Sometimes the best way to describe a place like Windward House is to let our guests say it for us:

“Best property we've rented for a vacation on any site, hands down.” (5 Stars)

“Words somehow fall short in describing this phenomenal property!” (5 Stars)

"Does it get better than this???" (5 Stars)

"This is my idea of perfection." (5 Stars)

"Tasteful, restful, creative, playful, peaceful and serene." (5 Stars)

"The horse and donkeys were very sweet. They soothed our souls." (15 Stars. Owner's Note: the boys insisted I include this and to let you know they each get 5 Stars)

We appreciate our guests, and we enjoy having them here. Because our focus is on creating a great guest experience. And our niche is to provide a special place for couples who are looking for a sophisticated retreat and an amazing Shenandoah Valley getaway.

Windward House is a place where old meets new, a place to relax, recharge, refresh, romance, or just chill when life gets to be too much. The house is designed to be a cross between vacation rental and boutique hotel, and is tailored for discerning travelers who like to discover memorable places. The owner (an architect and artist) has renovated the space to combine the aesthetic of Mid-Century Modern, with an eclectic and rural Mountain Log Cabin. This unique vacation home’s vibe is warm and relaxing, yet with a streamline feel.

Close to Lexington and Staunton (actually about halfway between each town), this lovely home has a large master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, a window seat, vanity desk, and spectacular views. It has two full baths and sleeps, 2 adults — our max occupancy. We do allow for 2 well-mannered dogs. Please contact us before booking for pre-pet approval. Also, please see the "Pet Policies" download, and the Windward House Policies, in the "Rules and Policy" section.

This unique retreat has been designed and furnished with visitor's enjoyment in mind including: self-check-in and check-out, tons of privacy, original art, a modern fully equipped kitchen — outfitted with a Samsung gas range and Keurig coffee maker with morning coffee or tea provided — a super comfy Queen sleigh bed with bed & bath linens, soaps, and shampoo also provided. Log on to a secured wireless network, watch Apple TV and Hulu Live, or use the Calm app to super chill. Enjoy a large sunny back deck, a lovely covered front porch with drop-dead gorgeous mountain views—all on seven private acres. Plus, there is a paved drive to get you up the hill to the house, (a real bonus in a rural area filled with bumpy gravel drives) that gently curves down to the barn, perfect for a short relaxing walk.

But wait, there's more! As ambassadors of the property, Cody the gorgeous Quarter Horse, Bug, and Jack the portly donkeys live there too, and will come to hang with you by the fence to say, "Welcome!"

Other amenities include: Central air, gas log fireplace with remote, stack washer and dryer, hairdryer, iron and clothes steamer, wireless Bluetooth speaker (for tunes on the deck), and, for the unplug-me minded, there is a stocked bookshelf lined with fun things to read from animal stories to recipes. Oh, and the cell service is excellent here! We book exclusively through Vrbo, but there is more information about the house and our vibe on Instagram, @ chill_windwardhouse.

There is a ton of stuff to do here too, everything from Shakespeare theater to the Lexington Horse Center, hiking, biking, shopping, and good eating. It is all around you. Check it out, you won't forget this special place.

OUR 2022 COVID-19 UPDATE for our returning guests, and to our future ones: I hope you all are well. Although the pandemic is slowing — thankfully — we are still currently doing limited bookings and still adding three days between bookings, so we can carefully clean and disinfect the house between guests. As the caretaker, one of my favorite reviews included the statement, "The house is immaculate upon entry." That was our goal before COVID-19, and will continue to be our goal as we strive to make our place both special and safe.

So if you need a break, a wide-open view of the mountains, and some sweet donkey love, contact me for a booking.