Unique Retreat: Basye/Orkney Springs General Store

Entire place in Orkney Springs, Virginia

  1. 7 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 4 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Betsy And Will
  1. Superhost
  2. 5 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.

Comfy bed for better sleep

The room-darkening shades and extra bedding are loved by guests.
Iconic country store, reimagined as a cozy cottage home with a private pickleball court in the large fenced yard. Our sunny retreat sits at the heart of Orkney Springs, an enchanted village of white-washed homes and tall oaks. Once the hub of this rural community, the store is once again ready for friends and family to gather for rest, laughter & catching up. Treat yourselves to an easy getaway with hikes to stunning views, starlight s'mores around a bonfire, and a luxurious night's sleep.

The space
Betsy's grandfather was the longtime Postmaster of Orkney Springs, running the PO out of his general store. She recalls back when the store was the bustling center of town where kids would come for candy, and neighbors just to shoot the breeze. Lovingly converted into a sweet cottage with the same old spirit of hospitality, the General Store now sleeps up to 7 guests in gracious Orkney style: one deluxe Queen, one Double + Twin Bunkbed, and one high-end Queen-size sofa bed.

Just steps from the storied Orkney Springs Hotel and Shenandoah Valley Music Festival grounds, we are also close to beautiful hikes in the George Washington National Forest (right out the backdoor), swimming and canoeing at Lake Laura (5 minute drive), mountain biking and skiing at Bryce Resort (also 5 mins), beautiful vineyards and fun breweries, plus our local historic covered bridge over the Shenandoah--great spot for photographers!

Whether you're an active family who who wants to tube the river rapids or a quieter guest whose taste is more to treasure hunting in local antique stores, there is something for everyone to do. Definitely plan to visit Shrine Mont right next door, with its stunning outdoor chapel, flower gardens, and boardwalk-ringed pond. If you need to get a little work done (we hope not!) then you can depend on our fast high-speed internet. We also have a big smart tv if you'd enjoy cuddling up for a movie night. Orkney Springs is a special place, loved by many generations of families who used to come for the "healing waters" and now come for the serenity, natural beauty and sense of being transported to a unique "place apart."

Guest access
Guests will have sole access to the full cottage with its several private entrances. The large fenced backyard area may be shared with our family when we are in town, staying in the house next door. There is a designated parking area behind the house just for Airbnb guests.

Other things to note
The tiny post office still occupies the space adjacent to the cottage living area, with a separate entrance off the front porch, so you may notice some friendly neighbors coming and going from there. Feel free to buy stamps to support our post office staying local. And say hi to Debbie the postmistress!

Where you’ll sleep

1 of 2 pages

What this place offers

Mountain view
Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises
Pets allowed

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Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 132 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Orkney Springs, Virginia, United States
This listing's location is verified.

Neighborhood highlights

Old-time village at the foot of Great North Mountain, steps from historic Shrine Mont resort and a short drive from the activities at Bryce Resort. Beautiful hikes begin at our back door.

Meet your host

Superhost
132 reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
5 years of hosting
Lives in Orkney Springs, Virginia
We have lived in Central Virginia and NYC for all of our adult lives (moving back and forth several times.) We own a newly-listed Airbnb guest cottage in beautiful Shenandoah County, where we met when we were kids at summer camp. It's exciting to share this magical part of the country with others. We welcome guests from all walks of life and hope that you'll feel right at home in our cozy general store. We also love traveling ourselves, especially visiting our 3 far-flung adult children.

Betsy And Will is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
7 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm