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Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage

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Property grounds
Interior
Exterior
Interior
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
The current price is £136
includes taxes & fees
30 Jun - 1 Jul

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage

Voted one of the coolest Airbnbs in Virginia by Trips to Discover!

Voted one of the top 12 tiny houses in Virginia by Trip101!

Peaceful, safe and magical are just a few words guests use to describe our farm. It's the perfect retreat to relax and reconnect with yourself and nature. Enjoy exploring the farm, spending time with our animals and stargazing by the firepit. We invite you to soak in all the richness the farm and animals have to offer. We’re also 420 friendly. Please let us know if you're bringing pets.
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"You have a very special place. We felt as if the animals were watching over us. The whole farm just emanates contagious love and the property is breathtaking. The combination of the two just heals your soul. We felt really lucky to be there."

-Shane Wynn, Guest
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We love the beauty and spirit of our farm so much that we want to share it with people who appreciate a peaceful vibe. You'll find that we are very relaxed, inclusive and welcome guests to enjoy the farm for all it has to offer. Spend as much time with the animals as you'd like - many free range so they'll visit you. Enjoy our private beach on the James River (with a fire pit), inflatable tubes and rafts are available at no extra charge and the house is stocked with books and games...even Legos for ages 18+. Dog are allowed and we charge a non-refundable $25 pet fee.

We are the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions. Guests have shared birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and holidays with us. We also have tent and RV camping sites if you have a large group that would like to stay at the farm. Please message us for more information.

We're located in historic Scottsville Virginia (the heart of Virginia’s Monticello Wine Region). Seated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 25 acre farm is home to many domestic, farm and wild animals. The lush green rolling pastures offer exquisite views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and direct access to the James River. It truly is a serene private paradise.

Our focus at the farm is two-fold. Promote agro-ecotourism and support our sister non-profit, Gentle Moon Conservancy. The mission of Gentle Moon is to provide lifetime care and shelter for animals in-need and inspire environmental stewardship through the power of individual action.

We are a working farm and have livestock guardian dogs who free roam guarding the farm. River, Ben, Daisy and PB are very friendly and will likely greet you when you first get here. They work at night so don’t be surprised if you hear them sounding off in the shadows protecting the farm from critters.

Safety and privacy is very important to us. The farm gate is locked overnight and reopened early in the morning. We will provide guests the gate code when needed.
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1. Wifi

2. Queen size daybed with 12" mattress, lounge chair that folds out to a twin bed and two air mattresses (queen and twin).

3. Smart TV, DVD and Dish.

4. Games, puzzles, Legos for ages 18+, and books.

5. Fully equipped kitchen with full size stove, pots, pans, cooking utensils, microwave, toaster, coffee maker (and coffee), water kettle and washer/dryer combo.

6. Sweet well water.

7. Big yard with plenty of space for outdoor games, sunbathing, reading and naps with our free-ranging animals (they like to nap outside with guests).

8. Outdoor fire pit and wood supply.

9. Small propane grill.

10. Access to the James River (bring your fishing equipment, canoes and kayaks!)

11. Easy hiking around the farm.

12. Snacks, coffee, tea and sparkling water
Guest access
Guests have the tiny house to themselves and have full access to explore the farm and surrounding area.
Other things to note
Please let us know when you book that you're bringing a dog/s. Most of the animals on the farm roam free so you'll be greeted by a few Great Pyrenees (livestock guardian dogs), goats, geese, chickens, turkeys and peacocks. We also have barn cats that like to keep our guests company outside of the tiny house. Please be mindful of this if your dog is uncomfortable with other dogs and animals. Please don't bring your dog/s if they are high-strung, overly sensitive, aggressive, or not trained. Our livestock guardian dogs are hard-wired to protect so if they sense an uncomfortable vibe from another dog, it will make them uncomfortable and they need to be focused on doing their jobs.

Your dogs are welcome to be off-leash as long as they won't chase or harm people or the farm animals.

Please pick up after your dog.

Property manager

Katie VanSciver

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • No lift
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is permitted outside the tiny house

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Note from host: Please let us know what type of pets you have.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

Studio
Enchanting Tiny House on a Peaceful Farm
Eclectic Tiny House on a Peaceful Inclusive Farm
Enchanting Tiny House on a Farm/Animal Sanctuary Apartment
Enchanting Tiny House on a Farm/Animal Sanctuary Scottsville

About the area

Map
Scottsville, VA

What's nearby

  • Scottsville Town Hall - 12 min drive - 6.4 miles
  • James River Brewing - 13 min drive - 6.4 miles
  • Trump Winery - 36 min drive - 22.2 miles
  • Walton's Mountain Museum - 38 min drive - 19.4 miles
  • Monticello - 45 min drive - 31.0 miles

Getting around

  • Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lumpkin's Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Tavern on the James - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪James River Brewery - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Amici's Italian Bistro - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Baine's Books & Coffee - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage?

As of 25 Jun 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage on 30 Jun 2025 start from £135.72, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage located?

Situated on a river, this apartment building is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from James River and within 6 miles (10 km) of Scottsville Town Hall and James River Brewing. Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve is 11.5 mi (18.6 km) away.

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Rare Find: Private Animal Sanctuary & Tiny Cottage Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R.

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

Adorable

The place was so cute, the property even better. Wish we’d stayed longer to fully explore. And the amenities! Will definitely book longer when we do our rafting trip next summer.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy C., Manakin, Virginia

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

Relaxing plus

Being able to live amongst so many happy healthy animals for just a couple days was a treat and a blast! Clean, comfortable and safe. Close to town. Wonderful hosts. We loved our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rich C.

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

What an AMAZING place!!

What a wonderful experience! Great location near the James River! The cottage was beautiful and equipped with everything needed. There is a multitude and large variety of rescue animals in the fenced in areas and roaming free on the property. We are already looking forward to our next stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carla E., Medford, NJ USA

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

Peaceful animal sanctuary

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay . If you like dogs it will be your choice. The tiny house was very nicely constructed. It’s small, so that’s a consideration. It was very clean and filled with all items you might need. The owners are doing a wonderful service to the animals and we were impressed by the green products that they used.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

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

Fun at the farm

My husband and I spent a long weekend in the cottage. We enjoyed the animals on the farm. We also walked down to the river and took in those beautiful views. Being around the animals was good for the soul. I hope we can go back soon. The host was very communicative and helpful. 10 out of 10. Loved it all.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki C.

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

Don’t miss this!

Wonderful property full of animals - very well behaved! Lovely tiny house, very generous with snacks in the house. Jen & Katie so sweet, we met them on our way out because we never had to contact them during our stay since they had thought of everything we needed! We went kayaking on the James River with our 11 yr old grandson. And found a great Italian restaurant in Scottsville - Amici’s. Very peaceful time - the nature renews the spirit. Give yourself a treat and come to Valhalla Mountain Farm!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane H.

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

Cottage

Wellcome change to hotel stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

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

Dreamy!

We had the best time staying here for a few days. An absolutely beautiful property and the cottage is so cute and clean. Katie is a very attentive host and answered any questions I had really quickly. All of the animals are so fun and sweet. It’s just a short walk to river access and there’s tons to do in the Scottsville and Charlottesville area. I wouldn’t change a thing. We were so sad to leave and can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn L.

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

You could not ask for a better host.

If you ever wanted to know what country paradise is, this is a good example. What a nice little place to get away. It was clean and exactly what was needed. Katie was the best host of any VRBO our company has used EVER. Thank you for your help and for allowing us to stay in your little slice of paradise.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin S., USA

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

AWESOME!

This is one of the BEST places that we have visited. I have a list of places that I would return to, and this one is one of the few on that list! It's absolutely charming! It's in a wonderful, serene area. The owner is wonderful! The views are great, and the animals are the biggest plus of all. I took a long walk around the property to the river, and it was one of the best, inspiring walks I've been on. If you like animals, this is a MUST! The dogs are gorgeous! Buddy the cat is adorable, and the goats, pigs, horses....they all made the trip worthwhile. I just can't say enough about how much this place inspired and calmed me. The cabin is adorable, looks just like the photos. Extremely clean, charming and cozy. An absolute PERFECT getaway! Can't wait to go back!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin G., Hanover, PA USA

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

Best Relaxing Stay Ever!

Absolutely the best getaway we have ever taken! This tiny home is immaculate! The hosts were nothing short of amazing! And the animals on the property were phenomenal to pet, watch, and love up every chance we got. It's also in a great location... Scottsville is a quaint little town with great food and friendly people. Plus you are close to Charlottesville, lots of wineries, and many presidential homes and historical landmarks. We literally want to move into this little home. We cannot wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

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

Valhalla

MAGICAL!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

julia s.

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

Lovely farm

Lovely stay at this very special place. It is gorgeous farm on beautiful property. The River is so nice and the animals be were very sweet. We had a wonderful stay. The hosts were very responsive and even gave us treats for treats for the horses. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brooklyn J.

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

Perfect Home Base

We made this tiny house our home base while in town for a friends wedding and exploring nearby Charlottesville. It was the perfect home base! Nearby Scottsville is an adorable little town and the distance to Charlottesville was perfect. Staying at this tiny house was like staying at a wellness retreat. The house was perfectly outfitted and the farm was amazing. Highly recommend and will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

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

Another Great Stay

First-class all around. Vikings would be proud of these warriors.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Taylor L.

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

Our short stay was nothing short of perfect! Great little house on gorgeous property

Super easy! Friendly and extremely helpful. 10 stars
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

SONIA K.

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

Perfect for relaxation and fun!

We had such a wonderful time there, the tiny house was just perfect for us, all of the animals are so friendly, and great company! The night sky was beautiful, we never wanted to go to bed, we are so happy we found Katie's place!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

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

Magical

This is a must experience stay. Unique & Inspirational. Loves every minute.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christopher V.

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

Wonderful setting and comfortable lodgings.

Unique location on a fun farm. The house was cozy and perfect for our needs.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

John L.

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

Was a lovely tiny house.

Lovely property and really enjoyed all the animals and Katie & Jan!! Will stop in again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

MJ S.

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

Animal lovers

The place is just as pictured. Everything you need was there. Perfect place for star gazing with fire burning. Many different animals to play with, huge working dogs, all are friendly. Would come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021