1873 Kitchen House at Firmstone Manor

When we first walked onto the Firmstone Manor property, we could feel the history — a Victorian home built in 1873 by Harry Firmstone, still standing as one of the largest surviving homes in Alleghany County, surrounded by cottages that had served the estate for generations. It needed a lot of love, and we knew right away this was going to be a long-term labor of love rather than a quick flip.
The Kitchen House was the first piece of that vision brought back to life — the original 1873 kitchen that once fed the estate, restored from the inside out while keeping its 19th-century character intact. Since then, we've also finished two more cottages on the property: one that served as a service station back in the 1930s, and another that was a single motel unit from the same era, back when this stretch of road was part of the early American road-trip landscape. Each one tells a different chapter of the property's story.
The Manor itself is now largely restored as well — including a major addition last year of a semi-commercial kitchen — with just a few small projects still underway. What started as a daunting restoration has become something we're genuinely proud to share.
What we offer guests is something rare: quiet, beautifully restored pieces of Virginia history on 16 acres of rolling countryside, perfectly positioned between Clifton Forge, Lexington, and Bath County. Whether you're here to disconnect, to explore the mountains and wineries, or simply to sit on the porch and watch the light change over the ridgeline — we hope it gives you a real sense of stepping back in time, in the best possible way.

Genuine 1873 history, modernized — Stay in the original kitchen house of a restored Victorian estate, with all the character of the 19th century and none of the inconveniences.

16 private acres — Mountain views, quiet corners for reading or stargazing, and room to roam without another building in sight.

Perfectly positioned between three destinations — Halfway between Clifton Forge, Lexington, and Bath County, putting wineries, state parks, and the historic Warm Springs Pools all within a 30-minute drive.

Part of an active restoration project — Your stay supports the ongoing preservation of one of Alleghany County's largest surviving Victorian homes and the historic cottages surrounding it.

Fully equipped, single-level cottage — Two bedrooms (king and queen), a tiled walk-in shower, full kitchen with Keurig, central A/C and heat, and high-speed internet throughout.

4K streaming in every room — Bring your own Roku guest account and pick up right where you left off at home.

Close to outdoor adventure — Green Pastures Recreation Area is just 2.3 miles away, with Douthat State Park, Lake Moomaw, and Appalachian Trail access all within easy reach.

Quiet by design — No through-traffic, no neighbors close by, just countryside and the occasional bird.