A scenic landscape with rolling green hills, scattered trees, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Welcome Packet

A man smiling and taking a selfie outdoors on a grassy field with chickens walking in the background.

Meet your host:

Zachary

Welcome to Rooted Land Co. I’m Zachary. My goal is simple: give couples a quiet place to reconnect with each other and experience life on a mountain farm. During your stay you’re invited to gather eggs, explore my property, enjoy the river, harvest seasonal produce, and slow down for a few days in nature.

In this welcome packet you will find all of the information for your specific home and the property. If you have any questions during your stay please feel free to reach out at 703-405-1291.

Driving & Arrival
Directions

Address:

2410 Graves Mill Road
Madison, VA 22727

You will drive approximately 2.5 miles down Graves Mill Road, look for the wooden ‘Rooted Land Co’ sign on the righthand side of the road. The entrance requires a sharp right turn onto the private bridge.

Once onsite follow the signs to your respective tiny homes. Hilltop Cottage, Sunset, and Valley View Cabins are to the left at the garage intersection. Meadow’s Edge and Riverside Cottages are both to the right at the farm garage. Signage will guide you to each home.

There is a 10 mph speed limit on the farm to prevent road damage, dust, and injury to animals (both chickens and deer.)

Farm Map

A satellite map showing a walking trail with various labeled points of interest, including an entrance, flower garden, river beach and sun deck, picnic table, hillside cottage, farmhouse, meadow's edge cottage, Riverside Cottage, and hiking trails, surrounded by trees and open fields.

House Guidelines

Check-in: 3:00 pm

Check-out: 10:00 am

What IS Provided:

1. All linens, towels, paper products, dishes & dozens of utensils.

2. Basic cooking supplies - oil, salt & pepper, ground coffee, tea, sugar, and coffee filters.

3. Propane for the outside grill.

4. Shampoo and body wash.

5. Cleaning supplies (should you need during your stay.)

6. Fresh eggs daily.

7. One bundle of firewood, fire-starters and lighters for the firepit. (Firewood is provided for the wood burning hot tub at Riverside.)

What YOU should bring:

1. K-Cups if you prefer a certain flavor.

2. River shoes or water socks for wading the river.

3. Bug spray in the summer months.

WIFI

Hilltop, Meadow’s Edge, Sunset & Valley View:

wifi network: RLCGuestWifi

password: rapidanriver

Riverside Cottage (Starlink)

wifi network: riverside cottage

password: rapidanriverguest

FAQ’s

Front door lockbox for Hilltop, Meadow’s Edge, and Riverside.

I will email the lockbox code prior to your arrival.

1. To UNLOCK: Enter the 4 digit code into and press down on the lever.

2. A keychain with a key is located inside the box.

To unlock the door, turn the key and press the handle DOWN. To lock the door, lift the handle UP first, then turn the key.

Front door lock for Sunset and Valley View.

1. To UNLOCK: Enter the 4 digit code into the electronic keypad and hit the check mark.

2. To lock the door press the Yale logo.

Garbage disposal

The kitchen sinks do not have a garbage disposal in the sink. Please use the sink strainer and do not dispose of any large food products down the drain.

HVAC/ MINI SPLIT

Each mini-split unit has its own remote control thermostat, located on the wall near each unit.

Window blinds

Each tiny home has blackout windows. Gently pull down on the cord to lower the blinds. To raise the blinds, gently pull the roller as far as it will go, then hold the cord as you raise the shade.

Toilets & septic system

Each house utilizes a septic system and it can only process normal toilet paper. DO NOT flush wipes or other products as it will cause an immediate pump back-up and ruin your stay!

Outdoor lights

The outdoor lights are provided for your safety and comfort, however, please do not keep outdoor lights on overnight. The outdoor lights attract bugs and also impact the neighbor's nighttime views. Thanks in advance!

Amazon Fire TV

An Amazon FireTV is located in each tiny home. Login to your Amazon account to access the TV.

Well water

The tiny homes utilize water from a nearby well. The water is safe but does taste different than treated city water. A brita is provided for your convenience.

Stove/hot plate

Be careful to NOT turn on the hot plate by accident. Turn on stove by using the power button, then select which burner and temperature setting (1-9) to use.

Garbage/recycling

A large trash bin is located behind each tiny home. Please place all trash and recycling in this bin. I sort recycling at the county waste center. I must hand carry trash to a local center so please ensure ALL trash is bagged.

If you are staying for longer than one week I will coordinate a time with you to collect the trash.

Local Restaurants

Many local restaurants close Monday - Wednesday and have seasonal hours. Please check restaurant hours and menu ahead of your arrival. A list of our guest’s favorite dining locations may be found HERE.

Explore the Farm

  • An egg carton with various colored eggs and a note that says "Welcome to the farm!" on a wooden surface.

    Gather Fresh Eggs

    Eggs are available for each guest during your stay.

    Gathering fresh eggs

    I encourage guests to gather eggs from the coop. There are a few rules with the coop:

    1. Never open the coop if it is locked without first asking.

    2. Gather eggs from the laying boxes, careful, chickens might peck if you reach under them, but they rarely do.

    3. Egg baskets are provided in the coop.

    Washing fresh eggs

    Farm fresh eggs have a natural protective layer that allows them to stay fresh at room temperature for up to 25 days. However, once this layer becomes wet the egg must be used rather quickly. Wash your eggs just before cooking and be sure to keep them dry until then.

    Does it float?

    I recommend testing each egg to determine if it is safe to eat. Placing an egg in a bowl or glass of water will help to determine this. If an egg floats (bacteria or hairline cracks cause this) it means it is not good to eat! Toss it.

  • A vegetable garden with raised beds containing leafy greens and other plants, surrounded by wood mulch and fencing, with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

    Vegetable Garden

    Pick it yourself

    The garden is self-serve. Feel free to enter the garden and gather produce during your stay. Vegetable bins are provided on the table next to the garden gate. *Produce is seasonal.

    Pick only ripe produce

    The garden must feed several guests each month. To ensure that each guest is able to enjoy the garden please only pick enough produce for your stay - try to avoid waste and picking unripe vegetables and fruit.

    Have questions?

    Please don't hesitate to ask questions. I am happy to help identify ripe produce, discuss proper harvesting techniques, or just talk gardening!

  • A woman with curly dark hair sitting on a bench in a minimalist room with a wooden wall, wearing a beige sleeveless top and brown pants, looking thoughtfully to the side with sunlight casting shadows on the wall.

    Cut Flower Garden

    Pick your own bouquet

    The flower garden is open to all guests. Cut flowers for your onsite bouquet. Be careful of bees and google proper cutting techniques if unsure how to properly cut flowers.

  • A young Black man with a short haircut sitting on a beige cushioned bench in a neutral-colored room, wearing a gray polo shirt and cream pants, with shadows cast on the wall behind him.

    Fishing

    Fishing the river

Hiking Trails

Aerial view of a forested area with a marked trail system highlighted in white, yellow, red, green, orange, and blue.

There are several ‘hiking’ trails on the property but these are not maintained to the same standards as the national park. The trails on the farm are very rugged and steep, but are available to guests to explore the property. I recommend that each guest visit Graves Mill Trail – a very easy but enjoyable trail in Shenandoah National Park that is just 5 minutes from the farm.

  • 1. White Trail - This walking trail follows the perimeter of the hayfield. This trail is rated for all ages and ability levels with little to no elevation change and no difficult terrain. This trail is cut into the hayfield from April-October.

    White Trail

  • 2. Red Trail - This hiking trail traverses the creek on the southern end of the property. It is a mix of single track and wide trails. This trail is rated moderate and has some water crossings, minor tripping hazards, and little elevation change.

    Red Trail

  • 3. Blue Trail - This hiking trail traverses a steep face of the back ridge line to a beautiful mountain lookout. This trail is rated difficult and has some water crossings, slippery & rocky footings, several tripping hazards, and has very steep elevation change. While everyone can traverse the trail please use caution, take breaks, and do not hike outside of your ability level. 

    Blue Trail

  • 4. Yellow Trail -Our newest trail, the beginning is extremely steep and is still being worked. This trial is very tough for the first stretch, steep and slippery. Only hike if you are capable of walking steep terrain and wear proper shoes. The entire trail is mulched and wide once you pass the steep summit. Views from the ‘saddle’ of the mountain are amazing.

    Yellow Trail

  • 5. Orange and Green Trails - these trails connect the back Red and Blue Trails to the front of the property. Both are fairly steep but are wide and mulched trails so most guests can navigate.

    Orange and Green Trails

Before You Leave

Before you leave please…

  • Check the fridge for any leftovers. Discard any unwanted food.

  • Please load and run the dishwasher. Cleaning pods are located under the sink.

  • Place any remaining bagged garbage in the trash bin behind the house.

  • Do not worry about stripping the beds or gathering towels.

  • Check for any remaining personal items and log out of your FireTV account (if applicable.)

House and Farm Rules

Please review the following house guidelines:

  • No smoking, vaping, or marijuana use indoors. Smoke what you’d like outside the house ($250 cleaning fee for any smoking/vaping incident.)

  • No parties or events.

  • Pets are NOT allowed on the property.

  • Two (2) adult guests maximum.

  • 10 mph on the farm roads at all times

Security/Damage Deposit

Your deposit for security shall be refunded provided the following provisions are met:

  • No smoking or vaping occurred.

  • No damage or loss to property.

  • Check-out instructions abided by.

  • Occupancy limits observed.

Enjoying the Farm Safely

The property is part of the natural Blue Ridge ecosystem. You may encounter wildlife including deer, birds, and occasionally black bears or venomous snakes. Stay aware on trails, wear proper footwear, and use caution near water and rocky areas.Although a safety incident is not likely please take a moment to review these farm safety tips.

  • Venomous snakes. Copperhead snakes do live on the property. Always be on the lookout for snakes when walking the property. Snakes love thick grasses, rocks, and are often found near water.

  • Slippery rocks in the river. Always wear river shoes and use caution when walking in the river. The rocks are especially slippery in the summer.

  • Poison ivy. Identify poisonous plants before your visit and avoid them during your stay.

  • Ticks and insects. Check for ticks during the summer and fall months.

Tiny Home How-To Videos

Coffeemaker Directions

This video will show you how to operate the Ninja Coffeemaker at each tiny cottage.

Hot Plate Directions

This video will show you how to operate the Ninja two-burner hot plate at each tiny cottage.

Dishwasher Directions

This video will show you how to operate the drawer dishwasher at each tiny cottage.

Door Lock Directions

This video will show you how to operate the front door locks and lockbox at each tiny cottage.

Air Fryer Directions

This video will show you how to operate the air fryer at each tiny cottage.

HVAC Directions

This video will show you how to operate the heating and air conditioning at each tiny cottage.

Sauna Instructions

This video will show you how to operate the sauna at each cottage. The most important notes: turn the right knob slowly to the right until you hear “clunk” twice and then turn the right knob back to the left slowly until you hear one more “clunk” . This gives you one hour of heating. Let the sauna warm for 20 minutes, then add just 1 or 2 ladles of water slowly over the hot rocks.