The staff (Elle and Bing) were super kind, and had made a delicious breakfast. The rooms were very elegant and British, with the bathroom shower having hot water. Lastly, the view from the entire estate is absolutely stunning, with there being a beautiful mountain in front of it all. Overall: 5 Stars, would recommend, but is a bit pricey! read more

Forest Oaks - view from top right room - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

See all

Stunning! That's the first word that came to mind when I stepped into The Inn at Forest Oaks. Every detail is well thought-out. Everything in the inn is placed just so. It's all carefully curated and lovingly tended. I stayed with a few ladies at the Vine Cottage that's located toward the back of the property. It had a huge screened porch, a huge kitchen and dining room, common areas to relax and comfortable beds in each room (I believe there were four rooms). The rooms have a vintage feel to them but are decorated simply. Because we stayed at the cottage, breakfast was not included in our stay. But we had a big kitchen, so we made our own breakfast each morning. The Vine Cottage would be a great place for a family or a big group of friends to stay. It's like your own little Air BNB. The grounds are huge. You can walk around and admire the statues and artwork that Chris and Cliff, the owners of The Inn at Forest Oaks, have collected over the years. It's a very peaceful place, and quiet, too. One morning, it was a little foggy, and I saw deer emerge from the fog and trot across the field in front of the inn. It was an idyllic scene in an idyllic place. read more

My husband & I celebrated our 40 th wedding anniversary staying at the Inn at Forest Oaks. When we arrived , Elle, the innkeeper greeted us so warmly and gave us a tour of this beautiful historic Inn. Elle's storytelling of its history brought it to life for us as if we'd stepped back in time. To top off our special day her husband and Chef, Bing, created delicious treats for us presented in exquisite crystal glassware. Our stay concluded the next day with an exceptional breakfast by Bing and they didn't hesitate to modify a dish due to dietary restrictions. We highly recommend the Inn at Forest Oaks!! read more

We have stayed at The Inn at Forest Oaks once before. Although it's under new management now and they have only been there a short time. Everything was extraordinary. We throughly enjoyed our stay again. Thank you for a wonderful birthday weekend. read more

The 1806 mansion (or manor?) is beautiful and so perfectly well kept. Spotlessly clean. Bed and bedding very comfortable. Breakfast was excellent. We were lucky to have the place to ourselves and wanted to dive in, Elle graciously gave us the history and grand tour of the home and the fascinating existence it's had to date. Spending the time to answer our many questions. She herself is gentle and kind, clearly an eye for detail, with a very interesting history of her own. We absolutely enjoyed it all. We played billiards, we had tea on the huge porch facing the beautiful blueridge mountains. Breakfast in the dining room overlooking the grounds and mountains. Lucky to have a full moon that night. We will definitely make it our stop in our travels again. Wish we were there 2 or 3 nights, 1 night wasn't enough. Thanks to Elle and Bing for making it great, absolutely the best hosts. read more

Our stay at the Inn at Forest Oaks was the best BnB experience we have ever had...and we've stayed in many during our 40-year marriage. The hosts, Elle and Bing, are warm, welcoming and helpful on every level. And Bing prepares beautiful breakfasts. They even called us from the only open restaurant on Sunday evening to offer to order for us before we arrived and before the kitchen closed! Sweet! Our room and bath were beautifully appointed, luxurious, comfortable and everything worked easily! The home, throughout, looks like the manor home it was built to be in the 1800s and is in impressively pristine condition. Every room is furnished for comfort and to please the eye with their history intact. The generous windows offer uninterrupted views of the pastures, forests and mountains beyond. It is simply an idyllic setting and easy to access from I81. We will be back! read more

Had a wonderful three days at the Inn. We were in the area for birdwatching and they prepared to-go breakfasts for us on our early days. And we enjoyed relaxing in the evening and walking the grounds taking in all the local birds too. Great chatting with Elle and Bing. Looking forward to returning next year. read more

The inn is amazing! Cliff and Chris are so welcoming. The breakfast is so lovely and yummy. Rooms are very clean and restful. Stunning property. read more

See all

Absolutely breathtaking grounds & house. We had such a wonderful stay here & I so wish it was for longer than one night. The owners Cliff & Chris are super nice and tell you to make yourself at home. This was our first time staying in a Bed & Breakfast so I didn't really know what to expect. We felt comfortable and relaxed the entire time. The house is immaculately clean. The mattress and blankets were so comfortable. Breakfast; omg it was absolutely delicious. The coffee was great. We were able to pet and feed the horses, fly a drone, and take pictures all around the house. I can not wait to come back here in the fall to see the leaves or at Christmas time! read more

See all

The facade of this inn is impressive and makes quite the impression when you drive up to the entrance. When you walk into the inn, it is like taking a step into the Gilded Age. Each room is decorated to perfection and the owners have somehow made the inn both incredibly stylish and welcoming. The property is over forty-eight acres of lush lawn and foliage. Sitting on the veranda with its panoramic view of the property is breathtaking. The owners have four horses that you can visit and, if you are lucky, pet their noses. They are so well taken care of you can't help but love their caretakers. Just be careful where you park or you might get a scolding! read more

It's a beautifully decorated mansion! The owner Cliff has a talented eye for interiors. He restored and filled the mansion which is now a charming Inn. We stayed in the Milburn room which had amazing views of mountains. His hospitality was much appreciated and we felt at home and very comfortable. We enjoyed a hot yummy breakfast before we started a day of travel. Stay here, don't miss this gem!! read more

What a fantastic inn! Cliff and Chris are the most gracious of hosts. We have stayed here several times and keep coming back. Exquisitly restored 1800 Circa mansion with antique shop, bakery, and breathtaking views! Five star breakfast. Great place to relax and escape the DC grind. Have also stayed at the cottage with extended family and went to the nearby Natural Bridge and Safari. Great get away for those with youngsters. read more

Forest Oaks - Here is an evening view of the mountains from the back porch - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

We enjoyed our one night stay. The house, and room, were stunning. Breakfast was tasty, the coffee excellent, and conversation with fellow guests exceptional. read more

See all

I cannot in good faith recommended The Inn at Forest Oaks, and it is with heavy heart. I cannot even give a one star rating, but I have to for the post. We first rented the Vine Cottage in the Fall of 2017, we brought two dogs and a family of five plus grandparents. We had a lovely time. We requested VMI graduation for 2019 and also brought two dogs, a family of four, grandmother and an aunt, an uncle and great aunt to stay. During the 2019 stay, we booked for VMI 2022 graduation. Being VERY familiar with the dates for commissioning and graduation as graduation is ALWAYS May 16th with Commissioning the day before, I reserved May 14-17 for our stay - I am certain Cliff never looked at the calendar to see what days of the week these dates fell on - blind trust on my part. As the reservation approached I checked in with Cliff FOUR separate times via email, text and phone calls between October '21 and January '22. Per his request, I stated in writing, we would have at least 4-5 people and a minimum of one dog with a maximum of two. What I encountered prior to checking in was his continual moving of the goal posts; changing my dates to accommodate a Friday/Saturday reservation with other guests and gave us a check-in date of the 15th not the 14th, then he asked me the "day of" to give him a late check-in due to not having the cottage ready for an afternoon check-in, then when I texted him if my eldest son could drop his golden retriever off before dinner he blew a gasket. He called gave me some impromptu excuse with the history about how they changed their policy. With a long-winded explanation, I quickly realized he had not read my previous emails about bringing the dog(s). In the 2-3 years of this booking, not once did he tell me about his new policy regarding pets at the Vine Cottage. No Terms of Service changes in writing via email...nothing. I then receive a terse text message regarding the dog. He changed the conditions again, we could have the dog because he realized he didn't tell me the new rules. Now we could have the dog, but couldn't leave him alone during graduation and dinner. We came from California for this special event, and Cliff single-handedly RUINED our four-day, three-night stay. I get the impression that he continually does this to guests. We supported him when he first came to own The Inn. I've posted his place on numerous VMI Facebook and other social media platforms as a gesture of support and good faith. Needless to say, after his text messages, I was left heartbroken. We had to find lodging at the last minute, because of Cliff. He's lost a client, shown his true colors, and lost out on three nights lodging on off peak days. My advice moving forward; get EVERYTHING in writing, because a contract is a contract. His use of verbal agreements seem to dissipate when it comes to actually honoring the verbal promises/agreements. He frequently disparages his previous guests to potential clients in an effort to ensure complete compliance, which is unprofessional. It is my opinion that his inflammatory personality causes issues with his guests. Tread lightly when choosing to book your stay with Cliff and Chris. read more

My husband brought me here for my Birthday. The inn is absolutely gorgeous and the breakfast was excellent. The owners were extremely friendly and attentive and made you feel very welcome and at home. I look forward to future visits! read more

We really enjoyed the Inn! It had wonderful views of the mountains! The Inn was so incredible inside to see all of the details inside! The breakfast in the morning was incredible! Great place to stay! read more

Stayed at Forest Oaks AGAIN this past weekend and as always the visit was exemplary!! We booked the Vine Cottage this time - a beautifully appointed 4 bedroom cottage located on the estate near the manor house. While there, we asked Chris if he could provide some of his made from scratch cinnamon buns which were delivered to us 'right out of the oven' by Cliff the following morning! They were beyond words delicious! This was my 5th stay at Forest Oaks and DEFINITELY will not be our last! A visit to their small antique store always seems to yield a treasure to we bring home as a momentous of our visit and this visit once again did not disappoint! A stay at Forest Oaks is always a 'first class experience' thanks to Cliff and Chris and their attention to every detail! Our sincerest thanks to them both and looking forward to the next time!!! read more

The Inn at Forest Oaks transports you back to a simpler and more elegant time the moment you walk in the door. The architecture, furniture, artwork, and decor in this estate are breathtaking. The bedrooms are quite large and the beds are so comfortable. Every room has a beautiful view. From exploring the grounds to playing pool in the billiards room, enjoying the view in one of the many sitting rooms, and having a drink on the rear portico - there is plenty to do at this B&B. Both the breakfast and the coffee are excellent. We only stayed one night but we had a delicious multi-course breakfast with coffee, orange juice, apples in a brown sugar sauce, scrambled eggs with cheese, and a medley of potatoes, onions, bacon, peppers, and spinach. There was plenty of food and it was all fresh and of very good quality. Chris & Cliff are gracious, accommodating hosts who make you feel far more like an old friend than a stranger. They are so kind, accommodating, and informative, but also give you all of the privacy you may want. I would recommend the Inn at Forest Oaks to anyone heading this way or anyone who is looking for a relaxing and tranquil vacation from which they will come away refreshed and renewed. read more

Chris & Cliff are gracious and attentive hosts, with a talented eye for collecting beautiful pieces of history. You could spend hours just roaming the Inn and grounds, taking in every gorgeous detail. Lots of camera fodder for photog hobbiests. The coffee and breakfast were absolutely delicious. Molly and the horses were adorable. We definitely will come back! read more

See all

We have been to the inn five times now since our first stay in November of 2018. It is a beautiful mansion lovingly restored by the owners Cliff and Chris. Driving up to the inn is an experience in itself, and when you step through the front door you feel like you've stepped back in time, as it is full of beautiful antiques. The suites are comfortable and clean, and the breakfasts are always tasty and plentiful. This has become our favorite getaway place. I highly recommend! read more

Chris & Cliff are the most gracious hosts imaginable. From the moment we entered, to the time we left, they made sure all our needs were met. We could of spent a week walking the historical house looking at every detail they have put together or the entire day walking the grounds. Breakfast served each day was perfect and well received by all. Very close to the Natural Bridge. Thank you Chris & Cliff for making our stay so memorable. read more

Fantastic accommodations and great hosts. Chris and Cliff make you feel at home the minute you arrive. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is beautiful, the property is impeccably well groomed and the beds are more comfortable than home. Our hosts were very helpful with ideas of nearby places to visit but we also enjoyed just relaxing on the porch, watching for birds and wildlife or seeing the two young colts play in the corral. We can't wait to come back! read more

Forest Oaks - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

What a wonderful surprise!!!! Stunning views, deer roaming the property and inside AMAZING! Incredibly restored to period. Just stunning Craig and Cliff are thoughtful hosts and gentle spirits. Molly is an added bonus. We will return and bring family nest time. Oh, did I mention that breakfast was five star too???? Don't miss it. 12/30/2019. We are back and it's better than ever!!! read more

We have stayed twice and plan to go every couple of years, the cottage is one of the main reasons we visit natural bridge. We love the attractions, safari park, natural bridge trail, and panther falls, but I don't think they would be worth the drive more than once if it wasn't for our stay at the cottage. The beds are so comfortable and, as our kids would say, "everything smells so good". Our kids and their cousins adore running around and playing games on the porch, taking strolls to see the fireflies, and wave to the horses. The adults like staying up late on the porch playing cards and listening to the crickets. Some vacation homes are packed to the gills with stuff, this cottage has just enough to be homey without feeling cluttered. I also like that the laundry machine is in the kitchen, my sister washed all their clothes before going home and didn't have to catch up on laundry after a long drive. They leave out freshly wrapped soap and hotel-sized shampoo and conditioner and more towels, pillows, and blankets than you need. Every time we visit, we regret not having booked a longer stay. The only downside is the internet television is very slow. I think I only tried to watch television once since the whole point is to enjoy family and nature, but if that's something you like to do, maybe bring some blue-rays or your own internet tv plug-in (apple tv, fire stick). I'm pretty sure we did mirroring with our computer or tablet the first time we visited and that worked pretty well. There may or may not be a grill and the coffee machine is a Keurig, and they leave snacks and creamers that are complimentary. There's a fire pit that had plenty of wood ready to go for a night of roasting marshmallows. Cliff is super responsive via email, he even offered to mail some clothing we left behind on accident. read more

We stayed here for just one night on our way between NC and MD. Next time we will stay longer as a destination to fully enjoy the beautiful home and property. Cliff welcomed us graciously and shared the details of the history and decor of this magnificent estate (home is just not the right word). Our room was large and comfortable and, I agree with other reviewers, the towels were amazingly soft. Molly greeted us in the morning before breakfast, just as welcoming as Cliff and Chris. Chris made a delicious breakfast with no detail left out. Unfortunately, we had to quickly get back out on the road so we didn't get a chance to truly appreciate the property but we'll be back to do that another time! read more

We staying with a group of 5 couples in the cottage, beautiful estate, great place for families and friends. Highly recommend a stay here or the main house, the grounds were just amazing. read more

I can't say enough good things about our experience at the Inn at Forest Oak. First of all, it is a beautiful setting with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cliff & Chris have meticulously restored and furnished this amazing mansion. The breakfast was delicious. Our lovely room had a very large bathroom and lovely views. It was a step back in time with all the modern amenities you would require. All I can say is do not miss the opportunity to stay at this wonderful, beautiful B&B. My husband was so impressed he has told many people about it. We will be back! read more

Don't book here! Was excited to plan a trip. I sent a friend request to their Instagram page.... I was blocked!! Called spoke with the owner. His answer is if he doesn't know who someone is they will block you... why block potential business?? Voiced to him over the phone as I will do in this review. Will not be booking there. Bad customer service. Thank you for showing your true self. read more

We just enjoyed a wonderful weekend at The Inn at Forest Oaks. This majestic home deserves 5 stars and 2 thumbs up! This was a repeat visit for me but the first time for my boyfriend. We both love the inn. It is absolutely gorgeous. Where to start... If you enjoy Downton Abbey you'll love the rich, beautiful wood of the interior. The staircase was reclaimed and imported from England. Each room is a feast for the eyes. Cliff and Chris, the owners, are very welcoming but also give you privacy. You can enjoy the entire home, except for their private quarters obviously. My favorite room is the amazing solarium. The massive back porch has rocking chairs where you can enjoy wildlife in the field. In the early morning the fog over the James River is beautiful with the Blue Ridge Mountains behind it. Just breathtaking. A delicious breakfast, prepared by Chris, is served on a Downton Abbey worthy table. Molly, the resident dog, is just a sweetheart and is loved by the visitors. Almost each room has a little candy jar if you look closely filled with good candies! You must visit the little antique store downstairs. I got a beautiful vintage bracelet and perfume decanter at an excellent price. I can't imagine anything that would make the visit any better...unless they would just let me live there! read more

This place was wonderful in every sense--beautiful/convenient locale, amazingly renovated estate, and awesome accommodations and hosting. Highly recommended! read more

We loved this place as a family, especially, coming from southern California. We had lots of space in the Vine Cottage with our teenage daughter too! Our daughter loved visiting the horse stable s every morning and night too. The early morning views were of many deer's wandering so near the cottage. The house had a warm feeling to it and the furniture was super comfortable to sit on with a large selection of books to pick from of classics to every day novels. Our six day visit was during an August heat spell. The Cottage had ample air conditioning. Lots of hot water, high end appliances. Cliff and Chris designed each room with a period touch. Cliff shared the interesting history of the property. One great memory was that our 16-year-old daughter woke on her own at 5 am, daily, and walked across the property to feed carrots to the horses. Lots of great roads/trails to run or walk. Very private. The proximity to highway is not an issue. The Vine Cottage is a return trip for us. Finally, writing review two months later. read more

I reserved the Vine Cottage for a group of six for this weekend. A friend of mine that a couple of us were around a couple weeks ago tested positive for COVID. We had not been around him for going on two weeks. His wife had COVID and then he tested positive. He tested positive 3 days ago. Both he and his wife WERE vaccinated. We decided to test just to make ABSOLUTELY sure none of us had COVID before deciding to travel to the Cottage on Friday. I sent an email to Cliff. He told me he was going to have to cancel our reservation. We all had paid to kayak the Upper James as well. I called Cliff and tried to explain the situation and that NONE of us had symptoms and had not been around the person for about two weeks. I indicated that I just wanted to let them know in case someone's test came back positive and we had to cancel, which we would have results on Friday BEFORE traveling. We were trying to make absolutely positive before traveling. He transferred me to someone else to talk to, not sure his name, likely Chris, his partner. I reiterated what I said. He came right out and asked me if I was vaccinated. I said no but that I had COVID in the past and had natural immunity. Even my doctor said it was unnecessary to vaccinate. He cut me off and said he was canceling our reservation. There is no policy stating you have to be vaccinated on their site. I should have never been asked. I was then sent an email that said our reservation was canceled "per my request" which was an outright lie. read more

Loved the B&B, very beautiful and wonderful service! Unfortunately I give them 3 stars as the horses on their property are woefully neglected. They are in desperate need of a farrier and grooming. The poor things are clearly bored as they are eating the dirt. Please contact a local group to help you with maintaining your animals, perhaps a local 4-H group could be of assistance. read more

This Inn is amazing!! Cliff and Chris were incredibly kind and couldn't be more attentive. They've restored this home with period furnishings right down to the authentic room keys. (Modern charging stations on each night stand was a plus too) No detail was left out. The property is a beautiful setting making for a relaxing atmosphere. A chef quality breakfast was made by Chis and served by Cliff each morning we stayed (4 nights) and always with a fresh fruit plate. We found lovely pieces in the antique shop. It was the perfect place to meet my sisters for a family reunion. Highly recommend!! read more

Our stay at the Inn was absolutely wonderful! Cliff and Chris are the best hosts and made us feel right at home. It is beautiful, immaculate, delicious breakfasts, and every detail in the decor made me feel like I was staying at a southern plantation in the 1800s! It was an amazing mini vacation. I would highly recommend staying there. read more

My husband and I stayed in the Oatland Room at Forest Oaks for New Years weekend and were pleasantly surprised by the comfort that the large home offered. Cliff and Chris have made this historic landmark into a cozy gathering place where strangers meet and become friends. Breakfast both mornings were delicious. Our first morning we had a vegetable frittata and turkey sausage (dietary restrictions were minded and replacements were made with no questions or worries whatsoever). The second we had delicious Belgian waffles with fruit and bacon. The coffee never stopped pouring, and we felt that anything we asked was never too much. Cliff was more than accommodating to the curious in our group who wanted to see more of the history. Chris took the time, before we left, to show us the rental house toward the back of the property, also. We will definitely be back, and you should definitely book this place! read more

The place is exquisite. Its decorated with the finest of antiquities that would have you believe you were in a dream. We enjoyed our room and the grounds including the horses and their dog, Molly. During our stay we felt very comfortable with a warm welcome from our hosts, Cliff & Chris who accommodated our every need. They both have a way of making one feel special. Chris prepares a fabulous breakfast each morning. They accommodate special needs and diets such as gluten free, etc. They're very familiar with the surroundings and can provide information for whatever you are looking for in the manner of entertainment, food, leisure and sites. The rear venue provides a wonderful view of the mountains. It was a perfect spot to have a glass of wine and relax while enjoying the view. We took in a game of pool in the billiard room. The only thing we can honestly say that was bad about the place was "leaving". We look forward to our next visit as this is the perfect place to relax and forget your troubles from the outside world. read more

Beautiful B&B in the hills of Virginia. Huge plantation style mansion decorated and furnished with period antiques throughout. Hosts Chris and Cliff provide amazing hospitality and have lots of history information of the house and the area. Just down the road from Natural Bridge state park with the nightly light show you don't want to miss. The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the rocking chairs on the back porch are gorgeous. Quiet peaceful setting with super comfortable beds. Highly recommend! read more

Seriously? I was blown away from the moment that I arrived! First, there's the view.... WOW. Stepping into the grand foyer, I felt as if I were transported back in time and was the guest in the manor home of some ridiculously, wealthy family. And "family", is how I was made to feel. Cliff and Chris are so very warm and welcoming. Attention to period detail was so very evident in their 5 year labor of love, restoring this beauty. My room was impeccable - from the furnishings to the bedding to the individual, climate-control thermostat for my room. The towels were so very soft and smelled amazing. Chris' talent in the kitchen just made me want to extend my visit. The fresh waffles were billowy soft and the sausages and poached apples were such a nice balance (so sorry I had to miss the following day's frittata!). Molly, the pup made me feel comforted as I was missing my own pups. The horses are so sweet - I cannot wait to return to rent the guest cottage, so that my pups can join in the experience. Cheers! Debbi read more

Hidden VA Gem! Truly adorable B&B with 2 owners that make sure your stay is comfortable. I stayed here the night before 4th of July holiday in 2018, perfect location for us as we were going to the Virginia Safari and Caverns at Natural Bridge the next day (just a few minutes drive away). Felt like I was surrounded by history as every detail of the house was an antique item and so so beautiful. Cliff and Chris showed us around and made a killer breakfast being very attentive to what your food preferences are. Cliff also gave us a great recommendation for dinner that night in Lexington, which was a cute little town, and afterward we just walked around Washington Lee campus where Robert E. Lee is barried in a Church there and also looked at VMI. Comfy elegant beds, no TV in my room I was in and I would figure they're not in any of them, but they got wifi. Cliff talked about future events they'll be planning with wine and food pairings and Murder Mystery Dinner weekends! Totally will drive 4 hours to come back for that! One last detail, it's totally affordable, compared to what other nearby B&Bs were charging read more