Douthat and Fairy Stone State Park Cabin Renovations

The timeless beauty of Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks in Southwest Virginia has been given a new lease on life. After an ongoing renovation project spanning almost three years, a total of 29 cabins have reopened to the public, blending the historical charm of the past with the convenience of modern amenities.

Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks are steeped in history, as they were part of Virginia's inaugural six state parks. Built by the dedicated hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and 1950s, their log and cinder block cabins embody the beauty of a bygone era. With the passage of time, ensuring guest safety and preserving the structural integrity of these cabins became paramount.

The renovation design team faced an extraordinary challenge—how to merge the rich historical character of the cabins with contemporary comforts. Speight Marshall Francis proudly took on the role of structural engineer, combining expertise with innovation to deliver truly remarkable results.

Douthat State Park:
Phase 1 of the project focused on breathing new life into ten log cabins and five cinder block cabins at Douthat State Park. The extensive work encompassed repairing and rehabilitating the exterior and interior walls of the log cabins, while the cinder block cabins saw upgrades in exterior cladding and interior finishing. Enhancements extended to the heart of these cabins, with fully upgraded kitchens featuring state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms were redesigned to provide the highest level of comfort and convenience.

To ensure long-lasting durability, windows were replaced, while the roofing received a complete makeover with the introduction of composite shakes. These modern aesthetics closely resemble the original cedar shakes installed by the CCC in the 1930s, while offering an extended lifespan of over 50 years, along with enhanced resistance to mold and moss. The overall upgrade also included comprehensive enhancements to plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and furniture replacements. Phase 2, currently in progress, will focus on the remaining 15 log cabins, followed by the renovation of Douthat Lodge, another beloved CCC structure.

Fairy Stone State Park:
As the largest among the original six state parks, Fairy Stone State Park holds a special place in the hearts of visitors. Phase 1 of the renovation was an ambitious endeavor that involved rejuvenating seven log cabins and seven cinder block cabins. Log cabins received extensive repairs and rehabilitations of their exterior and interior walls, while cinder block cabins were enhanced with updated cladding and interior finishes. Kitchens now boast modern stainless steel appliances, and bathrooms have been given a complete makeover to provide guests with a truly indulgent experience.

Among the 14 cabins that underwent significant upgrades, Cabin 1, a cherished lakefront gem, witnessed a remarkable transformation. Converted into an ADA-compliant cabin, Cabin 1 stands as the only log cabin at Fairy Stone that is accessible to all visitors. The meticulous renovation included reconfiguring the bathroom and kitchen layouts and constructing an elevated sidewalk leading to the front porch and entry. Moreover, the once-vulnerable porch now boasts a cover, affording guests the opportunity to soak in the splendor of the lake, regardless of weather conditions.

Phase 2 of the Fairy Stone cabin renovation project is already underway, promising further enhancements to two log cabins and nine cinder block cabins. All renovations are scheduled for completion by May 2024, ensuring visitors can soon experience the beauty and comfort of these remarkable sanctuaries.

The revival of Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks seamlessly merges historical preservation with contemporary innovation. These cabins showcase the importance of safeguarding the beauty of the past while embracing a promising future. 

Awards

AIA Virginia 2023 Design Award - Award of Merit in the Historic Preservation Category

2023 Gabriella Page Preservation Award for Outstanding Preservation Projects