A tranquil refuge from modern stress. The sounds of the Shenandoah River, mountain views both east and west, and wide vistas of open fields farmed for generations, take one back to a simpler time. Perfect for exploring this historic area. The space The house dates from early in the last century when the operation of the Burnshire Dam hydroelectric plant, which supplied electricity to the town of Woodstock, required a resident full time caretaker. The heart of the cottage is the country kitchen where the Glenwood coal/wood cook stove is still an imposing presence. And although we love to preserve the past, we know that most of our guests will not have the patience to build a fire in order to brew their morning coffee. Yes, there is a Keurig! (And a selection of coffee and tea.) And a modern electric range, a standard coffee maker, a French press, and a microwave. (There is also a charcoal grill for cooking on the back patio.) The kitchen also has a walk-in pantry with wide shelves made from beautiful native pine. Although it is no longer needed for modern life and seems to call out for neat rows of quart jars of peaches, green beans and tomatoes, the space is starting to fill with books, building a resident library. Stop and browse! If you arrive during cold weather, a fire may be burning in the living room wood stove, or we may just lay one in for you to light when it suits you. A large alcove off the living room features a romantically cozy love seat, piano and record player. Put on one of the old records to complete the ambiance of times gone past. The formal dining room can seat up to six people. And there are plenty of wine glasses in the built-in dining room cupboard. Feel free to use anything you find here. When you are ready to retire, there are two upstairs bedrooms, one a large master (the Green Room - no pets in this room, please) and the other a small suite (the Magnolia Room) both with double beds and views of the mountains to the east and west. The Magnolia Room also has a sofa in its little sitting room. There is also a tiny bedroom on the first floor with a pretty, antique 3/4 bed in case someone needs a little extra sleeping space. But please note that that only one person would be comfortable in this bed. There are two bathrooms, one upstairs with a tub, and one downstairs with a newly remodeled shower. The upstairs bathroom is one of the peculiarities of the house as it was apparently intended originally for Hobbits. We have no explanation for it, but all who see it are charmed. There is a laundry room with a washer and dryer that you are free to use. Also note that the refrigerator is in the laundry room. The front porch, which faces the Alleghenies to the west, is perfect for sipping wine and watching sunsets. You may also catch sight of a hot air balloon hovering on the horizon in the morning or evening, and don't be surprised if a hang glider lands in the field right in front of you! We have started using the same vegetable garden plot where the Burnshires gardened for many years. We are told that people came from all over the County to purchase Virginia Burnshire's beautiful vegetables. We are not ambitious (or particularly competent) vegetable gardeners, but we enjoy trying things every year on a very small scale. Guest access The cottage is adjacent to woods, open fields , has lovey views of the river, and is an ideal area for birding. Access to the river is limited to the front of the dam. The owner of the dam has asked that we restrict access behind the dam (which I can explain in more detail when you arrive). Please note that we have free-range chickens on the property and if you bring a dog, it must be on a leash at all times when outside. Other things to note The restoration of the Burnshire Dam has been ongoing for several years. The turbines deep under the Shenandoah River are now quietly generating electricity again much as they were when caretaker Bill Burnshire tended the dam until the early 1950's. Access is limited without express permission of the owner. Please respect the "no trespassing" signs that are posted around the dam infrastructure. We may be able to arrange tours upon request.