We live in Richmond and LOVE the mountains. This is one person's account, so please read all the other reviews before deciding if this is the place for you. Over 10 years ago, we rented places in western VA... and then we found western NC and have rented 1-2x per year there for the last 10 years. Why? The houses for what you pay/get are worlds apart -- Western NC has awesome houses compared to mediocre VA houses--- price, comforts and accessibility to mountains... the first point -- the main level is down very steep stairs -if you have trouble with stairs you could always enter from around the right side of the yard, but the stairs to the downstairs is very steep. The pilot light in the fireplace was not on and it clearly lists that you'll be charged if the pilot light is turned to off -- the pilot light was not on when we arrived. There aren't clear directions beyond you'll be charged. James and Rachel had someone sent the next day, but something to be aware of. The internet was awful when we were there. Maybe the elevation, wind, etc. Fine if you plan on not staying in the house, but if you have bad weather or you want to spend any time inside with internet/tv... it was awful. And finally, if you've gotten this far -- when we arrived, we noticed quite a few bugs on the outside of one of the windows. Looking further there were many ladybugs and stink bugs in the house. If this is normal, it should be noted, not found out when we arrived.