No human in sight; wild turkeys strut and doves croon a somber “coo-ooh.” “Fee-bee-fee,” the black-capped chickadee sings. On the highest point in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with an 80-mile panorama of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, simplicity takes precedence over frazzled lifestyles. In this “Thoreau-ly” tranquil backdrop, the Alpine Hideaway Cottages impart a perfect marriage between comfort and sophistication. According to innkeeper Eileen M. Hoernlein, who operates the venture in Steeles Tavern with her husband Bill, one of the most frequent comments in the guestbook is that the website does not warrant the property justice.

The amenity list itself exceeds the guests’ expectations: one’s very own private hot tub on a secluded back deck, a plush king-size bed, two-person Jacuzzi bathroom, satellite TV, CD player, free high-speed Internet connection, wood-burning fireplace (Bill stacks it flawlessly), luxurious robes, full kitchen, skylights, front porch and gas grill.

Attractively designed, each cottage accommodates two adults who will likely discover that romance-romance-romance is the most popular birdsong on the premises. Guests, too, are amazed at the attention to detail that the innkeepers provide down to the coffee, sugar and cream. The ideal place, ideal location, and the cherry on top: the “hideaway” in the name is not just in namesake.

“What sets us apart from any of these other cabins around here is the seclusion and privacy. We only have three cottages, and you don’t see the cottage next to you. People are not getting here and finding out there’s a row of cabins, which we’ve heard a lot of complaints about,” Eileen explains.

Couples seeking spectacular views should reserve either the Ivy Cottage or the Sunset Cottage. One hundred unspoiled acres teeming with wildlife, and likely to inspire some meaningful conversation, surround both quarters. First-rate photographers may capture the vibrant sunsets, but nothing competes with seeing them from this high-up perspective.

Although less secluded, the Pond View Cottage is just that; blue heron is high on the wildlife list. Recline on the private back deck overlooking the spring-fed pond. The stresses of life seem to wash away in the dancing waters. Fishing (no license required) for trout, bass, crappie, bream and catfish in the one-acre, fully stocked pond is an added bonus for guests that stay at the Pond View Cottage. Motorcycle enthusiasts should note that this cottage, the newest one, also gives cyclists a garage area to store motorbikes.

Regardless of which cottage is booked, Eileen reiterates what she informs guests, “We tell them when they make that booking they probably won’t see anybody the whole time they’re there.”

Upon automatic check-in, guests can arrive any time after 4 p.m. and pick up a detailed map and combination lock for their room. “Our guests really like that they’re not beholden to somebody who’s going to chew their ear off for half an hour about the place,” the innkeeper says.

“We do live on the premises, so that we’re available to them if they need something, but we’re not to be found if they don’t need to find us,” Eileen adds.

Eileen and Bill reside on the property in the former historical 5,500-square-foot bed and breakfast that they operated for 11 years. When they had offered rooms at the inn, they built their first guest cottage, and the demand was obvious. Eileen, with a 20-year hospitality background, and her husband decided to semi-retire, turned the B & B into their home and concentrated on the guest cabins.

Sans daily housekeeping and formal sit-down guest breakfast, the element of privacy attracts a large repeat/referral business. For a nominal charge, breakfast baskets delivered to the cottage can jumpstart the day. Recipients have touted Eileen’s homemade granola as “the best around.” Other morning sundries, which Eileen describes as something “always nice and fresh,” include muffins, fresh fruit, cheese, milk, yogurt, coffee and orange juice.

Located midway between the historical regions of Lexington and Staunton, Virginia, with a short drive to both Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, and fifteen miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, day-tripping opportunities include shopping, antiquing, hiking, fine dining and theater. Conveniently, too, the regionally and nationally acclaimed Rockbridge Vineyard is only five minutes away and open all year.

Of course, Eileen says, that there are the people who arrive and the “car never moves.”

“It’s very relaxing. It’s very spiritual,” she explains, saying that the cottages attract a spectrum of guests, ranging from “young honeymooners” to couples who are married for forty years and come every year to celebrate their anniversary.

She notes that, “Unless you make a reservation here, it is not on the map. You cannot find it. The reason that we do that is to protect the privacy of the people. It’s off-limits, unless you actually make a reservation.”

Fittingly, Eileen cannot keep count of the marriage proposals. Whether young or seasoned, lovers should say, “I do” to a “Thoreau-ly” magical place.