and the picturesque setting (both even better in person), to attentive hosts Chris and Julie. As much as I was prepared for a wonderful stay, it went above and beyond my expectations. I would recommend without hesitation, and am already looking forward to being able to stay again sometime in the future.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PERFECTION!

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Modern, clean, and secluded

Couldn’t have asked for a better weekend away in the country. The thoughtful design of the cottage is light, clean, breezy, and takes advantage of the 50-mile views from every window. Owners are extremely thoughtful and responsive; we’d already booked our next stay here before we left. 5 stars all around.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain View getaway

If you have the chance to stay at Cardinal Cottage, don't pass it up. The Mountain View is simply amazing. We had to tear ourselves away from this peaceful and relaxing place to attend the festivities of a family wedding. The cottage itself is beautifully appointed and designed to maximize the mountain views.It is cozy and spotless. Would love to return someday.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stop Scrolling and Just Book It!

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ultimate bliss and beauty

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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hollie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

DREAM GETAWAY

The absolute best getaway house to unwind from life’s hustle bustle. You appreciate deep breaths here and truly value what life has given to you despite’s it’s obstacles. You can tell Chris & Julie take care of this place and they value what it means to their guests. Don’t over think, just book it I’m telling you!! No regrets.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Practically Perfect

Our family loved every minute of our visit to Cardinal Cottage. No one wanted to leave. The house is beyond beautiful and perfectly positioned to show off the Blue Ridge. Julie and Chris are impeccable hosts and the house has everything you need, plus more. Our kids loved the small gifts waiting on their beds. It was incredibly thoughtful and made them feel at home. On our last night, Chris and Julie let us know that the international space station would be visible, which was a special treat and a perfect ending to a perfect trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

About the host

Hosted by Chris and Julie Fox, Jumping Fox LLC

Host profile image
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

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