The History

The history of The Retreat at Mt. Jackson predates the founding of the United States. The original log cabin was built in 1760 on a farm in Southern Virginia.

Using only hand tools, the giant chestnut timbers that make up the log walls were milled on-site. In addition, hundreds of large limestone foundation blocks were hand-chiseled to hold the immense logs and chimneys. 

The log cabin originally served as home to a farmer with nine children. At the time, the home consisted of only the main floor and a loft, which was used as sleeping quarters for the entire family. On the main floor, one fireplace was used for cooking, while the other was used for heat.

At the turn of the 20th century, the log cabin became a cowshed. Cows lived, ate, and slept on the same wood floors that remain to this day. After sheltering cows for over 100 years, the log structure was discovered by a couple looking to build a log cabin in Mt. Jackson, Virginia. They purchased the log cabin in the early 1990s and had it painstakingly dismantled, labeled, and transported to its current location. In addition, all of the foundation and chimney stone was crated and transported with the logs. 

A New Life.

In 1995, the cabin was carefully re-constructed by an expert architectural historian and builder. In addition, any new construction materials were carefully selected for their historical authenticity and durability. This included new windows, interior millwork, chinking (the hard concrete-like material between the logs), and additional structural beams. Remarkably, even after centuries of wear, the original hardwood floors were still usable. However, each floorboard was covered with hundreds of years worth of dirt and grime which needed to be scraped and cleaned off by hand. Once that process was completed, the floorboards were re-milled and installed again.

Not only was the original log cabin reconstructed, but it was also expanded upon. The upper level of the log structure was elevated to allow for higher ceilings. The basement level was also added. Further, an addition was made to the back and side of the log cabin, which allowed for a large kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms.

25 years after being moved to Mt. Jackson, the cabin underwent another major renovation. The current owners wanted to bring a new level of luxury and sophistication to the property while maintaining the original historic character. A new open concept kitchen and dining room were added along with a third bathroom, master suite, family room, and bunk room. 

All of the materials used in the renovation were carefully selected to not only be functional and aesthetically beautiful but also historically authentic. For example, all of the ironwork, including the solid iron bookcases flanking the fireplaces in the living room, were custom forged by a master blacksmith who restored the metalwork at George Washington’s, Mt. Vernon Estate. The stone floors in the kitchen, bathrooms and dining room are from a Virginia quarry. The solid brass fixtures, door hardware, and other accents have raw “living finishes” that will continue to age and patina over time. These are just a few of the hundreds of details that were added in order to make the property a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat.