A proposal to expand the lodging accommodations for the Osceola Mill Country Inn in Vesuvius was brought before the Rockbridge County Planning Commission on Jan. 14.
At Ease Retreat Corporation, the property’s owner, is seeking a rezoning of its 6.12 acres at 352 Tye River Turnpike from R-1 (general residential) and A-1 (agricultural limited) to A-2 (agricultural general), and is applying for a special exception permit in order to construct five detached guest cabins.
The current split zoning has 4.42 acres in the R-1 district and 1.7 acres in the A-1 district. Presently on the property is a historic grist mill house containing four guest suites and an innkeeper’s unit. There’s also a fifth guest suite in a detached cabin and a small garden shed. An innkeeper resides on site whenever guests are present. The inn operates as a low-intensity lodging facility and does not include or require a commercial kitchen.
No new development is proposed within designated floodway areas of the property. The project, according to agenda materials, is “intended to function as an expansion of the existing country inn, maintaining its character as a small-scale, rural lodging establishment.”
A new parking area is proposed that would be accessible from Tye River Turnpike, subject to Virginia Department of Transportation approval. The parking area would have 26 spaces to serve the new cabins and provide overflow parking for staff or visitors.
Osceola Mill, a 19th century water-powered grist mill no longer in operation, is set along Marl Creek and was built by the Cyrus Mc-Cormick family. It’s located on the west side of Tye River Turnpike (Va. 56), approximately .179-of-a-mile north of the intersection with South Bottom Road (Va. 608).
Linda Schatz of At Ease Retreat Corporation appeared before the Planning Commission to present the expansion plans. The new development will be completed in phases over a period of time, she told the Commission.
The requested rezoning and special exception permit, according to the proposal, “will allow Osceola Mill to expand in a manner that is consistent with its existing use, rural setting and the agricultural character of the surrounding area. The project is designed to remain low-impact, environmentally sensitive, and fully compliant with Rockbridge County regulations while supporting heritage tourism and small-scale rural economic activity.”
Commission members Tony Sibrizi and Tom Beebe complimented the plans. Motions to recommend the rezoning and approval of the SEP passed unanimously.
