Stay in history at the Swannanoa Gatekeeper Cottage, a cozy mountain retreat beside Swannanoa Palace. Enjoy timeless charm, modern comforts, and easy access to wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and wedding venues.

Nestled atop Afton Mountain w/ inspiring views of the Shennandoah Valley, Swannanoa Gatekeeper Cottage is secluded an offers 2 guestrooms w/ a shared bathroom, living room w/ wood fireplace, kitchen, utility room & screened in porch to enjoy the views all 4 seasons. New modern amenities but w/ old world charm. Directly overlooking the intersection of Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway & Appalachian Trail @ Exit 99 of I-64 near Waynesboro, wineries/breweries, Wintergreen, UVA, hiking, & shopping.

You'll be interacting via TEXT directly with the owners, but not in person unless needed.

The neighborhood is quiet and rural. 0.9 miles to Veritas, and ELEVEN wineries/breweries/distilleries within 5 miles! 15 mins to Humpback Rocks and Jack Albright Loop (plane crash site!). 1.5 miles to Afton Tunnel!

There is a keypad entry door to the property. Guests have access to the entire house and 1/2-acre property apart from the locked master suite and the large utility sheds. Please, make yourself at home!

Our 2-story cottage built in the late 1920's is a great escape to the mountains to bask in all that nature has to offer while enjoying all the creature comforts to make this your favorite home away from home. Newly furnished, outfitted and updated with Wi-Fi and Streaming services w/ Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Roku are available as well as onsite, secured parking for up to 4 vehicles.

1st Floor
→ Living area with wood burning fireplace, Smart TV and Google assistant
→ Dining area with adjustable table and chairs for 4
→ Fully equipped kitchen
→ Utility room with washer + dryer w/ supplies, ironing board and iron

2nd Floor
→ Queen guest room
→ Full guest room
→ Shared bathroom

The unincorporated Village of Afton was established in 1859 with the opening of a train station and Post Office. Richmond families were often traveling to Afton to escape the heat and humidity. The most notable were James and Sallie May Dooley of Maymont, who built Swannanoa Palace and Gardens on top of Afton Mountain as their summer “cottage”. Neighboring us is this 23,000 square foot fully marble Italian Villa built in 1912. Our home is the old gatekeeper’s cottage when the formal entrance and marble gates still stood to serve those who wished to travel up to the beautiful Swannanoa. Swannanoa is privately owned and open seasonally for tours.

Also, look up "Koehler Vacation Rentals" to see our great reviews!

"Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow." – Anita Desai

Free driveway parking on premises – 4 spaces

Ask us about private winery tour options through local car companies!

LOCATION - This cottage is located on the mountain top. We highly recommend driving during daylight hours upon arrival and departure so there is no stress finding your way down the private road especially because are often “sitting up in the clouds” so fog can be of an issue.

Also note that we are just above I64 and 250 so you will hear the drone of highway.

Afton is one of the windiest places on the east coast so don’t be surprised by that. Stink bugs and Asian Ladybugs plague the east slope of the Blue Ridge in almost every home. Both are not harmful however can be a nuisance. A late afternoon vacuum will provide a quiet night.

We are also friends with our local wildlife such as deer, rabbits, black bear, etc. so please be mindful as you are traveling in the area. Please do not store any food items outside or in car to avoid any unnecessary issues.