River Retreat River Views | A-Frame + Hot Tub + Fenced Yard + Adventure Fort + Fire Pit

  • Storybook A-frame on the Ararat River. The kind of arrival you remember.
    Storybook A-frame on the Ararat River. The kind of arrival you remember.
  • Walk down the Ararat River. Sit a while. Do absolutely nothing.  Watch and Listen to nature.
    Walk down the Ararat River. Sit a while. Do absolutely nothing. Watch and Listen to nature.
  • The hot tub is perfect for evening relaxation and stargazing.
    The hot tub is perfect for evening relaxation and stargazing.
  • The 10-foot island — built for shared meals, half-finished puzzles, and long conversations.
    The 10-foot island — built for shared meals, half-finished puzzles, and long conversations.
  • Covered Ping Pong Patio AND a custom designed and built Lookout Fort will keep the young and young at heart engaged for days!
    Covered Ping Pong Patio AND a custom designed and built Lookout Fort will keep the young and young at heart engaged for days!
  • Hot tub. Fire pit. Dining deck. Every outdoor moment, steps from the back door.
    Hot tub. Fire pit. Dining deck. Every outdoor moment, steps from the back door.
  • Kitchen, dining, living — all under the A-frame, all close enough to stay connected.
    Kitchen, dining, living — all under the A-frame, all close enough to stay connected.
  • Fire pit nights are perfect for storytelling and stargazing. This space was designed for connection and comfort when nobody's quite ready to go inside yet.
    Fire pit nights are perfect for storytelling and stargazing. This space was designed for connection and comfort when nobody's quite ready to go inside yet.
  • Dinner outside. String lights overhead. Conversation that keeps going.
    Dinner outside. String lights overhead. Conversation that keeps going.
  • The porch swing — for the moments that don't make it onto itineraries.
    The porch swing — for the moments that don't make it onto itineraries.
  • Nestled beneath the covered patio, the entrance to the retreat feels private and inviting. It’s a charming first glimpse of the cozy, upscale experience inside.  Welcome to Mayberry River Retreat!
    Nestled beneath the covered patio, the entrance to the retreat feels private and inviting. It’s a charming first glimpse of the cozy, upscale experience inside. Welcome to Mayberry River Retreat!
  • Where everyone somehow ends up at the end of the day.
    Where everyone somehow ends up at the end of the day.
  • Smart TVs and strong Wi-Fi — for the part of vacation where everyone needs a beat.
    Smart TVs and strong Wi-Fi — for the part of vacation where everyone needs a beat.
  • Where dinner turns into conversation, and conversation turns into another hour at the table.
    Where dinner turns into conversation, and conversation turns into another hour at the table.
  • Plenty of room to cook and prep with two sinks and an oversized island.
    Plenty of room to cook and prep with two sinks and an oversized island.
  • Pour the wine. The island was built for the kind of nights that keep going.
    Pour the wine. The island was built for the kind of nights that keep going.
  • Isn't that marble dreamy?!
    Isn't that marble dreamy?!
  • Drip and Keurig, both loaded. Whoever's up first wins.
    Drip and Keurig, both loaded. Whoever's up first wins.
  • Primary Bedroom — king bed, forest mural, deep quiet.
    Primary Bedroom — king bed, forest mural, deep quiet.
  • Your own Smart TV in the primary suite — for the early-to-bed crowd.
    Your own Smart TV in the primary suite — for the early-to-bed crowd.
  • Custom-tiled ensuite bath — the kind of detail you notice.
    Custom-tiled ensuite bath — the kind of detail you notice.
  • This rainfall shower head will spoil you!
    This rainfall shower head will spoil you!
  • The family bedroom features a King bed and two sets of built in twin XL bunk beds.
    The family bedroom features a King bed and two sets of built in twin XL bunk beds.
  • Custom-built and big enough for the whole crew.
    Custom-built and big enough for the whole crew.
  • In this family room, the King is still King.  :)
    In this family room, the King is still King. :)
  • Two built in desks that can be used as work stations or getting ready stations.
    Two built in desks that can be used as work stations or getting ready stations.
  • Family bedroom — second angle, same easy comfort.
    Family bedroom — second angle, same easy comfort.
  • The family bathroom reflects the same modern, upscale aesthetic of the house.
    The family bathroom reflects the same modern, upscale aesthetic of the house.
  • Every fixture in this bathroom reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. It’s a space that feels both functional and refined.
    Every fixture in this bathroom reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. It’s a space that feels both functional and refined.
  • The deck where the grill gets going and the night settles in.
    The deck where the grill gets going and the night settles in.
  • Fire up the grill!  The grill is ready for everything from quick lunches to evening cookouts.
    Fire up the grill! The grill is ready for everything from quick lunches to evening cookouts.
  • With room to cook, dine, and unwind, the outside deck enhances every meal.
    With room to cook, dine, and unwind, the outside deck enhances every meal.
  • Gather around the fire pit for cozy days or evenings outdoors. Upscale seating makes it ideal for family conversations.
    Gather around the fire pit for cozy days or evenings outdoors. Upscale seating makes it ideal for family conversations.
  • Enjoy upscale comfort surrounded by peaceful riverfront nature.
    Enjoy upscale comfort surrounded by peaceful riverfront nature.
  • The backyard is designed for easy supervision and stress-free play. It’s a family-friendly space without sacrificing style.
    The backyard is designed for easy supervision and stress-free play. It’s a family-friendly space without sacrificing style.
  • The Lookout Fort. Custom built. Kid-tested. Probably going to need a second visit.
    The Lookout Fort. Custom built. Kid-tested. Probably going to need a second visit.
  • The 400-foot private walking path down to the river.
    The 400-foot private walking path down to the river.
  • Adirondacks for everyone to enjoy the river.
    Adirondacks for everyone to enjoy the river.
  • The Ararat River — slow water, slow afternoons.
    The Ararat River — slow water, slow afternoons.
  • Your little private slice of the Ararat River.   The pace changes here.
    Your little private slice of the Ararat River. The pace changes here.
  • Family-friendly games like Mount Airyopoly are perfect for rainy days or cozy nights in.
    Family-friendly games like Mount Airyopoly are perfect for rainy days or cozy nights in.
  • A curated collection of games makes it easy for families to unplug and play together.
    A curated collection of games makes it easy for families to unplug and play together.
  • Quiet mornings, unhurried evenings, and space to simply be together define River Retreat.  We hope you enjoy your stay!
    Quiet mornings, unhurried evenings, and space to simply be together define River Retreat. We hope you enjoy your stay!
  • Quiet mornings. Unhurried evenings. Space to breathe.
    Quiet mornings. Unhurried evenings. Space to breathe.
  • The A-frame at the end of the drive. Easy to find, easy to settle into.
    The A-frame at the end of the drive. Easy to find, easy to settle into.
  • Fenced backyard, fort, A-frame — the trip, in one frame.
    Fenced backyard, fort, A-frame — the trip, in one frame.
  • Washer, dryer, detergent on hand — for the days that get muddy.
    Washer, dryer, detergent on hand — for the days that get muddy.
  • How the layout flows — for the planners in the group.  3D floor plan.
    How the layout flows — for the planners in the group. 3D floor plan.
$128-485/night
2 Bedrooms • 2 Baths • Sleeps 6-8
Allows pets Internet River Mountain Hot Tub (more...)

Perched above the Ararat River just 2.5 miles from Main Street, this completely rebuilt storybook A-frame feels wonderfully tucked away. Stargaze from the hot tub, make s'mores around the fire pit, challenge someone to "one more" game of ping pong, or let the kids disappear into the Lookout Fort. Soaring windows bring beautiful river views inside, while a private path leads down to the water. Fully fenced in and designed so everyone can play, relax, reconnect and enjoy their own vacation.

💫 The Highlights — Why Guests Love It

River Retreat makes it easy to spend time together without everyone having to do the same thing. Kids can play. Dogs can run. Adults can relax. And everyone still feels connected.

2 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · sleeps up to 6 adults / 8 max with children

✓ Completely rebuilt A-frame overlooking the Ararat River
✓ Soaring two-story windows with beautiful river views
✓ Private river frontage with seating beside the water
✓ Year-round hot tub
✓ Fully fenced backyard
✓ The Lookout Fort — built for the young and young at heart
✓ Covered ping pong for rain-or-shine play
✓ Fire pit with Adirondack seating and café lights
✓ Outdoor dining and charcoal grill
✓ Oversized 10-foot kitchen island
✓ Private river access via steep 400' concrete path
✓ Pay-It-Forward pantry stocked with spices, staples, and extras
✓ Just 2.5 miles from Historic Main Street

🏠 Inside

Soaring A-frame windows anchor the open kitchen, dining, and living spaces, with plenty of room to gather without feeling crowded.

The oversized kitchen island tends to become command central — breakfast in the morning, games in the afternoon, and conversation long after dinner should have ended.

🛏 Where You'll Sleep

Primary Bedroom
✓ King bed
✓ Ensuite bathroom with custom tiled shower

Family Bedroom
✓ King bed
✓ 4 Twin XL bunk beds
✓ 2 desks / getting-ready stations

✓ 2 full bathrooms
✓ Fresh linens, pillows, and extra blankets

🌲 Outside

This is where River Retreat really earns its name.

✓ Fully fenced backyard
✓ Year-round hot tub
✓ Lookout Fort
✓ Covered ping pong
✓ Outdoor dining
✓ Charcoal grill
✓ Fire pit with café lights
✓ Private path to the river

Everyone can find their own favorite spot without disappearing from the group.

🅿️ Parking & Access

✓ Private driveway with parking for up to 6 vehicles
✓ Easy unloading for groceries, luggage, and gear
✓ Digital guest guide provided before arrival with check-in details, house information, and local recommendations

📍 Nearby

🛍 Historic Main Street: 5–10 minutes
🍺 Restaurants, breweries & coffee shops: 5–10 minutes
🍷 Vineyards & wineries: 15–30 minutes
🥾 Pilot Mountain State Park: ~20 minutes
🌄 Blue Ridge Parkway: ~30 minutes

Guests consistently describe River Retreat as feeling away from everything while still being minutes from town — one of the property's recurring strengths.

👋 Meet Beata

Hi — I'm Beata. I personally manage River Retreat and every reservation. Small things are automated so you get answers quickly, but anything that needs judgment or a decision comes directly to me. You won't be handed off to someone who doesn't know the house or have the authority to help. Hospitality matters deeply to me, and I'm always accessible when you genuinely need me.

📋 House Rules & Things To Know

🕙 Quiet hours: 10 PM–8 AM
🐶 Up to 2 pre-approved dogs with refundable deposit
📶 Strong Wi-Fi throughout
🔥 Firewood not provided
🍔 Charcoal grill; charcoal follows our Pay-It-Forward approach
🧾 Rental agreement required within 24 hours
⚠️ Private river frontage is accessed by a 400' concrete path with steep sections
🚭 No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property
👤 Primary renter must be 25+
📅 Maximum occupancy includes daytime visitors
🌊 Neighboring guests may occasionally be visible along nearby sections of the river; your path and river frontage are private

🧺 What's Already Here

🍳 Kitchen: Cookware, bakeware, dishes, Keurig + drip coffee makers, paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher pods, and pantry basics

🛁 Bathrooms: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, toilet paper, hair dryers, towels, and washcloths

🧺 Laundry & Family: Washer/dryer, detergent, linens, extra blankets, iron, Pack 'n Play, and high chair

🎲 Entertainment & Tech: Board games, Smart TVs, charging stations, streaming access, and strong Wi-Fi

Hi — I'm Beata. I'm a professional host, Penn State alum, mom to two boys (born in 2006 and 2009), and someone who genuinely believes places can shape experiences. My family is originally from Poland — yes, I speak Polish — and over the years we've lived in multiple states and even a few different countries. One thing I've learned along the way is that some of the moments people remember most are rarely the big planned moments. They're usually the little things. Kids laughing somewhere in the background. A late-night conversation around a fire. Coffee before everyone else wakes up. I think that's probably one of the reasons I care so much about hospitality now.

Mount Airy, North Carolina

Property Type House
Accommodation Entire Home
Check-In A keypad is available 24 hours a day to provide entry for guests
House Rules
  • Maximum occupancy: 8
  • Children welcome
  • Infants welcome
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Wheelchair inaccessible
  • Minimum age of primary renter: 25
  • Pets welcome
Setting & View
  • Water View
  • River
  • Mountain
  • Waterfront
  • River View
General
  • Internet / Wifi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Central Heating
  • Linens Provided
  • Towels Provided
  • Washing Machine
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Hot Water
  • Private Living Room
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Board
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Laptop Friendly Workspace
  • Basic Soaps
  • Paper Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hangers
  • Private Entrance
  • Lock On Bedroom Door
  • Extra Pillows & Blankets
  • Body Soap
  • Hair Conditioner
  • Rain Shower
  • Clothing Storage (closet or wardrobe)
Kitchen
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Spices/Pantry Items
  • Coffee Maker
  • Toaster
  • Ice Maker
  • Freezer
  • Blender
  • Kettle
  • Pots & Pans
  • Kitchen Island
  • Dining Table
  • Baking Sheet
  • Barbeque/Grill Utensils
  • Coffee
  • Wine Glasses
Dining
  • Child's Highchair
Bathrooms 2 Baths
  • Ensuite Full – Shower, Toilet
  • Hall Full Bathroom – Shower, Toilet
Sleeping Arrangements 2 Bedrooms, sleeps 6-8
  • Primary King Ensuite – 1 King Bed
  • Family Room – 1 King Bed, 4 Twin Beds
Entertainment
  • Television
  • Games/Board Games
  • Books
  • Ping Pong Table
  • Smart TV
Family
  • Children's Dinnerware
  • Pack N Play/Travel Crib
  • Room Darkening Shades
Outdoor
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Deck/Patio (uncovered)
  • Lawn/Garden
  • Walkable to Park/Playground
  • Private Yard
  • Fire Pit
  • Fenced Yard
  • Play Area
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Playground
Pool/Spa
  • Hot Tub
Vehicles
  • Free Parking
Theme
  • Adventure
  • Family
  • Historic
  • Romantic
  • Tourist Attractions
Attractions
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Museums
  • Winery Tours
Leisure
  • Antiquing
  • Bird Watching
  • Shopping
  • Wildlife Viewing
Sports & Adventure
  • Basketball Court
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Water Tubing
Safety
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Deadbolt Lock
  • Fire Emergency Contact
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • First Aid Kit
  • Medical Emergency Contact
  • Exterior Lighting
  • Police Emergency Contact
  • Smoke Detector
  • Enhanced Cleaning Practices
  • Cleaning Disinfection
  • Common Surface Disinfectant Cleaned
  • Linens High Temp Wash
  • Cleaning Products
Expectations
  • Near Lake, River, or Water Body
  • Climbing/Play Structure
Check Out Tasks
  • Turn Things Off
  • Throw Away Trash
  • Lock Up
  • Gather Towels
Accessibility
  • Single Level Home
  • Path To Entrance Lit At Night
Season Rate
Default
1/1 - 12/31
Night
$128 - $422
Weekend Night
$147 - $485

Cancellation Policy: One hundred percent (100.00%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. For cancellations made within 60 days prior to the arrival date, no refund will be issued.