Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Country Cabin in Virginia
Simple family retreat is a comfortable place to take a break from modern life
This log cabin is tucked away on 70 acres of land in Afton, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The owners are a family of six who reside in Charlottesville, 45 minutes away. They wanted something close enough that they could easily use it for a getaway but remote enough to feel like they were really on a break from everyday life. The views are breathtaking, and the house itself is authentic, functional, and in keeping with the family's favorite outdoor activities of hunting and fishing. The result is amazingly simple and inviting; it feels like you've gone back in time — or at least into an episode of Little House on the Prairie.
The log cabin is constructed of lumber from the property. Other property highlights include two cornfields, fields of sunflowers in the summer and access to a stream (almost a river) long enough for a 30-minute canoe ride.
Classic black rocking chairs line up on the porch and look out onto the acres of long grasses.
This is where the campfires (and the requisite s'more making) happen. The four logs that serve as seating can hold four to five people each. The pit in the middle has a smoking rod to hang a pot from for cooking meats and fish. Notice, too, the torches on either end; they have mesh baskets that hold coals and are modeled after the ones in Colonial Williamsburg.
The outdoor stone grill is designed to mimic the stone fireplace and mantel inside the cabin. It was intentionally placed far away from the house to make barbeques true outdoor experiences.
An old-fashioned cider press not only makes delicious apple cider, but is also an authentic piece of machinery that adds even more rustic charm to the porch.
Of course there's a porch swing. Behind it, you can see the long grasses planted by the owner as a start in returning the property to its original habitat.
A cozy leather sofa is the perfect spot to rest and read.
In the main sitting area in the TV-free cabin, two armchairs paired with nesting tables and identical birch wood lamps are ideal for side-by-side reading or conversation.
The mantel above the stone fireplace holds tall grasses gathered from the site, fly-fishing paraphernalia and antlers. A mounted fish and other examples of the art of taxidermy complete the look.
A long farm table made from local lumber is ideal for family-style dinners. The table's matte shellac finish provides much-needed durability. An oil lamp set in the center of the table at night gives the room some serious 19th-century atmosphere.
A simple, single-bowl, sunken white ceramic sink sits top an equally simple pine cabinet.
This custom sideboard holds kitchen necessities, including eating utensils, plates and glasses. Made of oak, this enormous piece of furniture was modeled after a piece owned by the Madison family.
In the master bedroom, an Americana oak bed with simple headboard is covered in clean white linens and a vintage quilt.
A secretary-style desk made out of the same lumber used to construct the house is paired with a rocking chair. The bear skin rug lays on top of a classic blue-and-white striped dhurrie.
A guest room features a classic wooden twin bed. The colors used in the room are in keeping with the overall pine-and-white color scheme.
The tablescape of antlers, feathers and a framed fishing photograph feels both tranquil and true to the space.
The windowsill holds a collection of arrowheads found on the property.
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