You will be wowed when you open the French Doors and step inside.
A lovely new modern farm house kitchen is the first room that will put a smile on your face. You will think you are on an episode of Fixer Upper. The delight continues as you move from room to room and the best part is we have turned this once abandoned home to one of the best experiences you will have. We are now in our 9th year with Home Away and continue to get repeat guests. Not only are you getting a lovely, clean home to enjoy but outdoor spaces and awesome views are and added bonus. Our lowest rate is based on 4 guests each additional guests are $30 per guests up to 6 guests per night. You will not be disappointed when you see that every detail of your needs and then some are provided.
Here is our story- this recently updated and remodeled farmhouse was once the home of my high school science teacher. I grew up just over the Shenandoah River from this home and my husband and I had the opportunity to purchase it and rescue it from many years of abandonment and neglect.
The Miller House is a home in which everything that has been done has been done with love, family and pride. It is not just a vacation home but part of history- some known-some unknown. It’s a home we want to share with those that get it. From the creaky floors to the metal roof that can talk to you on a windy night. This is a place that is an experience. It’s where my husband stripped the floors until his knees where damaged for life. A home that has the same comforting mountain views I grew up with. I couldn’t wait to leave -experience this vast world we live in-but here I am after many great experiences back where I started. We want to share it-not just any house-but The Miller House in honor of a family that also put in the blood, sweat and tears!
From the moment you arrive in the driveway the 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge will bring a peacefulness to your soul.
The house dates back to 1913 with the possibility of the the eastern side of the home dating back to the late 1800's. We have tried to keep the characteristic of the home in place so that you don't feel you are in just another remodeled old house. Keep in mind that it is an old house we decided to keep the old leaded glass windows and the original front door. There are no screens in the windows but we have added air conditioning and central heat so please be respectful and keep doors closed and the windows closed as well.
We did away with 3 small rooms on the first level and added a large modern kitchen and living area. The bar that seats 5 was made of reclaimed wood from the property except the new butcher block top. There is also farm table with seating for 6 which was my mom and dads table where we hosted man6 a Sunday dinner. Since we also make this our home from time to time it is well equipped with everything you need for preparing meals. The appliances are new and the range is gas. The sink is from the 1940's and it does feature a garbage disposal and there is a new dishwasher.
The living area has a large new sectional sofa and 2 side chairs.
We have high speed comcast provided internet. We have many games and puzzles to enjoy as a family. The cell phone signal is excellent. There is a smart tv with Roku.
The wood on the walls surrounding the gas fireplace are from the attic floor of the house as well as the wood on the wrapped beams.
Also on the first floor is a formal dinning room. Please feel free to dine there-especially if you are hosting a Thanksgiving or Christmas or Easter dinner. The fireplace in the dining room is not usable and dates back from the late 1800's when we think the original small 2 story 2 room house was built.
You will find a new bathroom at the end of the hallway. It features a tile shower and a stone floor.
As yo7 venture upstairs you will see the staircase and banisters we stripped many layers of paint off and decided to leave because everyone says they like it that way. Thank goodness.,😂.
At the top of the stairs our room is on the left and not available to guests.
The first bedroom on the right has a queen bed, wardrobe, bedside tables and a desk or makeup table. There is a bench at the end of the bed for suitcases and a luggage rack in the room.
You then enter what was once an outside screened porch and is now a sunroom.
Down the hallway is a second bedroom that features a queen 4 post bed and an antique double bed from the late 1800's with a matching dresser also from the late 1800’s . An antique table that’s once housed a radio and 2 side chairs. Also 2 luggage racks.
The third bedroom features a queen bed and 2 side tables, a blanket chest 2 dressers and a rocking chair. You will find childrens books and toys in this room and there is plenty of room for a pack and play.
The housekeepers closet is located there and not available for guests.
In the upstairs bath you will find a custom sink cabinet make from reclaimed wood we found in the barn. In this bathroom features the original small sink and cast iron tub that were originally in the house. Also barn doors made from wood found in the barn separate the tub and toilet area from the sink.
Please see the floor plans in the photos provided.
There are 2 porches so take your pick. In the mornings the front porch is the place to be so that you are out of the morning sun. We recently had a local 4th generation stone mason lay fieldstone on the porch to blend in with the original stone work on the property. In the evening the screened porch offers a cooling breeze from the ceiling fans and a place to enjoy a book, and the fireflies in the field at night. We also have sunshades you can pull down so it’s useable on a sunny morning as you enjoy your coffee.
Steps away you will find an outdoor space, recently we did away with a large graveled area and it now features a beautiful trek deck with comfortable outdoor furniture. Please remember to put the covers on the furniture and outdoor fireplace when leaving for the day, before a rainstorm and when checking out. There is a newly paved area for outdoor dining with 6 chairs off to the left side and an umbrella if needed. The covers go in the Smokehouse Bar in a wooden box when you need to stow them please. We have stacked chairs beside the smokehouse bar- please use them around the firepit instead of moving other chairs there.
. We try to have firewood on site. If you do use firewood we ask that you contribute to the firewood fund. There is a mason jar in the kitchen for donations. Its best to bring a long handled lighter and some lighter fluid and fire starters with you for ease of starting fire.
There is also a gas grill and a gas firepit in the icehouse. Extra gas tank is in the Smokehouse Bar.
Star gazing is spectacular on a clear night as we have no street lights and the sound of the coyotes in the distance is so cool!!
The greatest surprise is the "Smokehouse Bar". Yes this used to be the smoke house where hams were hung to smoke. It was falling down when we purchased it and decided it would be a cool place to hang out.
This property was once part of the surrounding farmland that you see on both sides. The Miller family had a dairy operation, raised cattle and chickens and had a large vegetable garden on the property. In the winter back in the early 1900's they even cut ice from the nearby pond and stored it in the ice house to keep their perishables cold. The icehouse is now a great place to chill beside a gas firepit in case its a rainy day or you don't want to hassle with building a wood fire.
There is a potting shed, on the property. Please feel free to check out and hang out if you like. We also just added a sunset viewing area on the western facing side of the workshop.
A childrens playhouse is also on the property and has a kitchen play set inside.
The barn is not available to guests neither is the milk house as they are used for persona use and storage only. and any buildings that are locked are not as well. Presently my daughter has things stored from her business in the lower part of the barn and in the milk house so please respect these spaces.
The Shenandoah River is less than a mile away and there you will find a public boat landing. We have inner tubes available for $5 each. They are in the back end of the Smokehouse Bar. Some may need inflating so if you can bring an inflator.
Luray Caverns is 15 mins away and the entrance to the Skyline Drive off of 211 east is 50 mins away. Wisteria winery and farm are located about 6 miles from the house outside Stanley. It's a funky little winery with chickens and sheep roaming around and music on certain weekends as well as wine tasting. The town of Luray offers dining experiences and shopping. New Market is across the western mountain range and features the Civil War Battlefield and many antique shops and wineries scattered throughout the small towns. Also Massanutten Resort is about 35 mins away with winter activities and year round pool resort.
Charlottesville Virginia is an hour away. Harrisonburg Virginia and James Madison University is a 45 min drive.
Riverbend Road is a community of farms and families most of which are families related to each other and who have lived here for many many years. The traffic is minimal so its a great place to take a walk or go riding bicycles. Nights are quiet except for the sounds of the nightlife and there are no street lights so you can truly enjoy the stars.
Our family live across the street and help us manage the property they are always willing to help if you have any concerns, challenges or questions.
Take off your shoes before entering😊👍 and follow checkout instructions.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read our story. Guests say they wish they had more time there- so hopefully you will too.
Randy and Dawn
