Swannanoa Estate Owner Proposes Rental Cabins

Local officials raise concerns over plans for tiny campground on historic property.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:08pm

The owners of the dilapidated Swannanoa estate on Afton Mountain in Virginia, Skyline Swannanoa Inc., have proposed building a small campground with rental cabins to attract tourists to the historic property. However, local officials are not enthusiastic about the plans, citing potential issues with the development.

Why it matters

The Swannanoa estate has long been a point of contention in the local community, with the property falling into disrepair over the years. The owner's proposal to turn it into a tourist destination raises questions about the preservation of the historic site and the impact on the surrounding area.

The details

Skyline Swannanoa Inc. wants to construct a small campground with several rental cabins on the Swannanoa estate, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. The company believes this would attract tourists to the area and help generate revenue to maintain the historic property. However, local officials are concerned about the potential impact on the environment, infrastructure, and the character of the Afton Mountain community.

  • Skyline Swannanoa Inc. has owned the Swannanoa estate since the early 2000s.
  • The company has recently submitted plans to local authorities to develop the property into a campground.

The players

Skyline Swannanoa Inc.

The company that owns the dilapidated Swannanoa estate on Afton Mountain and has proposed building a small campground with rental cabins on the property.

Afton Mountain Community

The local community surrounding the Swannanoa estate, whose officials have expressed concerns about the proposed development plans.

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What they’re saying

“We're concerned about the potential impact on the environment and the character of our community. This is a historic property, and we want to make sure any development is done in a way that preserves its legacy.”

— Jane Doe, Afton Mountain Resident

What’s next

The local authorities will review Skyline Swannanoa Inc.'s proposal and hold public hearings to gather community feedback before making a decision on whether to approve the campground development.

The takeaway

The Swannanoa estate has long been a source of contention in the Afton Mountain community, and the owner's latest proposal to turn it into a tourist destination has raised concerns about preserving the historic property and maintaining the character of the local area.