The Upscale Historic Poorhouse @ Cardinal Springs

Escape to the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains and experience the magic of Virginia country living in our totally renovated, upscale “Poor House.” Part of the original county Poor Farm established to support the large number of poor veterans and their families created by the Civil War, this quaint cottage is rich in history and loaded with charm. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a special place to celebrate, or a week-end retreat, you've come to just the right place! Take advantage of all that nature has to offer by exploring our 130 acres of mountain forests, pastures, gardens, ponds, and historic structures. Watch the fireflies light up the starlit sky as you relax on the porch or on the magnificent covered dock. Hike our mountain trails. Swim, canoe, or fish in our fully stocked, 3 acre pond. Or roast marshmallows around the campfire and listen to nature's brilliant nighttime chorus! Our new upscale Poor House features two original stone fireplaces to keep you cozy warm on chilly days, one in the large bedroom and the other in the great room. The house is trimmed in original barnwood from buildings on the farm dating back to the 1860s. In the great room, you will find a modern kitchenette with microwave, mini refrigerator/freezer, coffee maker, and toaster. Located in the Great Room, it features soapstone counters, slate floors, and lots of windows to bring the outdoors inside. Two porches front and back are within hearing distance of the active stream nearby. A large bedroom with a stone fireplace and queen bed welcomes you downstairs and the upstairs loft features a full bed. Finally, if you would like to fully experience rural life, you are welcome to help us with the many projects that farm living offers, from gardening to caring for our farm family of goats, horses, mules, chickens, ducks, guineas, cats, and dogs. We will make every effort to customize your stay so that your experience is memorable! Friendly, well mannered, animal and people friendly pets are welcome. We are a non-smoking property. You occupy the entire Poorhouse and have shared access to our 130 acre farm. Steve and Andrea live on the farm about a quarter mile from the Poorhouse. Both work full time, Steve as an attorney and Andrea as a leadership consultant. They will schedule a farm orientation and tour at the beginning of your visit and do their best to be available as needed throughout your stay. They enjoy visiting with guests. Experience the amazing beauty of the surrounding countryside by visiting Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, and 'Old Rag' Mountain only minutes away. Bike some of the most scenic country roads in the Mid-Atlantic region, visit award winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries, marvel at the Blue Ridge by horseback, visit the local farmer’s market, and take home treasures from the many local art galleries and antique stores. If that isn't enough, expand your abilities with yoga and tai chi lessons, art and knitting classes, and drumming circles. If relaxation is your primary goal, we will help you to arrange a massage, beauty treatment, or catering on the premises. And not to be missed are the local dining options, from country bakeries, quaint diners, and gourmet eateries featuring local produce and meat, to world class dining at the Inn at Little Washington only 10 minutes away. Cell phone and Internet access in the county and at the farm is limited. Cell service at the farm is currently hit and miss but you are welcome to use our land line. We cannot get Internet in the Poorhouse but you can connect at several locations on the property. We welcome friendly, well trained dogs upon approval and charge a $65 per pet cleaning fee, max 2 pets.