Rose River Farm and cabins in Madison County, Va.

By Lynn R. Mitchell

While exploring the back roads of Madison County last week, my sister Lori and I found Rose River Farm at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Syria. The September landscape was still lush and green under overcast skies with fog and low clouds over the surrounding ridges.

For the anglers or those who just want to get away from it all, the farm, which is located on the Rose River, and the nearby cabins offer fishing in the river or a stocked pond. The farm is also a working Black Angus cattle operation. The history of how it all came about through the vision of owner Douglas Dear is an interesting read at the website. Besides cattle and fish, the farm has peach orchards and extensive wildlife, and also provides for corporate outings and weddings in this setting that could be called God’s Sanctuary.

Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling has been among those who have enjoyed fly fishing at Rose River Farm — he is pictured on the website with a beauty that he caught. There are four kinds of trout — Wild Rose Rainbows, Wild Brook Trout, Wild Brown Trout, and Stocked Jumbo Rainbows.

There are three luxury yurt-style cabins at Rose River Farm so Lori and I drove up to look at them. I had read about these first-class accommodations when they were built and they certainly were located in a beautiful setting surrounded by fields and cattle and mountains and meadows.

The view is of Old Rag and other peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains of nearby Shenandoah National Park.

Can you imagine a pile of blazing logs in the fire pit while cooking on the outdoor grill in the crisp autumn air? Soon the leaves will begin turning and the explosion of color will make the setting even more spectacular. In winter the views will open as leaves fall to the ground, making it cozy inside by the fireplace while gazing out the many windows at the landscape. Can’t you just imagine snow falling?