Cardinal Cove is located on the farm that has been in our family since before 1866. It was located in Irwin County at that time and was owned by Mr John G. Roberts who was our great-great-great grandfather. It was sold in December 1866 to our great-great grandfather and Mr Robert’s son-in-law John A Smith for $50. In 1897 he sold the farm to his son and our great grandfather, O.W. Smith for $125. In 1931 O.W. sold the farm to his son and our maternal grandfather, John A Smith, Sr. for $4000. The land was never sold again. It was our grandfather’s and our parent’s desire that this land never leave our family and Allien and I plan to uphold their wishes.

Our parents moved the tobacco barn, which was located on the north side of the farm, to its current location in 1986. In 1987 they constructed the original cabin which they enjoyed on weekends and holidays. They loved the peacefulness they found in the country. Later, before our daddy, Joe McNair retired they sold their home in Ashburn and added onto the cabin. Our mother, Ramona McNair, loved to entertain and she wanted to have room to host the parties she enjoyed having.

Our parents loved to travel and did so as often as possible but every time they came back home and sat on the back porch they always said, there was no view or place more peaceful than the one they could enjoy for free.

We are excited to share this beautiful location with you and our hope is that you also feel the peace and love our parents did while at Cardinal Cove.