Staying Above the Clouds in the Beautiful Virginia Mountains

As we are writing about our second stay at Skyline Crest -- this very special mountain-top retreat -- it is a pleasure to do so. And friends we have already told about Skyline Crest will recognize what we have to say.

Living in Washington, DC particularly, it's difficult to think of a closer, more inspiring, solitary (if you wish it to be), refreshing place for a retreat or escape from everyday. One drives in the general direction of Charlottesville, VA, then to Crozet, VA, and then up the mountain for 5 miles. A four-wheel drive vehicle will make you feel the most secure on the ascent up the mountain. We haven't tried it in the snow, but if it's not passable, the owner, Dan O'Neill, will let you know before you try it.

Then, it's a privilege to stay in the beautiful, perfectly sited home, with all the conveniences of your own home. We find it to be both comfortable and inspiring. The inspiration comes from being surrounded by the beauty of the Shenandoah Mountains wherever you look. The house has been built to maximize the views for anyone inside it. One can enjoy all the different seasons of the year at Skyline Crest. And, don't forget, you're way up over the clouds, so the temperatures are cooler there than "down below". We highly recommend this destination and we look forward to our next visit.

Stayed December, 2015

Buck's Elbow is God's Country

I cannot think of any place I have ever stayed where the cares and concerns of the daily round of living fall away faster or more completely that at Skyline Crest. A beautifully appointed house that sits atop a mountain just 40 minutes pleasant drive from Charlottesville, Virginia, offers all the comforts of home, but does so in a setting that is truly magnificent, even inspirational. Gorgeous far-reaching views to every point on the compass. On a reasonably clear day one can gaze down into the fabled Shenandoah Valley or look straight across it to the distant Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. Gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. A nighttime sky with more stars and constellations than can be counted, and a vaulting, majestic Milky Way worthy of its name. Read, relax, hike, decompress, and return home refreshed in a way you would not have thought possible. - Eileen P.

Stayed October, 2015

Beautiful Shenandoah solitude

After only two nights, we all felt very peaceful after being in this special place. The mountain air, views, surrounding lands to explore (saw deer, owl, rattlesnake, heard coyotes off in the distance at night), starry nights and sunsets made this a wonderful trip for us nature lovers. Pancakes just taste better here! And we had to stop on the drive up to watch a mother bear and her cub cross the road! The owner was very gracious and helpful. - Jenn, Richmond VA

Stayed August, 2015

Fantastic view and solitude!

his is a great place to stay and relax. My wife and I stayed here and loved the view and the quiet time. Its just you, the view, the birds and deer, and occasionally some cows! The property is on top of the mountain with incredible views, particularly looking north along the length of the Shenandoah. It is well kept and clean with everything you would need for a comfortable stay. We would watch the sunset and then when it was dark enough go to the rooftop deck and watch the stars. I was able to get some great photos of the milky way as well! I would recommend being prepared for your stay when you go up the mountain but the property is still close enough to other things that it is easy to get to town and other activities. The roads were in good shape and our sedan had no problems. However, if the weather would turn bad, I could see it getting a little rough.

Did I mention the view? Highly recommended!

- Chris V.

Stayed August, 2015

Absolutely Amazing!

I can't say enough about our recent stay at the mountain retreat. The views were beyond amazing and the house amenities were more than we could have asked for. It was an extremely peaceful and relaxing week for my family. Thank you for allowing us to stay! We look forward to coming again! - Tom F.

Stayed July, 2015

Great house with outstanding views

We stayed here in July to escape the summer heat and had a wonderful time on the mountaintop. The house is in great condition with everything you could need for a vacation getaway, and the views speak for themselves-- we experienced amazing vistas of the blue ridge mountains as well as the cozy feeling of being enclosed by mist when the fog rolled in. The high ceilings in the living room (and the huge wall of windows) are the icing on the cake. Thanks, Dan! - Ryan F.,
Washington, DC

Stayed July, 2015

Memorable Mountain House

This was a stunning property about halfway between Charlottesville and the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park. It felt like we had the mountain to ourselves (except for the cows of course), and the views were spectacular. The house was charming, spacious, and filled with sunlight thanks to the high windows. Quirky selection of old books also a plus. We would definitely stay here again. - Neil S.

Stayed May, 2015

Beautiful, Private Mountain Retreat

Skyline Crest was beautiful and I can't say enough good things about our visit. We drove up from Richmond on a dreary day and were pleasantly surprised that upon our arrival, the rain stopped a beautiful mist rolled in that covered the entire mountain. Other than our first foggy evening (no complaints here), we had blue skies and perfect weather for the rest of our visit.

The house was clean, comfortable and sunny (loved the decks), and the kitchen was well stocked for cooking. We spent most of our time up on the property hiking around on the trails there (we met the neighborhood cattle, saw lots of deer, rabbits and even a black bear from a safe distance), but there are a ton of great vineyards and a little grocery nearby. Charlottesville is an easy drive - always have to stop at Bodo's for bagels and we checked out the new Belmont pizzeria, Lampo (get the cocktails).

Big thanks to Dan for being such a communicative and gracious host. Can't wait to come back!

Stayed May, 2015

Perfect escape to the top of the mountain

Dan, the owner, was very responsive to emails and provided great customer service. The listing was accurate. Dan sent very detailed directions along with other things to do. The house was very well maintained and up to date. It was a perfect location for a getaway to unplug from all electronics, if desired. If you need them TV and internet were available. We would definitely recommend this property to friends and hope to return some day soon. - Joel B.

Stayed May, 2015

Just as Advertised!

My wife and I brought our two children (ages 8 and 5) to give them the experience of being secluded in the mountains in this uniquely beautiful and special home. It was as advertised and provided everything we were looking for- an exciting drive to the top, seclusion, and natural beauty along with all the amenities one would find at home. We unplugged the television and enjoyed family time- hiking a few miles on a nearby trail, looking for wild animals (we saw a lot of deer and signs of a bear in the woods!), and the opportunity to create special memories as a family. I would highly recommend this property to anyone interested in doing the same! The owner was very nice and easy to work with and we’re lucky he’s willing to share such a special place. We would definitely go back at some point in the future! - Rich G., Wilmington, Delaware

Stayed April, 2015