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ANALOG - Private Beach & Acres of exclusive sanctuary set in a peaceful forest

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for ANALOG - Private Beach & Acres of exclusive sanctuary set in a peaceful forest

Miscellaneous
On the beach, beach towels
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Books, stereo
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Surry, VA
  • Jamestown Settlement
    66 min drive
  • The Surry Seafood
    17 min drive
  • Newport News Station
    58 min drive
  • Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)
    72 min drive

Room options

About the area

Spring Grove

Located in Spring Grove, this cottage is on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Colonial National Historical Park and Smith's Fort. .This beach cottage is 22.4 mi (36 km) from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and 12.8 mi (20.7 km) from Jamestown Settlement.

What's nearby

  • College of William and Mary - 55 min drive
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 62 min drive
  • Jamestown Settlement - 66 min drive
  • Historic Jamestowne - 69 min drive
  • Jamestown Beach - 80 min drive

Getting around

  • Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF) - 72 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬55 min drive
  • ‪Frothy Moon Brewhouse - ‬50 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬55 min drive
  • ‪La Terraza Mexican Grill - ‬55 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬56 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

ANALOG - Private Beach & Acres of exclusive sanctuary set in a peaceful forest

After a fun drive down a curvy forest flanked road, you emerge into the sunlight with expansive fields on either side of you. You turn left down a dirt path that takes you by an old farmhouse. You dogleg around another field and enter the woods on a gravel road. When you get to the gate you step out and inhale deeply. Through the trees, you can vaguely see the vastness of the James River and you hear the sound of a light breeze as it tumbles amid the leaves. You work the gate and as you push it open you feel that you just opened a portal to something profound. Your gut does not deceive you. The time you will spend on this sacred land connects you to more than 100 years of family gathering and natural balance.

Back in your vehicle you steer right, around the driveway loop and notice that you are at the peak of a hill that drops deeply into a great wooded ravine on either side. Straight in front of you is the cottage which sits at the tip of the peninsula surrounded by views of the River. You shut off the vehicle and step outside. There is not another home or person in sight!!! THIS IS JUST ONE...of the many things that sets this place into a league of its own….and why you selected it for your most precious time with the ones you love.

NOW....You are feeling like your officially on vacation. You stroll down the brown pebble path with pep in your step and pass an open pole shed that was built by Boy Scouts, who camped here annually, in the early 1900's. The breeze from the river feels stronger now and you can see some details of the water and the white sandy beach below. Your heart rate increases in anticipation.

The cottage you approach isn’t a perfect architectural specimen but you can tell it’s rich with history and an evolving design. A work in progress so to speak. Then again, as you stop at the edge of the walkway, you acknowledge the entrance before you is stunning and evokes the entrance to an elegant treehouse or the gangway to a yacht. Either way, you sense that once your feet leave the ground you will be disconnected from the reality you are seeking refuge from.

Just as you step onto the entry deck you receive an affirmation of your whimsical notions. Two adult bald eagles catch your eye as they soar above the beach looking for prey. They catch your eye because you didn't have to look up to see them as they were at eye level with you. As you near the front door the scale of things comes into focus and you realize you are 70' above the river and the surrounding forest floor. Your instinctive foresight was correct, this experience is like being in a treehouse, except without the downsides of luggage up a rope ladder and a composting toilet.

The breeze is loud in the trees now and this gives you the feeling of being enticed, prodded, pushed by nature. Go! Go! Go! You enter your code, nudge the thick iron and glass door open and you are inside. Looking around its not a fancy place, yet everything is curated, special and somehow comforting and calming. Americana, books, toys and furnishings reflective of a gathering place that's been a family heirloom for generations. You place your bags down, cold stuff is put into the fridge and you want to settle in further.. but looking out the walls of windows you see an inviting path that winds around the hill and dissipates into the woods. You think, “I bet that leads to the river” and with that you are out the back door on your first of many adventures.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned cottage, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private balcony. Conveniences include a phone, as well as a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a water park or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.

Property manager

Jeffrey Sadler

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach towels

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Coffee grinder

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Towels provided
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near outlet shopping

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Kayaking on site
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme parks nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Private Beach Cottage High Banks James River Surry
Private Beach High Banks James River Surry

ANALOG - Private Beach & Acres of exclusive sanctuary set in a peaceful forest Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 214 out of 238 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 238 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 238 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 238 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 238 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Denise and Michael D., Pacific Palisades

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful James River House, nicely appointed, wonderful views.
We were at "Analog" for the long Thanksgiving weekend. The fall leaves and river view were stunning. House stayed warm and cozy, and we fixed a complete Thanksgiving meal in the very well appointed kitchen, including pie pans and platters and attractive dinnerware. Not too hard to take the 24-hr/7 day free ferry that runs every 20 minutes over to see sights in the historic triangle. We were very happy we chose this remote-feeling scenic location vs. the rather Disney-ish condos closer to Williamsburg. We did visit Jamestown, Williamsburg, taverns and craftspersons, folk museum and the Yorktown battlefield. Great brush up on early American history. Host checked in every day by text, just to make sure everything was running smoothly and to offer a hint or two. Very responsive but not intrusive. We had a wonderful time and felt comfortable in the clean and tidy home.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raymond W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquility
I stayed here while out of town for 30 days on night shift. This place was amazingly quiet during the day to get some rest. My family joined me twice while here and the children enjoyed every aspect of this place. The river front is a beautiful place to go collect sea shells and enjoy the sunrise with a coffee. Not having internet or TV for 30 days was like a reset for the soul. The kitchen is extremely accommodating, you can cook whatever you like in there.The host has was great, easy to communicate with and very respectful. I appreciate and respect all they have done with this place and I would definitely stay here again.thank you to the host for building a wonderful getaway!
Stayed 27 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway
The Analog house was a little slice of heaven. You can tell that every detail of the property was set with care and intention. The home was very clean and comfortable. The kitchen had everything that you need and more. The outdoor space was beautifully manicured and the best part was the private beach. Enjoying the sunset from there was magical. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gena G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just what we were hoping for
As we first read the description and reviews, it all sounded a little too good to be true. But true it is. This place is special- every detail, inside and out, has been thoughtfully put together to make the stay comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable. Though not a big house, it is well laid out and your living area extends across the property into the woods and down to the beach, with outdoor kitchen/seating, ninja course, game area, a bench in just the right spot for a break and a view, hammocks, beach chairs, boats (all well lit). There is such a zen balance to the home and property. Inside, the kitchen not only has everything you may need but the appliances and cooking tools are all quality. Books and games in every nook and cranny. Somehow this place was kept very clean, even though it’s set smack in the middle of what feels like a nature preserve. We saw so much wildlife and found cool fossils (thanks for the tips, Jeff!). And communication, like everything else, was just right. Enough to feel supported but also, unobtrusive. Can’t say enough positive things, and suspect we will be back. Things to know: bring groceries with you (the closest town has limited options); the steps to/from the beach may be steep/rugged for those with mobility issues; and the ferry over the river was fun and easy but plan ahead for time, if you’re heading to Jamestown Williamsburg. Our younger kid, our teen, our dog, and my husband and I all loved this spot!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina N., Henderson

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property and location
The listing is as described and pictured. The hosts were kind and attentive when needed. Yes there is a hike uphill from the beach. But there is a lovely bench to rest on your way up. My only “qualm” is the need to leave the home as you close to as you found it. I only say that because I spent an hour and a half wiping down, stripping beds and vacuuming the entire house to rid of any traces of dog hair. Hard with an Australian shepherd. Lol. Over all, this home is a gem. Great family history to learn about. We loved looking through the cook book! We saved “took pics” of some of the recipes.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather R.

Liked: Cleanliness
60th Birthday Getaway
We loved the analog house! It is like having your own private sanctuary in the woods. The house was perfect for me and my husband and our two dogs. The kitchen is amazing and very well appointed. You really do have your own private beach front. We went kayaking, which was so nice and collected a bunch of shells. The sunsets on the beach every night were incredible. We will love this place and will definitely be back.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Amazing
Words cannot describe the absolute serenity that this property offers. Jeff was amazing in all aspects of the communication and check in. The house was perfect and far exceeded expectations, and the property checked every box. The owners pride and attention to detail is unparalleled and show is all aspects of the property. We have traveled to many places and this is by far the absolute best. There is nothing that we wanted or needed while there and loved the solitude. We can’t wait to return soon with our 3 boys. You won’t be disappointed and the peace and refresh you leave with is like nothing else!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

sini s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good for the soul!! Loved the quiet and that there were no other souls in sight!
We truly enjoyed every second that we spent here. Our 9 and 12 year old kids were even sad to leave. They were so skeptical about spending a week without a TV or screetime, but there was never a dull moment. They spent time on the beach, doing the ninja warrior course, playing games outdoors, and my son even kayaked for a bit despite it being quite chilly during our stay. One night we used the firepit and had hot dogs and s'mores. Indoors, there were endless options of books and games. There is a stereo system with "disco lights" that we used to have an impromptu pj dance party The last night we were there. The kitchen had absolutely everything you could think of to cook with. And my husband loved the kitchen design so much that he now wants to renovate ours at home! We spent some time across the river in Williamsburg. The ferry was a fun novelty experience for the kids and very convenient. Some may not like the 20 minute ride, but it fit right in with the casual easy going nature of our trip. We definitely want to plan another stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just Great
We loved our stay at the Analog house. It’s really a gorgeous property on totally secluded land overlooking the James river. The house was very clean and well appointed. In particular, the kitchen is really great. Lots of VRBOs have just the bare minimum in the kitchen but the Analog house is fully equipped, so you can get as elaborate with your meals as you want. The house has amazing views of the river and the large family room is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. This is absolute dog heaven too. Our dog was able to roam the well fenced property and swim to her heart’s content. It super quiet there as well. You cannot see or hear anyone from the neighbors’ property. There is no road traffic noise either. I used the house for daily cycling excursions. It’s about a nine mile ride to the ferry and then you can connect up with some amazing routes on the other side of the James (eg the Capital Trail and Colonial Parkway). Stop by Spoke&Art just outside of Jamestown for some really good bike route info (also great coffee and pastries). The host (Jeff) was great. Excellent communicator, made everything easy for us. All in all, a great place. It’s awesome when an VRBO over-delivers and Analog House certainly does!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grant S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kinda don’t want to share
Magical! My first ever review and kinda don’t want to share the news about this amazing location. Everything, and I mean everything, is catered for here! The cabin is modern, gorgeous, fully stocked with everything you could dream up and then there’s the location itself, oh and the views!! Totally private with not another house in sight. We will be back here many times in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property!
We had an amazing stay. There are a variety of things to do here, but the weather was chilly, so we stayed inside and cooked and played games that were available in the house. I think my favorite part was sitting by the firepit overlooking the river. Absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome accomodations
The River House was way beyond our expectations. We came to Virginia from upstate NY to attend a wedding. We only stayed for 2 days. The house was beautiful and clean. The beach was gorgeous. We found lots of seashells and pretty colored rocks. We played games and laughed so hard. We will hopefully be returning to the River House.Thanks again to the Sadler family for sharing such a nice place with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bruce H.

Liked: Cleanliness
On the James River
Super nice home and location. Owner is excellent. Couldn’t ask for a better place to stay. Highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven M., Cumberland MD USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Analog Disconnect.
Had an absolutely fantastic stay following a recent storm, only far too short, at Analog. We are a retired couple and had our 4-year old grandson and house pooch with us. Needless to say, we did not have any trouble disconnecting. Loved the privacy, high end finishes with the remodel, and amenities the home had to offer. We enjoyed hiking up & down to the secluded beach, wading in the water looking for fossils and sharks teeth & doing a whole lotta nothing. During the evenings, our grandson kept busy building with the Lego’s & classic toys. Jeffrey was very attentive, quick to respond to our questions, and sharing information about the family home and area. Cannot wait to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Gem!
Our family has been here two years in a row. We love the location and private river access. Everything is there that you need for a relaxing, comfortable, and “analog” stay. My wife and I did both have to do some work while there and had no issues using our phones as hotspots. You can’t beat the views! We’ll Be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony M., Harrisburg, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly what we needed!
This was our second time staying at the James River House. We had been looking forward to our trip all year and it did not disappoint! The perfect place to get away from it all, enjoy the beauty of nature and reconnect with each other. Our 13 and 15 year olds loved swimming, fishing, looking for shells, fossils, and shark teeth. We spent so much time on the water, and even had the opportunity to see a large group of dolphins swim by us, while we were in the water! We even love taking trips on the ferry to check out other areas. The renovations to the house this year are gorgeous, it felt like staying in a resort in the middle of the woods! We recommend the James River house for any family looking for a relaxing time in a beautiful setting and unplugging from everything for a bit:)
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katarina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Analog house
This is our second stay at Analog. Just as before, love the house, the nature around it, the beautiful quiet and the peace of the place. And we LOVE the "analog" aspect of it - it forces us back to the normal life before everything went digital! Definitely one of our top places to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
An incredible house in an amazing location! We loved our time on the river. The house is set up with everything you need and has amazing views into the forest and of the river. Kayaks, SUPs, canoes and chairs are all provided to enjoy the river. Jeffrey was wonderful communicating before and during our stay. Great vacation and we hope to go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Julie V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
Every window has a great view, the house decor has open space. I got to see a bald eagle, sun rise and sun sets are so beautiful. Private beach front gives your family all beach to yourself.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Magical Stay! We WILL be back!
This place is a gem. I am not sure I can summarize the beauty that is this home and property. We spent all day at the beach, daily. Searching for fossils, Teeth, interesting rocks, artifacts and more. The water temperature was perfect for an all day affair! Our dog frolicked through the water and swam alongside our children on canoe rides. The views were breathtaking! Getting to watch incredible lightning storms from the huge bay windows was breathtaking. the kids played on the ninja warrior courses quite often, as well! We saw all sorts of wildlife including baby deer right in the backyard. We learned all about the history of the area all the way back to the archaic time period. Raining outside? They have a load of games, books, puzzles and toys to keep the children occupied! Incredibly Clean and well thought out. There was nothing in the home that they did not think of that may be needed. This is a home away from away and worth every dime we spent for this visit, and each future visit! We are already narrowing down our next dates! Thank you, Jeff and Family for the spectacular vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
James River House
Just a magical place with a wonderful property manager who communicated with speed and kindness. A wonderful retreat for families!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Always Pleasant
We always have a great and relaxing stay! This place has become a true home away from home and we already look forward to booking our next stay!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lea T.

Liked: Cleanliness
River House
Incredible scenery and private location. Great house. Felt roomy in spite of 2 br 1 bath.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robin W., Apex

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving
Beautiful location on the James River! The view was incredible and the setting was so peaceful. We took the canoe out, walked the shore and caught(and released) the biggest rockfish ever for us! The cottage is comfortable, cozy and very clean. Everything you need is provided. The ferry ride to Williamsburg was so easy and convenient. From the ferry, you are a short drive to Busch gardens or Merchants Square. We had a lovely Thanksgiving and hope to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Teresa P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Off the grid
The cozy cabin is perched on a bluff above the wide James River with wonderful sunset scenes. Everything we needed for a wonderful comfortable family stay was there. The beds were comfortable and the kitchen well stocked. The host was responsive and helpful. It was pretty cold and I would love to come back when when it is warmer so we can spend more time on the shell, fossil strewn beach. We took the ferry everyday to the Jamestown, Williamsburg area and loved it. Thank you for the wonderful, unplugged retreat.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022