In the mid-1990s Bob and Susan Fleming acquired two dilapidated log cottages along fayette springs road in chalk hill, pa. As director of a major area tourist attraction, susan fleming recognized the value of these properties both historically and economically but it was challenging to get anyone to agree to restore rather than demolish the houses, which were built in the 1930’s as hunting camps and abandoned to the elements for years.

With the help of some resourceful contractors, the couple was able to transform the cottages into the luxuriously rustic retreats you see today. The first cottage to welcome tourists opened in 1997 and the second in 2005. The flemings treasure their little piece of history and have enjoyed hosting visitors from all over the world for nearly 20 years. Automobiles and airplanes have replaced the boats and trains, a world-class spa has replaced the fayette springs, but the experiences of iconic architecture, pristine wilderness, exceptional white water, and unrivaled trails continue to draw tourists to our region.

The property on which the cottages are located is the site of the original Fayette Springs, a popular resort and spa to which tourists flocked in the mid 1800’s. According to advertisements in the “genius of liberty,” a local newspaper from that period, people came from all over the east by train to ohiopyle or boat to brownsville, then by horse and buggy to partake of the health benefits of the water in the stream that runs behind the cabins. The water was guaranteed to cure all sorts of ailments. All that remains of the original spa are photos and some artifacts; a hand-carved stone basin, stone columns, a large stone slab with graffiti depicting names and dates from the period, and a fresh-water well that is dug into the mountainside.