Shireton: Fantasy-Inspired Underground Cottage

Step into a storybook escape unlike anywhere else in Virginia. Hidden beneath the hills and surrounded by nearly 24 acres of peaceful woodland, this handcrafted, fantasy-inspired underground cottage was built to feel like it belongs in the pages of a classic adventure.

The space
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a romantic getaway, surprising someone with a unique stay, or simply looking to disconnect from everyday life, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers an experience you’ll remember long after you leave.

Featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, Episode 3: Virginia Underground Home), the cottage combines rustic craftsmanship with sustainable off-grid living. Every detail from the iconic round front door to the handcrafted interior was designed to create a cozy, whimsical atmosphere while embracing the beauty of the surrounding forest.

Inside you’ll find

• A comfortable Queen Murphy bed that transforms the living space during the day

• A handcrafted dining nook perfect for coffee, games, or planning your next adventure

• A beautiful oversized copper soaking tub for relaxing after a day outdoors

• A kitchenette with a stovetop for preparing simple meals

• Thoughtful handmade details and charming décor throughout the cottage

Your private escape

Wake to birdsong instead of alarms.

Spend your day wandering wooded trails, relaxing beneath towering trees, reading on the patio, watching wildlife, or soaking beneath the stars. As evening arrives, enjoy the peaceful quiet that only an off-grid retreat can provide.

This is a place designed to help you slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature, with each other, and with yourself.

A truly off-grid experience

Our cottage is powered entirely by solar energy and operates on a private well and septic system. During periods of heavy power use or extended cloudy weather, our backup generator may automatically operate to ensure the home remains functional.

This is part of the authentic off-grid experience and is not considered a service interruption.

To encourage guests to fully embrace the peaceful surroundings, the cottage intentionally does not include Wi-Fi or a television.

Nature is part of the experience

Because the cottage is nestled within the forest, you’ll be sharing the landscape with birds, deer, butterflies, and the occasional woodland insect. While we regularly maintain and clean the home, occasional bugs are a normal part of staying in a natural woodland environment.

Please note

• Solar-powered, off-grid home with automatic backup generator when needed

• No Wi-Fi or television

• No refrigerator (we recommend bringing a cooler for perishables)

• Nearly 24 private wooded acres to explore

• Hiking trails on the property, with additional improvements planned over time

If you’re looking for a standard hotel room, this probably isn’t the place for you.

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a handcrafted underground cottage that feels pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel, you’ll feel right at home.

Guest access
Guests at our earthbound home have access to the entire tiny house and surrounding property. With nearly 24 acres to explore, you are free to roam and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
While we have started some hiking trails, please be aware that they are not yet finished and can be muddy after a rain. We recommend bringing boots. If you venture off the trail, we ask that you be mindful of bugs and respect the natural environment.

Further details about the layout of the property will be provided when you book your stay. We want to ensure that your experience at our cozy underground home is safe, enjoyable, and memorable. Come and immerse yourself in nature at this one‑of‑a‑kind retreat!

Other things to note
A Labor of Love — Welcome to Our Earthbound Retreat

Building this underground getaway was a dream come true for our small family. With limited resources but big determination, we brought this vision to life. If you’d like to see the full journey, watch our feature on Season 13 of Building Off the Grid — “Virginia Underground Home.”

Full of Character & Charm
Our home and property have their quirks — that’s part of the magic! As we grow, we’re reinvesting to make the space even more beautiful and welcoming.

The handcrafted circular door is a heavy, living piece of art that expands and contracts with the weather. If it ever feels stubborn, just let us know — we’ll happily adjust it for you!

Rustic & Rural Setting
This is true countryside living:
*Expect bugs and wildlife
*Nearest grocery store is 15–20 minutes away
*It can get muddy after rain — bring boots!

Think of your stay as a cozy glamping-style adventure

- Off-Grid Living
We’re still fine-tuning our solar capacity, so please be mindful of energy use to avoid draining the batteries. A quiet generator is available if needed.

-Our goal is always a five-star experience. If anything feels off during your stay, please reach out so we can make it right before you leave a review.

As new hosts, we truly value your feedback and appreciate your support as we continue improving our special hideaway.

Thank you for being part of our journey — we’re so grateful you chose to stay with us!