Rates

[Note that the prices below are for rental of the entire house, which includes access to the 75 acres of property, creek access, use of bicycles, canoes and inner tubes. There is a small extra fee for hunting rights on our property (hunting of course is free on the Jefferson National Forest, which our property borders on). Contact us for details.]

$95/night (two night minimum) for four people. Add $10/night for each additional person or pet.
Maximum 10 people.
(Kids under 17 free.)
One-time $20 cleaning fee

For longer stays:
$575/week (Saturday to Saturday)
Longer periods negotiable.
If you have a special situation, call us or email to discuss it; we’re flexible:
(540) 567-2000
carol@oriskanystrings.com

Click here to check our calendar for available dates.

Click here to read what other guests have to say.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see Craig Creek from the house?
No, like every river, the creek occasionally floods, and the builders of the original log house were smart enough to locate the house on higher ground and far enough from the water so that flooding damage has never been a problem. The closest creek access is about 100 yards from the house at the base of the driveway. The house has mountain and ridge views, and a picturesque branch (small mountain stream) flows right by the house and through an old stone tunnel under the rail bed, into Craig Creek.

How close are the nearest neighbors?
A second house on the property is the residence of our good friends, Jeanie and Bernie Drummond, a retired couple who help us look after the place. They are there if you need them, but you will be granted total privacy. There is one other house within view, across the branch, a mountain getaway owned by a dentist in Roanoke, but it is rarely occupied. Jack and I are the next nearest neighbors and our house is about a quarter mile down the old railroad.

Do we need a fishing license?
As guests of the property owners, you do not need a license to fish Craig Creek from our property. However, if you want to fish other streams in the vicinity, you will need to purchase a VA license.

How far is the nearest grocery store/restaurant?
The town of New Castle, about a 20 min drive, has a very good IGA grocery store and a couple of diner-type restaurants (not fancy). The closest upscale restaurants are in Roanoke and Salem, about 45-50 min drive.

What should we bring?
Most people say that they have brought too much. The house is well-equipped with appliances and utensils like toaster, toaster oven, blender, coffee makers, microwave, etc. There are a couple of charcoal grills. All linens and towels are also provided, and there is a stackable washer/dryer in the main bathroom. You will need a pair of old shoes to wear in the creek, as the bottom is very rocky in most places. There is also a library with many books to read of all types, from novels to history to poetry.

What are the rules regarding cleaning, trash, etc.?
We provide clean sheets and towels. The washer and dryer are available if you need to wash anything. There are two trash cans outside in the back yard. Please bag and place your trash in those when you leave. Please remove the sheets from your bed before you leave and put them in the downstairs bathroom, along with used towels. Please wash all dishes and put them back where they were stored. We charge a one-time $20 cleaning fee. This doesn’t fully cover our cleaning charges but helps to defray costs and helps us keep our nightly charge as low as possible. We especially love the guests who leave the place as clean as (or cleaner than!) they found it! We love to see those guests returning to us and they will probably find an extra jar of Jeanie’s homemade peach preserves waiting for them on the table.

What are the rules regarding pets?
We consider Olde Surber Station to be “pet-friendly” as long as the pets are well-behaved and are supervised at all times. Please do not allow your pet to run loose in the yard without supervision. (Be aware that the Drummonds have two small, very lovable spaniels that are sometimes outside.) If possible, we prefer that you crate your pet if you leave him/her behind in the house while you go on an outing. Other than that, please just use your best judgment and treat the place as you would your own home. If your pet sheds, please clean up after them. At this point, we’re not requiring a damage deposit, but if your pet does happen to damage the property in any way, we would obviously expect you to compensate us for any repairs needed.

Click photos to enlarge.

View of upstairs bedroom #1

View of upstairs bedroom #2

View of upstairs bedroom #3

View of upstairs bathroom (with shower)

View of upstairs hallway