Wittersgreen Cottage

Description

This modernized & spacious century old cottage, perched atop one of the highest points in the city of Staunton, is less than a mile from the center of downtown, yet with almost an acre of landscaped yard. The light-filled house features a stone, gas-log fireplace, large gathering spaces, & unique decor.

Little luxuries like comfortable bedding & high-thread count sheets will match a high-end hotel stay, while you'll also have many of the comforts of home like a fully outfitted kitchen for cooking and enjoying dining with friends & family, with granite counters and a built-in china cabinet from the 1930's. There Is seating for at least 8 in the spacious kitchen and 8 more in the adjacent formal dining room, as well as an outdoor dining option on a large, partially covered deck.

High ceilings, original moulding, wood floors, architectural details, some lead glass windows, and exposed brick preserve the character of what was originally a Mennonite farmhouse, while two full modernized bathrooms (one on each floor), ensure comfort & convenience. Each bathroom has shower and tub. The upstairs bath has a heat lamp and mountain views; the downstairs bath is very spacious with a double vanity. The water pressure is quite good and makes for enjoyable showers.

There are two queen-bed rooms, one upstairs and one down, a small bedroom with a twin bunk beds downstairs, and a fourth bedroom with its own entrance on the main level that can be configured with queen bed and/or used as an additional gathering room with sectional sofa, games, and television. (Please inform in advance if you'll use this fourth room as a bedroom, so it can be prepared accordingly.)

In addition to the large, rear deck, there is a side porch with porch swing and an enclosed garden area with an old well-pump. Original stone work paths and garden accents are being restored around the property, and there is ample off-street parking for a number of vehicles. There is a small tree-fort in back yard. (Please supervise children using this - use at your own discretion/risk). The Bach yard and deck provide lovely spots for relaxing and looking out over the meadow and into the 10 acres of woods behind the house.

Guests have access to full, private home and gardens: almost an acre of land, 1,800 square feet indoors, large parking area, deck and porch.

There is strong, reliable Wifi throughout, and there are three flat screen/HDMI port televisions with DVD players & at least one TV with Cable, as well as a small library of DVD movies. There is a Wii game system set up in the Family Room/4th Bedroom with a small selection of games available. There are also a number of books, fiction and non-fiction, as well as a nice selection of children's books, for guests' use and a number of board games for your enjoyment.

The kitchen is completely outfitted for cooking and serving full meals, with glass-top electric range and oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, blender, dishwasher, double sided fridge with ice-maker, and numerous, high quality pots & pans and ample dishes for serving your whole group. Some spices and basic staples are kept in the house, and you are welcome to use them as needed. If there is something you know you'll need in terms of cook-ware, etc., please feel free to inquire about whether it is there.

Laundry room currently has Whirlpool washer & dryer. Please use High Efficiency detergent products only. There is also an ironing board and iron.

There are plenty of extra towels, linens and blankets for your comfort. And for guests with infants or young children, there are a high-chair and a pack & play, etc. stored in downstairs walk-in closet next to the bedroom with bunk-beds.

Owner can interact with guests via email as needed, and is very available, unless otherwise noted on infrequent occasions, to respond to your needs. But the owner lives out of town and will most likely not meet you in person. Rather, a nearby caretaker will be available for any urgent needs, and there is a lock box for self check-in. You will be able to enjoy privacy and seclusion while being close to everything the "Queen City of the Shenandoah" has to offer.

The owner has prepared a thorough notebook/manual with all sorts of information about the house, as well as a thorough assortment of brochures, maps, menus, etc. regarding local attractions, services, restaurants & shops. And if there is anything that's not covered; don't hesitate to ask.

Information available in fluent English & Spanish, & limited German.

I lived in this neighborhood for over 10 years and have held onto my beloved home here for over seven years since moving away. I've been to all 50 U.S. states and twenty some countries thus far, and still consider Staunton, Virginia to be one of the loveliest places I've ever encountered due to its scenic beauty, historic charm, and the genuine warmth and friendliness of so many residents. Work has moved me a few hours away, but I visit and enjoy staying in my house often, and plan to retire here. I cannot say enough good things about the town and neighborhood; I suggest you visit and you might just fall in love with it all yourself; as I did many years ago.

The house has been decorated & outfitted to serve as a therapy retreat location, and all guests can enjoy this warm and welcoming atmosphere which will stay with you long past the time you spend here.

The house is located less than a mile from the center of historic, downtown Staunton, and is quite walkable, though the hill up to the house is steep and you might feel out of breath walking up it you're not in good condition, athletically. It's one mile from the Amtrak train station, and less than a quarter mile to the nearest public trolley stop. Just a few blocks off of historic Route 11, it's easy to find by car as well.

The house is less than a mile from Mary Baldwin College and Stuart Hall Boarding school. It is located 30 minutes drive from James Madison University to the north, Washington and Lee University & Virginia Military Institute to the south, and 45 minutes to the east is the University of Virginia. So, it's a great location for college, parent and alumni visits, graduations and reunions.

Pets are allowed on an individual basis; please give me a description of your pet(s), and I'll let you know if I think the property is a good fit for your needs. There is a fenced in area, and some basic pet supplies on hand (dishes, small pet bed.)