Gatekeeper Cottage | Views, Fireplace, EV

Entire cottage in Afton, Virginia

  1. 4 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bath
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars.4 reviews
Hosted by Scott & Heather | Koehler Vacation Rentals
  1. Superhost
  2. 3 years hosting

Listing highlights

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the keypad.

Unbeatable location

100% of guests in the past year gave this location a 5-star rating.

Scott & Heather | Koehler Vacation Rentals is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated Hosts.
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.

The space
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.

Guest access
Guests have private access to the entire cottage. Entry is via keypad for easy self check-in. Parking is available on-site.

Other things to note
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.

Other Things to Note:
No pets or smoking permitted
Intended for relaxed stays; events and parties are not permitted

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.

Where you’ll sleep

Bedroom 1
1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
1 double bed

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises
TV

5 nights in Afton

Nov 9, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 100% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 0% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Afton, Virginia, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

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.

Meet your host

Superhost
583 reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
3 years of hosting
My work: Parent/Entrepreneur
Fun fact: I was a certified Massage Therapist
We are Heather and Scott, and welcome to our homes in beautiful Virginia! We have five kids, so we know how important it is to have a space that feels comfortable and welcoming when you travel. One of our daughters, Cadie, is a student at UVA, so this area is very special to our family. We truly love hospitality and take pride in creating spaces where our guests can relax, connect, and feel right at home.

Scott & Heather | Koehler Vacation Rentals is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 10:00 AM
4 guests maximum
Safety & property
Exterior security cameras on property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm