A cozy historic cottage beside Swannanoa Palace with sweeping Blue Ridge views. Enjoy a peaceful setting, charming interiors, and easy access to wineries, hiking, and Nelson 151—perfect for couples or a quiet mountain escape. | Cottage in Afton
2 Bedroom Cottage in Lyndhurst, Afton
Welcome to Swannanoa Gatekeeper Cottage, a charming historic retreat nestled beside the iconic Swannanoa Palace. Surrounded by nature and mountain views, this cozy home blends vintage character with modern comfort. Relax indoors by the fireplace, unwind on the porch, or explore nearby wineries, trails, and scenic drives. Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a peaceful, storybook stay just minutes from Nelson 151.
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.
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.
A cozy historic cottage beside Swannanoa Palace with sweeping Blue Ridge views Enjoy a peaceful setting, charming interiors, and easy access to wineries, hiking, and Nelson 151—perfect for couples or a quiet mountain escape is located in Lyndhurst. A cozy historic cottage beside Swannanoa Palace with sweeping Blue Ridge views Enjoy a peaceful setting, charming interiors, and easy access to wineries, hiking, and Nelson 151—perfect for couples or a quiet mountain escape provides accommodation, featuring Laundry, TV, Balcony/Terrace, among other amenities. This Cottage features Laundry, TV, Balcony/Terrace, to make your stay a comfortable one.
A cozy historic cottage beside Swannanoa Palace with sweeping Blue Ridge views Enjoy a peaceful setting, charming interiors, and easy access to wineries, hiking, and Nelson 151—perfect for couples or a quiet mountain escape has 2 Bedrooms , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 4 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have rated it 2, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Cottage because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Cottage, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Cottage has a friendly neighborhood, and the Lyndhurst has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Cottage in Lyndhurst, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
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Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Air conditioning
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Towels provided
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1 bathroom
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Hair dryer
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Bed sheets provided
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2 bedrooms
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Dining table
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Fireplace
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Toaster
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Coffee/tea maker
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Microwave
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Stovetop
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Refrigerator
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Oven
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Dishwasher
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Washing machine and dryer
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Onsite parking
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No pets allowed
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Smoke-free property
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Games
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Video games
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Smart TV with cable/satellite service
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Unit size: 1152 sq ft (107 sq m)
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English
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French
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In the mountains
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In a rural location
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Travel crib
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi, with speed of 50+ Mbps
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Barbecue grill
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Patio
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First aid kit
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Fire extinguisher
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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Deadbolt lock
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
