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15 Great Escapes: Your Own Mountain Cottage

Is an upscale mountain getaway in your dreams? Whether you’re indulging a fantasy or want to try before you buy, consider Bath County, Virginia, about 3½ hours from DC.

Photograph courtesy of Natural Retreats.

Is an upscale mountain getaway in your dreams? Whether you’re
indulging a fantasy or want to try before you buy, consider Bath County,
Virginia, about 3½ hours from DC. Over the past two years, the British
company Natural Retreats has been accumulating luxury rental properties in
the Allegheny Mountains.

The 22 homes, which are great for families or groups, range
from an antique log cabin to a “green” Arts and Crafts house to an
English-style manor. The beautifully restored Anastasia Cottage was built
in 1840. The 80-acre River Farm property sleeps ten and has private access
to the Jackson River.

Rentals are “self-catering,” meaning you can shop for and cook
your own meals; you also can have the concierge arrange for food delivery,
restaurant reservations, or a chef. Don’t worry about arriving to an empty
kitchen—basics including bread, wine, and coffee are provided.

Concierge service comes with every rental. These professionals
can arrange fly-fishing, picnics, spa appointments, golf, hiking, mountain
biking, horseback riding, water sports, and activities at the nearby
Homestead resort.

A two-night minimum, at $525 to $2,750 a night, is required for
cottage or home rentals. A lodge has five guest rooms starting at $128 a
night.

Natural Retreats, Hot Springs, Va.;
877-805-7794.

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