On river.Your stay at this Buchanan vacation home places you within a 10-minute walk of Jefferson National Forest and James River. Buchanan Swinging Bridge is within half a mile (1 km) and Peaks of Otter Recreation Area is within 12 miles (20 km).
Wilson Warehouse / Community House - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Buchanan Swinging Bridge - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Natural Bridge Caverns - 14 min drive - 19.3 km
Natural Bridge State Park - 16 min drive - 19.9 km
Virginia Safari Park - 27 min drive - 24.6 km
Getting around
Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Tammie’s Place - 7 min walk
Buchanan Grill - 6 min walk
Good Times Cafe - 15 min walk
North Star Restaurant - 6 min drive
Foot of the Mountain Cafe - 4 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Getaway and relax! Enjoy the James River with mountain views!
Fully renovated cottage! Best kayaking and canoeing on the upper James River! 300 ft riverfront for fishing. Large open back deck with mountain views. Perfect for grillin' and chillin'. Wonderful hiking, Peaks of Otter and Apple Orchard Falls.
Property manager
Nat Draper
Languages
English
Similar properties
Quaint Historic Log Cabin Overlooking The James River.
Quaint Historic Log Cabin Overlooking The James River.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,100 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
Service animals are exempt from fees
Note from host: $50 per pup
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Upper bunk is for ages 10 and older only
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Getaway and relax! Enjoy the James River with mountain views! Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 51 reviews
10 - Excellent
51
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 51 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 51 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
J M.
Apr 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Super Hiking near Buckanan
Property is set on a gorgeous lot overlooking a mountain. The house is comfortable, clean, and stocked with all necessary items. We cooked most meals in and relaxed on the oversized deck swing. Our days were spent hiking. We managed 2 5-hour hikes. We liked the Little Cove Mountain/AT trial better than the Flat Top Mountain trail because it had more interesting areas and better views. Next time, we want to include kayaking (we were a bit too early in the season on this visit). Overall, great location, great property, and perfect for outdoor adventures.
J M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Katie M., Stafford, VA
Dec 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Getaway
We spent Thanksgiving here and it was the perfect fit for a quick getaway from the hustle of Northern Virginia. The listing is as described. The kitchen was outfitted for all of our cooking needs, including sharp knives! The place was completely renovated so everything was clean and felt very comfortable. The neighborhood is quiet and we enjoyed some local hiking. The owner was great at communicating, answering any questions, and informing of us local restaurants and things to do. Would for sure go back again when looking to get away for a couple days.
Katie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ana O.
Dec 4, 2024
Ana O.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beverly D.
Nov 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Charming River House
This was my second extended stay in this beautiful house. This home has everything that I need for a very comfortable stay. From booking, to checking in, and communicating with the owner who checks in just to ensure that everything is great. Honestly, the house could not be more perfect. We will absolutely return for another visit soon.
Beverly D.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl P.
Oct 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Fall Getaway
We felt like we were at home, only better. The porch swing was a big hit with the entire family - perfect for enjoying a gorgeous view. Very well stocked kitchen. This was a great place for us for parents weekend at VMI. We enjoyed exploring Buchanan and the James River. We’ll definitely be back!
Cheryl P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julia U.
Oct 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
We stayed here while I was a part of a wedding. The house was cute and clean. While I did not get to spend to much time at the home due to wedding duties it was a great spot for my husband and kids to bond before he deploys in two weeks.
Julia U.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth W.
Oct 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The River House
The River House is in a quant little town and is within walking distance to several cafes. The house was clean and well stocked. Nat was very helpful and responded quickly. The views from the house are absolutely beautiful.
Elizabeth W.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beverly D.
Oct 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint house on the Beautiful James
We absolutely loved our stay in this beautifully renovated home, we were literally provided with everything we needed making our visit more pleasant. Thank you Nat for being a spectacular host! We have booked again in November 👍
Beverly D.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joshua L.
Oct 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Short weekend
Beautifully renovated property adjacent to river with many outdoor activities nearby. Must do the Twin River kayak trip. Beautiful scenery and peaceful. Thank you!
Joshua L.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Scott F.
Sep 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very inviting space
We loved it and will stay again!
Scott F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rose M.
Sep 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Riverhouse
This house is exactly as it was stated on the VRBO site. Very clean with everything you need to cook with. The back deck is an amazing place to relax and and gathrr. We loved it!
Rose M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mike & Alison C.
Jul 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
Great location for our family vacation, we came from Alabama and Delaware. Enjoyed the accommodations and local park for the grandkids. Location was convenient for day trips to Roanoke and Natural Bridge.
Mike & Alison C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sarah Y.
Jul 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation
We enjoyed our time at the Buchanan River House. The host did a wonderful job renovating and decorating this property. The house was very clean and well-stocked for our party of 8. The kitchen had every utensil and pot/pan we needed, including grill utensils. The beds were very comfortable and there were plenty of soft towels in the bathrooms. The rooms and bathrooms had plenty of shelving or cabinets for storage of personal items. We spent a lot of time on the large, covered deck, enjoying a lovely view of the mountains and the large swing. The grill had plenty of propane which made cooking outside a breeze. Our boys enjoyed trying the outdoor shower (with hot and cold water) when they came up from the river.
The James River is in the backyard and we spent a lot of time floating, splashing, and fishing in the river. One night we roasted marshmallows over a campfire by the river. The neighborhood is quiet and the neighbors are friendly.
The host's communication was great. He gave us tips about the area and nearby businesses and encouraged us to contact him with questions.
We had a wonderful time and our kids are already asking to go back!
Sarah Y.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laura C.
Jul 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the house and location
Clean and pretty house with lots of thoughtful touches like plenty of towels, a spice rack, hair dryers, outdoor shower, dog gate, and more. Great, big porch with swing, large table, and beautiful view. The James River is right out back and easy to slip into for a nice float on an innertube.
We stayed here with a family of 6 adults and a medium-sized dog. The house was very comfortable and the perfect size for us. The neighborhood is quiet with some friendly human and canine neighbors. It's convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway with all of its hiking trails and to Natural Bridge State Park.
Our host Nat's communication was great. He gave us tips about the area and nearby businesses, encouraged us to contact him with questions, and left us alone.
Some things to consider: the guest bathroom has a barn door that doesn't allow for complete privacy (we hung a towel over it to improve privacy), and the bathroom off the main bedroom has no door at all which didn't bother us, but could be an issue for some.
All in all, we loved the house and had a wonderful time!
Laura C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Marey S.
Jul 1, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend getaway
This was a fantastic weekend getaway. The house was clean, comfortable, and well stocked for our family of four and three friends. The house is conveniently located near Natural Bridge. We enjoyed canoeing and hiking. The covered porch was also great for relaxing in the evening. Highly recommended for family vacations!
Marey S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
tracey f.
Jun 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home
This home was so wonderful! It was impeccably clean. The beds and linens were so comfortable. My husband is a builder and he appreciated all of the little details. Our favorite was the swing on the expansive back deck. We loved sitting back there and listening to the train roll by.
tracey f.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Holly H.
Jun 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Amazing Weekend - THIS House is a large reason why!
Perfect house and most gracious host!
Thank you, Nat for a wonderful weekend visit to Buchanan, Virginia. We took advantage of all of your recommendations - hiked, tubed, ate well; but, most of all we loved being in your beautiful home! We very much enjoyed the large swing, well equipped kitchen, super comfy beds and all of the little touches that made us feel right at home in this town that means so much to us. We will definitely be back!
Holly H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
manoj v.
May 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Vacation
We enjoyed the stay in every aspect. House was newly renovated and has all the essentials for cooking and comfortable stay. very close to all attractions in the area.
manoj v.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Angie H.
May 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice stay in Buchanan
Enjoyed the home very much - we enjoyed the accessibility of the home and the porch. It was wonderful for our family of four. Very comfortable beds, great kitchen and dining areas.
We love staying at the River Cottage when visiting family in the area. The porch and backyard are my favorite things about the cottage. It is so delightful to gather there for visiting, relaxing and grilling. The kitchen is large and a pleasure to work in. The beds are very comfortable. The owners provide many "extras" that often are not included in rental homes which is quite generous and convenient.
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ketni M.
Jan 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Relaxing and Modern Cabin
We loved our stay. The view is breathtaking, the house is very comfortable and the city is adorable! Can’t wait to go back in the summer. My pup had a wonderful time playing outdoor by the fire pit, and my toddler enjoyed running on the huge yard and watching the train go by at the foot of the mountain! Nat was a great host, very responsive and helpful!!
Ketni M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
erica g.
Nov 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Mountain
We chose this home because we were touring colleges for our daughter and traveling with our dog. The location is perfect for a relaxing stay but close enough to the major highway. Natt was extremely helpful with suggestions for nearby hikes and restaurants as well as making sure the house was clean and well equipped for our stay. The large swing on the porch was a treat to take in the sights of the beautiful mountain landscape. If our daughter selects a nearby college we will certainly come back to this home away from home.
erica g.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Brent M.
Nov 3, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed our stay
We stayed for a weekend to celebrate our daughter's 16th birthday. Home was very clean and completely updated. Home is convenient to Lexington, hiking and Blue Ridge Parkway. Good dining options only a short drive away. Can also walk to a few dining options in town. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a place to stay in the Shenandoah Valley.
Brent M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jonathan P.
Oct 26, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
VMI Family Weekend
We enjoyed our stay! Super cute home. Boys enjoyed getting to hang out away from post and down by the river. Nate did an excellent job communicating with us before our stay and informing us of all the opportunities to explore during our stay.