Log Cabin on a Virginia Farm

The log cabin at Jacks Run is impossibly cozy; my biggest complaint is that I couldn’t stay longer! This was a stopover on the way back home to North Carolina after visiting family up north for the Christmas holidays. Because it was winter, it wasn’t possible to take advantage of the swimming pool or screened-in porch, but curling up in front of the fireplace to work on New Years resolutions was the perfect balm for the holiday stress.

The cabin is the real deal, with its rough-sawn floors and thick layers of chinking in the walls. The kitchen is well-equipped and spacious, featuring an oversized table to gather around with friends and family. I wasn’t sure how warm it would be overnight in the upstairs bedroom, with just a fireplace down below as a heat source. It turned out to be plenty warm; no need for the extra quilts strategically stashed around the cabin for guests.

Shirley, the host, couldn’t have been more gracious. She and her husband live in a beautiful brick colonial home just up the hill from the cabin. Although they were hosting visiting family, she took the time to offer a tour of both the cabin and the incredible barn on the property. Built from reclaimed lumber salvaged from an original structure, the barn was initially used to host their daughter’s wedding, and is now occasionally rented out for events. As long as there’s no event taking place during your stay, you’re welcome to use the barn for an additional hang-out space.

Stretching out below the cabin and barn are nearly 300 acres of rolling fields to explore; just be sure to wear orange, as the property is a quail-hunting preserve. While wandering around in the morning, I encountered a few hunters along with an energetic spaniel who appeared to be in seventh heaven. It was great fun to watch him work - from a safe distance, of course!

Response from Shirley, the Host, on December 29th, 2017

Thank you Kim for your thoughtful review! It was a pleasure having you here and we welcome you to stay any time on your way through. Come back in the summer when everything is in full bloom and quail hunting is out of season. We have wonderful trails for you to explore.

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My husband and I came to celebrate our anniversary, we just wanted some down time to spend alone together. Our host Shirley definitely understood as she gave us our space only coming over to wish us a happy anniversary and give us a bottle of champagne. Her timing was impeccable as she did so on the actual date of our anniversary. This cabin is the real deal, it is gorgeous as is the barn out back. The house right next to the cabin where the host lives has some incredible history, but I won’t ruin the surprise, just make sure to read the news article outside the bathroom in the cabin if you decide to stay. The land was beautiful! We did take some time to walk down a small trail in the woods and cane upon a creek running through the property. Stunning. The pool was big and very clean. I have nothing bad to say about this amazing place!! I can’t wait to go back!

Response from Shirley, the Host, on June 17th, 2018

Nikki, Thanks for choosing our place for your anniversary! It was great having you here and I hope you can come back again (maybe when the weather is a little better?) Thanks too for being so helpful and leaving the place in such great shape. It wasn't necessary but we appreciated it!

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We absolutely loved our stay at Shirley’s cabin. The property was beautiful and the cabin was clean and comfortable. A perfect place to relax and enjoy time together.

Response from Shirley, the Host, on October 11th, 2018

Thanks for coming Megan and for being such great guests. Come back and bring the dogs next time :)

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This is a beautiful historic spotless clean cabin. All the amenities for a unplugged getaway. If you need TV, Internet, & the ability to constantly text this is not your place. If you want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the countryside this is your spot. Great proximity to Smith Mountain Lake.
We will be returning next year! Thank you Shirley.

This farmhouse was exactly what we were looking for! Shirley and her family were incredibly sweet and welcoming. We enjoyed having the farm to ourselves where we could let the dogs and kids run free and play outside. The location was perfect - 45 minutes drive time to Roanoke and excellent Parkway access for hiking.