LAKE TIME: Pet friendly, beautifully furnished classic lake home with gentle lot, deep water, and mountain view. Ping ping, foosball and kayaks included.
LAKE TIME: Pet friendly, beautifully furnished classic lake home with gentle lot, deep water, and mountain view. Ping ping, foosball and kayaks included.
With a stay at this vacation home in Buchanan, you'll be on a river, just a 1-minute walk from Jefferson National Forest and 9 minutes by foot from James River. .This vacation home is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Buchanan Swinging Bridge and 10.2 mi (16.3 km) from Peaks of Otter Visitor Center.
Wilson Warehouse / Community House - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Buchanan Swinging Bridge - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Virginia Military Institute - 26 min drive - 30.5 miles
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital - 33 min drive - 35.5 miles
Liberty University - 54 min drive - 45.3 miles
Getting around
Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Foot of the Mountain Cafe - 4 min drive
Drip - 8 min walk
North Star Restaurant - 6 min drive
The Buchanan Grill - 6 min walk
Buchanan Fountain and Grille - 6 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Getaway and relax! Enjoy the James River with mountain views!
Fully renovated cottage! Best kayaking and canoeing on the upper James River! 300 ft riverfront for fishing. Large open back deck with mountain views. Perfect for grillin' and chillin'. Wonderful hiking, Peaks of Otter and Apple Orchard Falls.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Location highlights
In the mountains
Near a zoo
On a river
Things to do
Kayak
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,100 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Note from host: $50 per pup
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Upper bunk is for ages 10 and older only
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Getaway and relax! Enjoy the James River with mountain views! Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 63 reviews
10 - Excellent
63
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 63 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 63 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl P.
Nov 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay. It feels like a home away from home.
Cheryl P.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
cheryl w.
Oct 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
It was a nice surprise to have the river in the back yard. The beds were so comfortable and so much room in the kitchen and dining area. The back deck was so nice to hang out on. We will be back !!
cheryl w.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrea S., Greensboro NC USA
Sep 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed a weekend at the house with family. Walked to a coffee shop. Fished on the river. The house is very well equipped…everything you could need. Great communication with the owner throughout. We plan to stay again in the future.
Andrea S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Meredith C.
Sep 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Nat was one of the most helpful hosts I’ve ever interacted with. He gave us so many recommendations on things to do, where to eat as well as details about the house and area, which made planning for the trip that much easier. House is located right off the blue ridge parkway for easy access to hikes and right down the street from twin river outfitters. Great stay!
Meredith C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl M.
Jul 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Nat is the best of best when it comes to owners. He made sure we knew where to go and what to do while we were there. Comfort was ensured several times. The house is well stocked and very clean. We loved the nearby brewery, little coffee shop and ice cream spots. If you're looking for a place to stay in this area....this is it!
Cheryl M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ruth W.
Jul 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Truly 10/10. Lovely remodeled house that's clean, comfortable and well-stocked. We had everything we needed and then some. The back porch is a huge bonus and we loved the games and floats. Would highly recommend!!
Our stay at The River House was absolutely perfect. The home is even more beautiful in person—charming, peaceful, and thoughtfully appointed with everything you could need for a relaxing getaway. Waking up to the sounds of the river and sipping coffee with that stunning view was pure magic.The property is spotless and well-maintained, with cozy furnishings and plenty of space to unwind. We especially loved being close local attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Natural Bridge. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and responsive, making check-in seamless and our entire stay stress-free. It truly felt like a home away from home.
Beverly D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Charlotte S.
Jun 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
River House
Had a wonderful time at the river house with family. Beautiful house with a beautiful view. Looks newly remodeled with a very nice, well equipped and spacious kitchen and a very nice covered deck for congregating and enjoying the mountain and river view. The premises were spotless clean. Close to restaurants and outfitters for the river. Nat is very friendly, helpful, and responsive.
Charlotte S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shannon S.
May 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Shannon S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jason M.
May 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Best VRBO experience
Everything about our stay was top notch. The house is newly remodeled and everything was clean and fresh. We had a great time hanging out on the giant back patio and playing games around the large dining room table. The view of the river with the mountain behind it was breathtaking. Nat is a great owner who really cared that we had a perfect stay in his beautiful home. He was proactive with his communication and made sure we knew he'd be there if any issues arose.
Property is set on a gorgeous lot overlooking a mountain. The house is comfortable, clean, and stocked with all necessary items. We cooked most meals in and relaxed on the oversized deck swing. Our days were spent hiking. We managed 2 5-hour hikes. We liked the Little Cove Mountain/AT trial better than the Flat Top Mountain trail because it had more interesting areas and better views. Next time, we want to include kayaking (we were a bit too early in the season on this visit). Overall, great location, great property, and perfect for outdoor adventures.
J M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Katie M., Stafford, VA
Dec 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Getaway
We spent Thanksgiving here and it was the perfect fit for a quick getaway from the hustle of Northern Virginia. The listing is as described. The kitchen was outfitted for all of our cooking needs, including sharp knives! The place was completely renovated so everything was clean and felt very comfortable. The neighborhood is quiet and we enjoyed some local hiking. The owner was great at communicating, answering any questions, and informing of us local restaurants and things to do. Would for sure go back again when looking to get away for a couple days.
Katie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ana O.
Dec 4, 2024
Ana O.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beverly D.
Nov 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Charming River House
This was my second extended stay in this beautiful house. This home has everything that I need for a very comfortable stay. From booking, to checking in, and communicating with the owner who checks in just to ensure that everything is great. Honestly, the house could not be more perfect. We will absolutely return for another visit soon.
Beverly D.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl P.
Oct 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Fall Getaway
We felt like we were at home, only better. The porch swing was a big hit with the entire family - perfect for enjoying a gorgeous view. Very well stocked kitchen. This was a great place for us for parents weekend at VMI. We enjoyed exploring Buchanan and the James River. We’ll definitely be back!
Cheryl P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julia U.
Oct 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
We stayed here while I was a part of a wedding. The house was cute and clean. While I did not get to spend to much time at the home due to wedding duties it was a great spot for my husband and kids to bond before he deploys in two weeks.
Julia U.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth W.
Oct 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The River House
The River House is in a quant little town and is within walking distance to several cafes. The house was clean and well stocked. Nat was very helpful and responded quickly. The views from the house are absolutely beautiful.
Elizabeth W.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beverly D.
Oct 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint house on the Beautiful James
We absolutely loved our stay in this beautifully renovated home, we were literally provided with everything we needed making our visit more pleasant. Thank you Nat for being a spectacular host! We have booked again in November 👍
Beverly D.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joshua L.
Oct 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Short weekend
Beautifully renovated property adjacent to river with many outdoor activities nearby. Must do the Twin River kayak trip. Beautiful scenery and peaceful. Thank you!
Joshua L.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Scott F.
Sep 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very inviting space
We loved it and will stay again!
Scott F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rose M.
Sep 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Riverhouse
This house is exactly as it was stated on the VRBO site. Very clean with everything you need to cook with. The back deck is an amazing place to relax and and gathrr. We loved it!
Rose M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mike & Alison C.
Jul 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
Great location for our family vacation, we came from Alabama and Delaware. Enjoyed the accommodations and local park for the grandkids. Location was convenient for day trips to Roanoke and Natural Bridge.
Mike & Alison C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sarah Y.
Jul 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation
We enjoyed our time at the Buchanan River House. The host did a wonderful job renovating and decorating this property. The house was very clean and well-stocked for our party of 8. The kitchen had every utensil and pot/pan we needed, including grill utensils. The beds were very comfortable and there were plenty of soft towels in the bathrooms. The rooms and bathrooms had plenty of shelving or cabinets for storage of personal items. We spent a lot of time on the large, covered deck, enjoying a lovely view of the mountains and the large swing. The grill had plenty of propane which made cooking outside a breeze. Our boys enjoyed trying the outdoor shower (with hot and cold water) when they came up from the river.
The James River is in the backyard and we spent a lot of time floating, splashing, and fishing in the river. One night we roasted marshmallows over a campfire by the river. The neighborhood is quiet and the neighbors are friendly.
The host's communication was great. He gave us tips about the area and nearby businesses and encouraged us to contact him with questions.
We had a wonderful time and our kids are already asking to go back!