Welcome Packet
Meet your host:
Zachary
Welcome to my farm! I thank you for your visit and hope that you enjoy your stay at Rooted Land Co. 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
Once you turn onto Graves Mill Road you might lose cell service. I recommend loading the address in advance. 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 homes. The farmhouse is in the center of the property. Hilltop Cottage is 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.)
Venmo Account for firewood and bulk egg purchases.
Your first firewood bundle is free and daily eggs are free to guests.
Farm 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:
Never open the coop if it is locked without first asking.
Gather eggs from the laying boxes, careful, chickens might peck if you reach under them, but they rarely do.
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.
Community 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!
Hiking Trails
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.
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.
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.
4. Yellow Trail -Our newest trail, the beginning is extremely steep, but the entire trail is mulched and wide. Take your time going up the yellow trail and you will be fine. Views from the ‘saddle’ of the mountain are amazing.
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.
Farm Safety
Although a safety incident is not likely please take a moment to review these farm safety tips.
Bear and Other Wildlife. Please be mindful of black bear on the property. Make loud noises if you encounter a bear.
Venemous 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.
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.
Farmhouse How-To Videos
Sauna Instructions
This video will show you how to operate the sauna at each cottage. The most important notes: turn the right knob slowly until you hear once “chunk” and stop immediately. This gives you one hour of heating. Let the sauan warm for 20 minutes, then add just 1 or 2 ladles of water slowly over the hot rocks. No more than 2 ladles.
Fireplace
Follow this video for how to light a duraflame log in the farmhouse fireplace. NOTE: as of Dec 2024 the flu was damaged so do not attempt to open or close the flu.
HVAC System.
This video will show you how to operate the Heat and Air Conditioning in the farmhouse. Please note, all units must be on either heat or cooling - watch the video closely for the mode icon and how to reset the system if needed. Call with any questions or issues.
Requires updating.
Fire TV.
This video will show you how to operate the Amazon Fire TV which can stream your favorite apps and shows.
Baby Supplies
The pack n play, high chairs, and safety gates are located in the closet of the downstairs bedroom.
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.
Trash Directions
This video will show you how to manage trash and recycling 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 until you hear once “chunk” and stop immediately. This gives you one hour of heating. Let the sauan warm for 20 minutes, then add just 1 or 2 ladles of water slowly over the hot rocks. No more than 2 ladles.