Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream
About this house rental
Nestled in Shenandoah Valley, this attractive house for $165 per night is a fantastic choice for your next trip. Baldwin Farm is located in the central Shenandoah Valley, the house is a three-bedroom, two-bath modern country home framed with a large sitting porch looking out on the Alleghany mountains. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle. The mattresses are brand new pillowtops with all new bedding so you can have a comfortable, restful sleep. Pastoral setting. Outside Middlebrook, VA, the house is the center of a working farm. The property sits in a natural bowl with progressively rising hills culminating in the foothills of the nearby mountains. Mark the passage of time as the light descends the slopes in the morning and ascends later and finally gives way to the starry night after the sunset. Contemplative. Sitting off a country road, quiet solitude with some country noise should be expected at Baldwin Farm. Get out, walk around the farm, and experience a simple, slower pace. Watch the cattle graze while looking out over pastureland framed by the mountains. On clear nights, enjoy a view of the starry night sky that one can only get in a relatively light free environment. Meditative atmosphere. Sit on the large covered porch and listen to the wind chimes or gaze out the large picture window in the living room while contemplating the foothills of the Alleghany mountains, verdant in the spring and summertime, cloaked in color in the fall. Location, Location, Location Located 15 minutes from Staunton; 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the George Washington National Forest; less than an hour to Lexington, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Bath and Highland Counties.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Shenandoah Valley, VA
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(212 Reviews)
10.0
We had a great stay at the home. Very clean, beds were comfortable, and it had everything we needed and more. Communication was great and the extra attention to make us feel welcome in their home was great. Thanks for being dog lovers and welcoming to be able to bring along our two dogs. The fenced in front and back yards made it easy for us. We loved sitting on the covered porch looking at the views and cows. We would definately stay here again visiting the staunton area.
5.0
We had a last minute idea to head to the mountains for a quick getaway. Having two dogs, ideally, we needed a place where they could run and play unencumbered. Boy were we lucky to have found this country retreat. It was amazing. The fenced in yard was super, but even more so was the pasture-land where they were able to romp off leash. It went on forever...bottom line, this is a great place for pups to burn off some steam.
Regarding the house, it was beautiful, well stocked with all we needed, the matress seemed new and the bed was very comfy. My wife and I spent the evenings by the fire enjoying the solitude. Overall, I would recommend this place and we will be back. Harry and Susan, we'll see you again soon. Thanks you for sharing your place with us and for the homemade treat you baked for us upon our arrival!!
5.0
I asked my family where they wanted to spend Christmas this year. Answer was unanimous -no discussion - Baldwin Farm in VA. - same place as last year. Wonderful, helpful hosts -
5.0
We stayed at the farm for New Year’s weekend and had a blast! The property was unique, beautifully decorated, clean, and comfy (especially the top notch beds!) , and the views of the sunset over the mountains were wonderful. The Baldwins were very friendly and responsive hosts, and helped us when we were having technical difficulties with the VRBO platform. Highly recommend this place for a family or friend getaway!
5.0
My husband and our adult children and their spouses met here for our family Christmas get away. The house was perfect. The host thought of everything we would need to make it a perfect get away including thinking of our pup!! The location was perfect. Stars were beautiful. I recommend this location.
5.0
Very quiet and beautiful country side to look at! Host were great!
5.0
We brought our family of 6, including our 4 young kids, to stay at this beautiful property. Home had everything we needed. Loved using the gas fireplace every morning and watching deer and cows off the large back porch. The fenced in yard was perfect for our kids. Beds were very comfortable. The drive out to the property had lovely views but it wasn’t difficult to get there at all which was great. Thanks for sharing your property with us!
5.0
We very much enjoyed our stay. We had everything we needed and loved sitting on the huge porch watching the cattle.
5.0
Beautiful
5.0
Everything we needed for a restful and peaceful family retreat. Would not hesitate to recommend this spot to our friends. We will be back!
5.0
Great Place!! Comfortable. Good conversations and shared childhood memories from the perspective of the oldest to the youngest around the dining room table and in front of the fire.
5.0
What a beautiful home. The location and setting were perfect for our needs and the Bundt cake was a very welcome surprise.
5.0
Everything you could want, well equipped, two great yards for our dog to run in, clean and comfy. The welcoming fresh flowers and a fridge stocked with a few staples all added to our enjoyment.
Only bad thing - the internet is very slow, but I'm guessing there aren't many options there. The DVD library had many selections so we didn't miss streaming.
5.0
This was a wonderful place to relax and watch the amazing Blue Ridge change with the weather. Would definitely stay again!
5.0
My family and I stayed here with our dog. The house was exactly as advertised and the area was very calm. My favorite part was the vanilla coconut cake the Baldwin’s left us as a welcome to our home gift. We cannot wait to come back to this unique and serene house. Be prepared that this is in the country with not much around you. This is exactly what we wanted. Also, Staunton, VA is only 20 minutes away and has so many activities and restaurants.
5.0
My husband and I stayed for a weekend getaway. We love the area and have visited several times before. This was our first time at the rental. Views are breathtaking and the house itself is very comfortable. Would be great for a family with kids or a dog.
We only used the one bedroom, but the king bed was very comfortable. The house had everything we needed.
5.0
The house was very comfortable and even better that the pictures shown. It was a very peaceful and quiet stay. The view from sitting on the porch was peaceful just seeing green rolling hills with cows on the hills. At the end of the day the cows came down to the other side of the fence across the back yard. We saw deer close to back yard.
The night sky was very clear on the night we were there and was able to photograph stars and the moon was out. If the moon is a full moon when you stay, you would see the milky way.
I would certainly recommend staying here and I'm sure there will be a time we would return.
5.0
Quick trip to relax and just unwind. Perfect place to do just that. Very peaceful and beautiful setting. Close to Staunton for day or evening trips. Wish we would have been able to stay a little longer. We enjoyed the wonderful porch and Nellie, our dog, loved the fenced yard and meting a few cows. Very enjoyable!!
5.0
We loved our stay. The property was so dog-friendly. That was a great bonus. Our dog loved the giant fenced-in yard, and our kids took full advantage of the large yard as well. The host was super responsive and communicative, which was really helpful. The large porch was the perfect space for reading and meals outside despite all of the rain during our stay. The house itself was very clean with loads of clean towels and linens. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and were sad to leave.
5.0
Harry's and Susan's home was absolutely wonderful. It was, hands down, our best rental home experience so far. We loved the pastoral setting, and the house was so spacious and clean. Overall, it was better than portrayed by the pictures. We had everything we needed for the kitchen, and we loved the peace and quiet at night. The porch, as everyone says, is just wonderful - so very peaceful. After staying just one time, we see it as a destination, not just a place to stay while doing things in the area. Thank you, Harry and Susan!
5.0
Nice place in the country. Wonderful views. Would stay again.
5.0
Our second time staying in this gorgeous home! A wonderful time for us and our two young sons, and especially for our two pups. The yard is fully fenced and huge, and our dogs (and kids) loved safely exploring and running free after a long day in the car. And the view is absolutely incredible and so peaceful. Susan is a wonderful host!
5.0
This is our fourth time staying at this property! This should tell you something right there.
As always, the owners are extremely responsive to any questions or requests you may have.
The kitchen is well stocked, with eggs, milk, and cream. She always provides a sweet surprise as well; cookies, cake, or similar.
If you have a pooch, the yard is completely fenced so you won’t have to worry.
We will definitely be back!
5.0
Very clean and cozy with beautiful views
10.0
We chose this property as a base for graduation weekend from JMU. It was perfect for extended family. We absolutely loved hanging out on the porch, taking in the view and enjoying the birds. Harry was very responsive to questions and easy to work with. Great stay!
5.0
We chose this property as a base for graduation weekend from JMU. It was perfect for extended family. We absolutely loved hanging out on the porch, taking in the view and enjoying the birds. Harry was very responsive to questions and easy to work with. Great stay!
5.0
Wonderful & Peaceful
5.0
Harry and Susan are wonderful hosts, very responsive to questions and flexible. If you are looking for a place with a lot of peace and quiet with room for your pets to roam this might be the place for you. Living area is very spacious and there was nothing that we needed that was not in the home. From rocking on the front porch to watching the multitude of birds in the garden it was a very relaxing week for us.
5.0
My three sisters and I enjoyed this property so much! We spent hours sitting on the beyond amazing front porch. It was a get-away-from-it-all weekend, while still just a short drive from Staunton. The beds are super comfy, too! All in all, just a wonderful house and location!
5.0
Amazing place in a great location!
The area: The narrow, paved, twisting and turning roads lead you through beautiful farmlands with nothing but gorgeous mountains for backdrops! Within /2 hour to 45-minute drive of everything you could possibly need, including Staunton, and entrances to Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. Just a 10-minute drive away is the “Meating Place”, which I highly recommend to purchase cuts of meat directly from the farmers!
The exterior of the property: Two spacious, fully-enclosed yards are a blessing if you’re traveling with dogs! Cow pastures are close by so sometimes cows will come close to graze. The cows are unphased by the presence of dogs! Charming flower and bird house gardens surround the home. The covered porch offers fabulous seating to enjoy dinner, watch the cows in the distance and listen to nothing but the sounds of nature. At nighttime, the stars are amazing (very similar to what we have in Maine, but I know this is a highlight for so many folks traveling from cities).
The home: Well-stocked kitchen, clean, comfortable, plenty of spaces to mingle. Beds were so comfortable! Lots of staples were there when we arrived, including a lovely pan of cinnamon rolls.
Check-in was super easy! Susan was very welcoming and available if anything was needed. Be sure to ask her to point out where you can enjoy some strolls on their beautiful farm!
The only negative thing about this stay was that 6 days was not nearly enough! We hope to have the opportunity to come back next year (or maybe even this fall!)
5.0
*Owner was involved day one then available if needed....
*Kitchen had everything you need & then Some....
*House and Property Clean & Comfortable....
*Property very well kept with a fenced in yard with a Beautiful
*View and plenty big enough for the Puppy to run....
We will visit again in the future!
5.0
This is our go to location for trips to wintergreen. The property is beautiful and quiet (unless our dogs are trying hard to communicate with the “big dogs” looking curiously and mooing back at them. Kitchen is so well appointed. House is beautiful.
5.0
The home and the surrounding area was so beautiful and relaxing. We enjoyed Staunton and Waynesboro during our visit. The weather was perfect for enjoying the porch and scenery. We will be back!
5.0
The house was clean, neat, spacious and as described. It's also a very unique home, clearly having been added on to over the years. It delivered exactly what we wanted, being away from people. It was quiet at night. There was no light pollution and so star watching through the telescope was very nice. A great place to unwind.
5.0
Beautiful location, the grands loved the feeling of being on a farm!! They actually put down their electronics and played outside!
The dogs thought it was heaven!
We all loved the low key air of the place and actually connected again on the front porch with talks, laughs, and a desire to stay here longer!
Kids had never been snow tubing, the reason we rented in this area, but getting to the resort takes longer than advertised.
However, everyone had a fine time!
5.0
From the tastefully designed and furnished spacious home to the enlightened bookcase to the many light giving windows to the just sparkling star-lit night skies to the herd of deer running along the ridge to the multiple species of birds feeding near the kitchen window to the well- fenced areas our little doggie could roam safely off-leash to the welcome fireplace warmth to the distant mooing of farm life to the faraway from it all location in the rolling hills to the -well you get the idea. All the family enthusiastically agreed this place just feels right all the time. Harmony is the closest one word story . Truly an unexpected pearl in the VA hills. We are very grateful to the Baldwins for sharing their wonderful home with us VRBO pilgrims.
5.0
Had so much fun the property is beautiful, especially at night with all of the stars
5.0
Excellent
5.0
Perfect location to explore the Shenandoah valley area. The house was so comfortable and clean. The front porch was perfect for birdwatching and Mountain View’s. The most comfortable beds too. The house is stocked with everything you could need. We were greeted with a most delicious coconut cake and breakfast items which was so appreciated. No need to run right to the store. Will definitely return.
5.0
We had a great time in Virginia! The house was very quiet and peaceful the view from the porch was beautiful and there were many things to see out of there. Also, the lemon cake Susan left for us was delicious and moist.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Shenandoah Valley?
The average price for a rental in Shenandoah Valley is $195 per night. This rental is $30 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Country Retreat, An Amateur Astronomer's Dream?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Shenandoah Valley
Explore all rentals in Shenandoah ValleyShenandoah Valley travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Ski Trip Packing List: What to Bring Skiing or Snowboarding
Trends
VacationRenter Holiday Travel Trends 2023
Featured Rentals
Architectural Vacation Rentals: Experience the Beauty of Unique Properties
Featured Rentals
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Vacation Rentals Around the World
Featured Rentals
Our Favorite Vacation Rentals With Unique Experiences
Featured Rentals
Amazing Cabin Rentals Across the Globe
Featured Rentals
Have You Ever Wanted to Stay in a Dome Rental? Now You Can
Featured Rentals
Jaw Dropping Treehouse Rentals All Over the World
Keep exploring
- Lake Tahoe Cabins
- Ruidoso Cabins
- Blue Ridge Cabins
- Estes Park Cabins
- Lake George Cabins
- Eureka Springs Cabins
- Branson Cabins
- Lake of the Ozarks Cabins
- Lake Arrowhead Cabins
- Lake Texoma Cabins
- Canyon Lake Cabins
- Sevierville Cabins
- Flagstaff Cabins
- Colorado Springs Cabins
- Hot Springs Cabins
- Bass Lake Cabins
- Buffalo River Cabins
- Possum Kingdom Lake Cabins
- Chattanooga Cabins
- Nashville Cabins
- Wears Valley Cabins
- Cloudcroft Cabins
- Deep Creek Lake Cabins
- Mammoth Lakes Cabins
- Anna Maria Islands Rentals
- Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
- Rosemary Beach Rentals
- Holden Beach Rentals
- Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
- Topsail Beach Rentals
- Kiawah Island Rentals
- Panama City Beach Rentals
- Ocean Isle Beach Rentals
- Folly Beach Rentals
- Dauphin Island Rentals
- Rehoboth Beach Rentals
- Bethany Beach Rentals
- Cape Cod Rentals
- 30A Rentals
- Seaside Florida Rentals
- Edisto Beach Rentals
- Fort Myers Beach Rentals
- Miramar Beach Rentals
- Port Aransas Rentals
- Emerald Isle Rentals
- Orange Beach Rentals
- Surfside Beach Rentals
- Hampton Beach Rentals
- Assateague Island Rentals
- Jacksonville Beach Vacation Rentals
- North Shore Vacation Rentals
- Ogunquit Vacation Rentals
- North Redington Beach Rentals
- Lido Key Vacation Rentals
- Sea Colony Rentals
- Pass A Grille Vacation Rentals
- Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
- Vail Lodging
- Jackson Hole Lodging
- Winter Park Lodging
- Telluride Lodging
- Big Sky Rentals
- Aspen Lodging
- Park City Rentals
- Steamboat Springs Lodging
- Breckenridge Rentals
- Lake Tahoe Rentals
- Copper Mountain Lodging
- Mammoth Mountain Lodging
- Beech Mountain Rentals
- Crested Butte Rentals
- Sun Valley Lodging
- Keystone Lodging
- Taos Lodging
- Sugar Mountain Cabins
- Beaver Creek Lodging
- Deep Creek Lake Rentals
- Smith Mountain Lake Rentals
- Ocean Lakes Rentals
- Lake Anna Rentals
- Torch Lake Rentals
- Lake Winnipesaukee Rentals
- Norris Lake Rentals
- Lake Gaston Rentals
- Canyon Lake Rentals
- Lake Oconee Rentals
- Lake Wallenpaupack Rentals
- Lake Martin Rentals
- Lake Havasu Rentals
- Lake of the Ozarks Rentals
- Lake Michigan Vacation Rentals
- Lake Chelan Rentals
- Finger Lakes Rentals
- Lake Keowee Vacation Rentals
- Lake Conroe Rentals
- Lake Erie Vacation Rentals
- Lake Austin Vacation Rentals
- Sebago Lake Rentals
- Lake Tillery Rentals
- Keuka Lake Rentals