Welcome Guide
A calm, design-forward sanctuary shaped by wood, light, and open sky.
This guide is here to help your stay unfold with clarity and ease.
As a gentle request, please remove shoes inside the home.
It helps preserve the warmth, cleanliness, and quiet integrity of the space.
Arrival & Access
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on the schedule and can be requested through Guest Provisions, which can be found at the top of this page.
Address
2611 Radio Tower Rd
Martinsburg, WV 25403
For your first drive up the mountain, we recommend using Google Maps, which will guide you accurately to the retreat’s entrance. Apple Maps has occasionally routed guests past the home; this has already been reported to Apple, but Google Maps remains the most reliable option for arrival.
The retreat offers seclusion at the end of Radio Tower Rd, approximately 2.6 miles from the start. Radio Tower Rd is a narrow, single-lane mountain road, and if mountain driving is new to you, the approach may feel a little adventurous the first time through. Take your time and travel at whatever pace feels comfortable.
There are occasional shoulders and wider areas along the road for passing. If you meet another vehicle, simply use the nearest wider area to ease over and allow one vehicle to pass. Traffic is typically very light, with only three other homes occupied full-time along the ridge, and those who regularly travel the mountain are accustomed to navigating the road.
After passing the bright red metal loft residence, you’ll have approximately ¾ mile remaining. Beyond this point, the retreat is the only property at the end of the road, so you generally should not encounter another vehicle along the final stretch aside from an occasional work or service truck whose drivers are also familiar with the mountain.
The road is paved but naturally rugged in places. In normal weather, guests regularly travel to and from the retreat in standard sedans without issue. No special driving mode is needed under normal conditions — simply drive slowly and attentively, remain aware of the passing areas, and enjoy the transition into the quiet of the mountain.
Gates
You will pass through two shared gates on your way in. If the gates are already open, you’re welcome to simply drive through — there’s no need to stop or close them.
If you find either gate closed, simply roll it open, drive through, and gently close it behind you to preserve the privacy of the ridge.
The gates are not locked.
House Entry
The front door is located on the road-facing side of the retreat and is equipped with a Yale keypad for self check-in. Your private four-digit door code will be provided before arrival.
To unlock the door:
Enter your four-digit code on the Yale keypad, then press the checkmark (✓). You’ll hear the lock release, and the door will be ready to open.
To lock the door when leaving:
Close the door securely, then press the Yale logo at the top of the keypad. The deadbolt will engage automatically.
For added peace of mind, the door is also programmed to automatically lock approximately 20 minutes after being unlocked.
If the keypad appears dark when you arrive, simply touch the keypad to wake the display before entering your code.
When leaving the home
Ensure both sliding doors are fully closed and locked from the inside.
Close the front door securely behind you.
Press the top button labeled “Yale” on the keypad to lock it.
A soft confirmation tone will indicate the lock has engaged.
Additional Information
This guide covers the essentials to help you arrive and settle in with ease. If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please visit our Guest FAQ for more details and helpful notes about your stay:
Guest FAQ:
https://www.pursuitmountaintopretreat.com/faqAnd of course, if anything remains unclear or you need assistance at any point, we’re always just a message away and happy to help.
Home
Water
The home is supplied by a private well with a full filtration system.
The water is clean, fresh, and safe to drink.
As a mountain home on a private well, hot water replenishes steadily but is best enjoyed with a little spacing. Multiple long showers taken back to back may briefly reduce temperature. Allowing time between showers helps ensure a consistently warm and comfortable experience for everyone.
Filtered drinking water is also available through the refrigerator’s front-facing dispenser.
Temperature Control
A smart thermostat intuitively adjusts the temperature to maintain comfort throughout the day.
You may override it at any time:
Press the dial once to activate
Turn to select heating or cooling
Adjust to your preferred temperature
Reading Loft
A small loft sits above the main living room—a quiet place for reading, reflection, or watching the light shift across the space.
Please note:
Access is via a 9 ft vertical ladder rated to 300 lbs
The climb is steep; please ascend and descend slowly at your own risk, using both hands
The ladder is made of powder-coated steel and can be slick against fabric. For your safety, please do not climb while wearing socks — use bare feet for the most secure grip
Children must be closely supervised at all times in and around the ladder and loft
Guardrails provide safety, but please do not lean, pull, or hang on the railing or stainless-steel cables
This elevated nook is peaceful and restorative, and it benefits from thoughtful use.
Wi-Fi
Network: Pursuit Mountain Top
Password: Retreat2611
Starlink highspeed internet is available throughout the house —fast, reliable, and suitable for streaming, conference calls, and remote work.
Mobile Reception
AT&T provides the strongest connection.
Verizon and other carriers may vary with weather, foliage, and position in the house.
Laundry, Bedding & Towels
The home is stocked with bedding, pillows, towels, and standard linens.
Each of the three showers is thoughtfully supplied with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Kitchen
The kitchen is designed for ease and is equipped with:
Pots, pans, and baking dishes
Dishes, utensils, and glasses
Coffee maker with built-in filter + Keurig attachments
Microwave / air-fryer combination unit
Full-size refrigerator and generous cupboard space
Additional curated amenities — from local ingredients to beverages and select grocery essentials — may be requested through our retreat services page (Guest Provisions Portal).
Please keep all food securely stored, as the home sits within active woodland.
Trash & Wildlife
To help protect the mountain’s wildlife, please keep all household trash securely contained. The trash bins are stored inside the metal chest near the front door steps.
After placing trash inside, please close both the bin lids and the chest securely. Do not leave food, bags, or waste outdoors, as wildlife is active throughout the surrounding woodland.
Shaping the Evening Light
There’s a discreet wall switch tucked into the corner of the great room, just behind the green chair, that controls the backyard flood light. When the switch is turned on, the light operates on a motion sensor and will illuminate as movement is detected outdoors. When switched off, it will not activate at all, allowing the mountain to return to its natural darkness and uninterrupted starglow.
For complete nighttime stillness, we recommend switching it off before bed, as the glow can softly reach the primary bedroom if motion continues outside.
TV
A 65" Samsung TV is available with a host-provided Netflix account.
You’re welcome to log in to your own streaming services (Hulu, Max, Amazon, etc.). Please remember to sign out of any personal accounts before departure.
Music
A Nest Audio system is present in both living rooms and the kitchen
To play music:
“Hey Google, play ____.”
“Hey Google, play ____ everywhere.” for whole-home audio
Music can gently soften the space and color your stay—a quiet backdrop for slow mornings, shared meals, energy cleansing, or evening reflection.
Board Games
A curated collection of board games is available for your enjoyment.
Please return all pieces to their boxes so future guests may enjoy them as well.
Outdoor Spaces
Hiking Trails
Guests have access to approximately 1.8 miles of private trails across the retreat’s 30 acres.
The trails are intentionally kept natural and lightly maintained, offering a more immersive look into the mountain landscape rather than the manicured experience of a traditional park trail. Expect stretches of vegetation, uneven ground, fallen leaves or branches, and terrain that may be muddy, rocky, or steep depending on the weather and season.
The trail gently follows the natural slope of the mountain down toward the lower corner of the property, where you’ll reach a quiet, flatter shelf that runs parallel to the ridge. From there, you can turn right and continue the length of the property beneath the house before reaching the edge of the trail and retracing your route back toward the retreat.
To help with orientation, property boundaries are marked with pink ribbon, and you’ll notice small white markings and directional arrows on trees and stone along the way. These are intended as gentle points of guidance rather than continuous trail markers, allowing the experience to remain natural and exploratory.
We recommend wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for wooded terrain, bringing water, and carrying your phone with you while exploring. Google Maps can be a useful additional reference if you’d like help orienting yourself back toward the retreat.
Please hike with awareness and at your own risk, using care with footing, wildlife, insects, and changing natural conditions.
Wildlife & Wilderness
The mountain is a living woodland environment, and wildlife is part of the experience. Deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, foxes, and other animals may occasionally be seen around the property.
Ticks and other insects are also naturally present in the woods, particularly during warmer months. If you plan to explore the trails, long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and insect or tick repellent are encouraged.
A bear horn is available at the retreat for guests who would feel more comfortable carrying it while exploring. It has never been necessary to use, but it is provided for added peace of mind. Bright orange safety vests are also available for trail use and are especially encouraged during hunting season.
Stinkbugs or ladybugs may occasionally appear indoors. They are harmless and common in forest environments. The retreat is professionally treated to reduce pests, though nature moves freely here.
Fire Pits
You’re welcome to enjoy either of the outdoor fire pits.
Some wood is provided; additional bundles are available on the retreat services page (Guest Provisions Portal).
Please:
Use only downed wood
Keep fires small and manageable
Never leave fires unattended
Fully extinguish flames before going indoors or leaving the property
Fire adds warmth to mountain evenings—and deserves careful attention.
Retreat Policies
No Pets
To preserve the calm, cleanliness, and allergy-sensitive nature of the retreat, pets are not permitted.
This allows the home’s materials, textures, and air quality to remain as gentle and balanced as intended.
Service Animals
Trained service animals are welcome.
They may not be left unattended in the home, as their presence shapes both comfort and safety.
Ahead of your stay, please answer the two ADA-permitted questions:
Is the service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
These questions help us prepare the space with clarity and care.
Occupancy & Visitors
The ridge is intentionally quiet, and shared privacy is part of what makes this place restorative.
Only registered guests may be on the property.
The retreat is not suited for unregistered visitors, celebrations, or gatherings that shift the natural stillness.
Thoughtful exceptions may be possible with advance communication and approval.
This ensures that every guest experiences the same sense of calm, safety, and refuge.
Smoking
No smoking inside the home or on the decks or porches.
Septic System
The home uses a sensitive off-grid septic system.
Please flush toilet paper only—no wipes, hygiene products, or food scraps.
Respect for the Home
Pursuit Mountain Top Retreat is crafted with natural materials and architect-led intention.
A few gentle considerations help us preserve its quiet integrity:
Treat furnishings and finishes with care.
Please keep furniture in its intended place.
To protect the retreat’s natural finishes, please do not use nails, screws, tape, adhesives, hooks, or mounting products on walls, doors, windows, or wood frames. This helps preserve the home’s clean lines and quiet integrity for all who visit.
If something is damaged or noticeably worn, a quick message helps us respond gracefully and without urgency.
This shared attentiveness keeps the home feeling clear, grounded, and welcoming for future guests.
Weapons
To help preserve the retreat’s atmosphere of calm, safety, and refuge for all guests, weapons are not permitted on the property.
This includes firearms, hunting equipment, archery gear, and other items intended for defensive or recreational weapon use.
If you are traveling with equipment that may fall into this category, please reach out in advance so we can offer guidance.
This shared understanding helps maintain the quiet character of the mountain and ensures the retreat remains a restorative environment for everyone who visits.
Kitchen & Food
You’re welcome to enjoy meals indoors, on the deck, or at the designated outdoor spaces.
Please clean up after meals with care.
Keep all food securely stored; the surrounding woodland is peaceful but very much alive.
These small practices help maintain harmony between the home and its mountain setting.
Exterior Security Cameras
For the safety of guests and the preservation of the property, exterior security cameras are present around the home’s entry points.
They operate quietly in the background.
There are no cameras inside the retreat.
Safety
Emergency Care
Berkeley Medical Center
2500 Hospital Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Hunting Season
During active seasons, please wear the provided orange vest when walking the property.
Neighbors & Road Use
Four neighbors share the mountain road, along with occasional utility vehicles.
Please drive attentively and yield where needed.
Fire & Home Safety
Keep all fires fully extinguished
Use care with elevated spaces, ladders, and natural terrain
Lock sliding doors from the inside when not in use
Press the “Yale” button to lock the front door whenever you leave
Your mindfulness helps preserve the quiet safety of the ridge.
Before You Leave
A gentle closing checklist:
Remove all food from refrigerator and cupboards
Leave towels hanging to dry
Place all trash in outdoor bins
Lock all windows and sliding doors
Press the Yale button to lock the front door
Close both road gates
Sign out of personal streaming accounts
Send us a message when you depart
Local Suggestions
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Distance: About 25–30 minutes (roughly 18–20 miles) from the retreat.
Why go: A snapshot of America’s layered history — colonial, Civil War, riverside industry — along with mountain-meets-river landscapes and a sense of place that feels timeless.
What to do:
Walk cobblestone streets of Lower Town, where historic brick buildings rise beside the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
Hike one of the many scenic trails: riverside strolls, forested paths, or longer ridge hikes up to overlooks that offer lush valley views.
Visit historic sites to feel the weight of history — ideal for still, reflective afternoons before dinner.
What to eat:
Bolivar Bread Bakery — A woman-owned, small-batch artisan bakery crafting long-fermented sourdough loaves, pastries, and seasonal baked goods made fresh every day.
The Rabbit Hole — A cozy gastropub overlooking the river, offering hearty comfort fare in a warm, unfussy atmosphere.
Country Café — A beloved local breakfast spot serving home-style plates perfect before or after exploring town.
Almost Heaven Pub & Grill — A casual, welcoming tavern with satisfying burgers, pub classics, and relaxed small-town charm.
What to expect: Harpers Ferry is a blend of quiet history and natural beauty — a place where time slows, perspective widens, and the past feels tangible yet gentle.
Shepherdstown, WV (Historic Downtown & River Edge)
Distance: About 30–35 minutes (approx. 25 miles) from Pursuit Mountain Top Retreat.
Why go: Shepherdstown wraps quaint charm, deep history, and riverside serenity into a small, walkable town — perfect for a gentle afternoon exploration.
What to do:
Take a self-guided walking tour along narrow historic streets, where 18th- and 19th-century architecture, quiet shops, and cultural rhythm remain intimately woven into daily life.
Visit the spot where the first American steamboat was launched — the riverside park and monument offer sweeping views of the Potomac and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Browse boutique shops, enjoy a quiet café or midday lunch — a nice counterpoint to the forest and altitude of your retreat.
What to eat:
Blue Moon Café - A peaceful garden café serving fresh, creative dishes in a leafy courtyard that feels effortlessly relaxed and artfully lived-in.
Press Room Restaurant - An inviting, softly lit dining room known for refined seafood and thoughtful plates, ideal for a slow, elevated evening meal.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant - European-inspired dining overlooking the Potomac, offering graceful views and timeless, comforting dishes in a storied setting.
Lilah Restaurant - A modern, intimate spot with beautifully composed plates and a quiet, intentional atmosphere — perfect for an unhurried dinner out.
Amy & Alex’s Homemade Ice Cream - A beloved local ice-cream shop offering small-batch, handcrafted flavors — a simple, joyful stop after wandering Shepherdstown’s historic streets
Lost Dog Coffee - A bohemian, art-soaked café with exceptional coffee, eclectic energy, and the kind of creative, unpolished charm that inspires long conversations and slow mornings.
What to expect: Shepherdstown is gentle, historic, and quietly soulful — much like what you’re offering at the retreat. It’s ideal for guests who want calm history, riverside light, and local character.
Berkeley Springs, WV (Spa Town & Springs Escape)
Distance: ~45–50 minutes (roughly 35–40 miles) from the retreat — a worthy half-day or full-day excursion.
Why go: For those drawn to gentle restoration. Berkeley Springs is a historic spa town full of mineral waters, relaxed pace, and soft light — a natural match for the retreat’s ethos.
What to do:
Visit the historic Roman Bath House — the mineral springs here have drawn visitors for centuries. A soak is tranquil, restorative, and feels quietly sacred amid nature and history.
Stroll the old town’s gentle streets, explore local shops, or settle with a warm drink and watch the world drift by.
For a blend of nature and ease, head to nearby green spaces or state-park land for light hiking, peaceful woods, or a slow rhythm away from screens.
What to eat:
Lot 12 Public House is a favorite for thoughtful, locally inspired dishes in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for an unhurried lunch or dinner, with a menu that feels elevated but never fussy.
Tari’s Café & Studio offers a warm, eclectic atmosphere and comforting food — a good stop if you’re in the mood for something casual yet full of character. It pairs well with a slow afternoon wandering town.
The Canary Grill is another local staple, known for approachable, satisfying meals and a welcoming feel — easy, dependable, and comfortable after a day of soaking or strolling.
For something especially simple, Charlotte’s Café is a lovely place to pause for breakfast or lunch, with a homey, small-town charm that fits the pace of Berkeley Springs.
If you’d like a more scenic meal, the dining room at Cacapon Resort State Park offers peaceful views and classic fare, especially nice when paired with a walk through the surrounding grounds.
Together, these spots reflect Berkeley Springs itself — unpretentious, nourishing, and quietly restorative.
What to expect: Feeling tired, worn, or wired? Berkeley Springs gives a slower, restorative reset — mineral water, soft ambiance, and an easy drift away from time.
Belle Boyd House & Historic Downtown Martinsburg
Distance: About 15–20 minutes (10–12 miles) from the retreat — a convenient, light outing.
Why go: To dip locally into hidden history and small-town charm without traveling far. This is a genuine local’s treasure — quiet, curated, unassuming.
What to do:
Visit the Belle Boyd House — an 1850s home turned museum with stories that weave through the Civil War era. It offers insight into the region’s past and gives context to the landscape you’ve chosen to stay in.
Walk Martinsburg’s downtown, explore small shops or a café, and get a feel for the slower pace of life outside of tourist bustle.
For history lovers: this area of Berkeley County is layered with railroads, old homes, and stories — great for a reflective afternoon or a gentle history-infused detour.
What to eat:
Martinsburg Thai is a local favorite and an easy choice for a comforting, flavorful meal. The atmosphere is relaxed, the dishes are consistently well prepared, and it’s a dependable stop whether you’re dining in or bringing something back to enjoy quietly at the retreat.
Brix 27 offers a slightly more elevated experience without losing its warmth. Known for its seasonal menu, thoughtful cocktails, and polished but approachable feel, it’s a lovely option if you’re in the mood for a slower, more intentional dinner.
New Star Viet Bistro, located near the base of the mountain, is another go-to for locals. The food is fresh, simple, and deeply satisfying — especially welcome after a day of walking or exploring. Casual, unfussy, and quietly excellent.
Farmer’s Daughter at Garage on King is a charming stop right in downtown Martinsburg. It blends café comfort with local character, making it a nice place for a relaxed breakfast or lunch while you take in the rhythm of town.
For something quick and easy, Espresso Perfecto is popular for coffee and light bites, and fits naturally into a slow downtown stroll.
Together, these spots reflect Martinsburg itself — unpretentious, welcoming, and grounded. Easy places to eat well without turning the outing into an event.
What to expect: It’s close, quiet, local. A short excursion that feels grounded — just enough away from the retreat to appreciate both the land and the region without losing the calm you came for.