Do you allow pets?

Gilbert Birch strives to be a low allergen, low fragrance environment. Consistent with that, we don’t permit pets.

Do you have electric vehicle charging?

A Tesla Universal Charger Level 2 pedestal will be installed at the driveway in early May. It will provide up to 44 mi of range added per hour. Use is included in your stay.

How far is it to the airport?

Charlottesville’s CHO airport is 24 minutes away. Both Reagan National and Dulles (from Washington, D.C.) are about 2 hours of driving time exclusive of traffic delays.

How far is it to Shenandoah National Park?

About 40 minutes drive to the Swift Run Gap entrance station (more central in the park) or about 47 minutes to the Rockfish Gap entrance station (most southern end of the park).

Do you have bears there?

Because the location is in a rural and woodland setting, we have a lot of wildlife! This includes black bears. Sightings are rare, however. Encounters are extremely rare.

What about laundry?

Guests are welcome to use the washer and dryer for traveler’s amounts of everyday-wear laundry and there’s no additional fee.

Is the parking safe and convenient?

Yes, plenty of space is available in the driveway. The house is in the woods and there will not be anyone around your vehicle during your stay.

Do you have security cameras?

A doorbell camera at the front of the house monitors arriving activity including the approach from the road. Consistent with Airbnb policy, there are no indoor cameras in the house.

When is trash pickup day?

Tuesdays, usually around 11am. Guests staying only a few nights are not expected to handle trash. Guests staying more than a few days can either coordinate with the host on removing trash or leave tied trash bags near the fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Generally, it is strongly preferred to not leave any trash bags outside (on porches) overnight. Animals get in them. It is a mess. Should guests have bulky trash (like a shipping box), it may also be left near the fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Where is the thermostat?

The thermostat is in the foyer above the tree lamp. The in-room wall heater is controlled directly from touch controls on its display panel. It is only a heater and is not an air conditioner. If used, it is recommended to set the temperature between 67 and 71 degrees for comfort.

Do you provide a hair dryer?

Yes. A full size hair dryer is available in the bathroom.

Do you provide a clothes iron and ironing board?

Yes, they are hanging in the bedroom’s closet.

What if I have forgotten my toothbrush?

No worries! A well stocked supply of hygiene items are available in the suite.

I’m not feeling well. Where should I go?

For medical emergencies, call 911 and report you are at 3995 Gilbert Station Road. Emergency medical personnel are dispatched to the house from Stony Point Fire Department about four miles away.

The nearest full service hospital is Sentara Martha Jefferson located at 500 Martha Jefferson Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

The recommended urgent care site is Sentara Martha Jefferson Outpatient Care Center at 3263 Proffit Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Pharmacy choices include Walgreens (two locations), pharmacies in Wal-Mart and Target, and also in grocery stores such as Harris Teeter and Giant.

Are you hiker friendly?

Yes, very much! I’ve section hiked most all of the AT in Virginia (nearly all 500 miles). I love trail culture and understand the experience. Hiker guests should agree to the guidelines in the hiker code of conduct.