Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance at Arbor Vitae, a breathtaking Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home and matching guest house, nestled among the trees on a large private lot. With enormous walls of glass on all levels, this enchanting mountain home invites the outside in -- enjoy the changing fall foliage, the night's sky, gently falling snow and the playful dance of wildlife right from the living space! This property was designed by Donald Chandler, a devotee of Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of “organic” principles: physical and aesthetic harmony with nature. Chandler's architectural expertise was highly sought and he completed more than 600 commissions throughout the United States.
Please review the listing photos carefully. Arbor Vitae is a one-of-a-kind property with comforts you'd expect of a high-end private, quiet retreat in the mountains. It's an exceptional home for families and small groups looking for a quiet location where nature provides both serenity and entertainment.
FEATURES & AMENITIES
Chandler designed Arbor Vitae (the Tree of Life) as a metaphor of a tree. The center of this home (brick fireplace) represents the trunk, its roof represents the canopy with huge eaves, and its three levels represent branches. The grand covered entry breezeway delivers guests to custom stained glass french doors, which open into wide-open spaces and soaring vaulted ceilings. This airy, open atmosphere is perfect for entertaining and quiet evenings spent curled up with a book and wine by the central gas logs fireplace. The oversize side deck, accessible through two sets of french doors off the dining room, is ideal for grilling meals and gathering around the Solo Stove fire pit on crisp fall, winter, and spring nights under the stars. The main floor is entirely for living, entertaining, relaxing and eating! Please note: this home has an elevator but it is inoperable.
A handcrafted oak spiral staircase transports guests to the lovingly designed two lower levels. The middle level is, essentially, it's own primary suite with king bed complete with a huge walk-in closet, a spa-like shower, and jetted tub for ultimate relaxation. Two vanities provide ample space for morning routines. Just down the hall, rejuvenate in your own private sauna after a long day playing in the Shenandoah Valley! Rounding out the primary suite is a large bright office, illuminated by natural light and surrounded by trees, which helps maintain focus on your task without compromising ambiance of the home. The office area also is a perfect spot for building puzzles, wrapping gifts, and anything else that needs bright, ample desk space.
The oak spiral staircase descends one more level into a spacious executive game room and guest suite. The second bedroom has two twin beds and a full-size bed with an attached full bath, accessed by a walk-through closet, ensuring privacy and easy bathroom access from others who may be enjoying a game of billiards and conversation on the lower deck.
Extra special to this property is an architecturally-matching guest house. The guest house is about 25 yards from the main house accessible via a flagstone walkway, which begins at the main breeze way near the good-luck moose statue (made of horseshoes!) and watched over by a carved baby bear statuette along the walk. The guest house is efficiency-style with a Smart TV, queen bed, full bathroom, kitchenette, and private deck. The guest house also offers a variety of workout gear including a treadmill, rowing machine, and yoga mat. The guest house's lower level is the owner's private brewery and not accessible to guests; however, guests are welcome to enjoy the lower-level stone patio, fire pit, and outdoor seating.
Depending on group or family configuration, Arbor Vitae comfortably sleeps six to eight with plenty of space either to spread out or congregate!
Arbor Vitae is supplied with bedding (pillows, bedspreads, blankets), fresh bed linens, one towel set per max occupants, one travel-size bar soap per max occupants, two rolls toilet paper per bathroom, four dishwasher tabs, five trash bags, one bath trash bag per bathroom, one paper towel roll, two kitchen dish towels, one travel-size dish soap, and one scrubby pad. We encourage guests with large groups, or who are staying several nights, or who are heavy users of consumable supplies to bring extra supplies or purchase them at the local Basye Community Store.
The four flat screen Smart TVs (living area and three bedrooms) allow guests to log into popular streaming apps. Very fast 300+mbps Eero WiFi internet, which is ample for working, streaming and gaming.
OTHER NOTABLES:
This is a Self-Check-In unit. You'll receive check-in instructions via email seven days prior to arrival (or immediately if booking within seven days) that include the property s address, driving directions, a unique Key Code, and other important information. IMPORTANT: the main house is accessible by a physical key contained in a Smart Lockbox mounted next to the entry door. The same key code will also access the Smart Lock on the guest house (no key required).
Pets are allowed at this property for $100 per pet, per stay.
This property has a propane grill and Solo Stove fire pit on the side deck. It also has a fire pit on the guest house lower patio. It does NOT have an outdoor hot tub.
This property has a garage and a brewery (lower level of guest house) that are owner-private and not accessible to guests.
The elevator and train set above the living area are NOT operable.
Guests can purchase firewood for the fire pits from the kiosk in our office parking lot (2565 Orkney Grade) or the Basye Community Store.
Guests cannot access the Bryce Resort pool (Bryce Landing), which is for Bryce Resort member use only. However, guests have unlimited access to the Bryce Mountain Escapes pool at our reception office (2565 Orkney Grade). See pictures of the Bryce Mountain Escapes pool in the unit listing -- it s open 9am-5pm, Monday through Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Quiet hours after 10:00 pm are strongly enforced by the local security and police.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY FUN:
Bryce Resort offers many activities and features throughout the year, including snow skiing/boarding, snow tubing, golf, Lake Laura swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, paddle boating, and kayaking, and a thrill-filled lift-accessed mountain bike park. Please visit Bryce Resort s website for more information, seasonality, and pricing. Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts.
Bryce Resort is also the perfect launch point for many other adventures in the northern Shenandoah Valley, including hiking, fishing, hot air ballooning, visiting wineries breweries, exploring caverns, antiquing, enjoying the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival on summer Saturdays in nearby Orkney Springs, and so much more.
Luray Caverns40 min in auto - 57.4 km
James Madison University41 min in auto - 69.5 km