This beautiful property sits at the foot of Terrapin Mountain. Avid hikers can walk out the door and walk to the trailhead. (Be forewarned: it is a serious hike!) Any anyone can enjoy Terrapin views from the deck, living room, or kitchen.
Speaking of kitchen, this house is a chef's dream. It wasn't just well-stocked; it is better outfitted than our home kitchen - and we love to cook! We brought our ingredients so that we didn't have to find a grocery store - and feasted.
This home is 5 miles from the lowest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where it crosses the James river. I didn't look for drop-in points for kayaks since we didn't have ours with us, but imagine that there must be nearby locations. We'll plan to kayak next time we come back.
The nearby hiking is excellent. Otter Creek Trail (at the James River crossing) is short, easy, and beautiful. Thunder Ridge (a few miles south on the Parkway) is moderate, and offers great views at the trail head and from Apple Orchard Mountain.
Speaking of Apple Orchard Mountain, it is the highest point on the Parkway - which means that cyclists can do the 12 mile ascent from the lowest point on the Parkway to the highest point - and then descend again. The road is beautiful, and there are many vistas along the way: highly recommended.
A few final comments on the house: It is well-designed for rest and retreat. The ONLY television in the house is upstairs facing a love seat. The beautiful dining table can comfortably seat 12. The living room is bathed in light by floor-to-ceiling windows - perfect for reading. The kitchen is open, inviting, and also bathed in light by counter-to-ceiling windows. The rooftop deck has beautiful views of Terrapin Mountain. Why would anyone want to sit in front of a screen when surrounded by this beauty? My hat is off to the designer/decorator.
