Kay Cottage, Hot Springs

This three-story Mediterranean-style villa was built for railroad engineer Decatur Axtell, president of the Virginia Hot Springs Company upon its formation in 1892, and first president of the Homestead Hotel, for his personal residence. No other original cottage within the Homestead grounds enjoys such an enchanting location – overlooking the hotel and far beyond it, across the valley toward the mountains of West Virginia.
The broad wrap-around loggia, accessible from the living room on the west side of the house and from the den/study on the north side, provides ample space for dining, entertaining and simply enjoying the view.

In addition to the 6,900 sq. ft. main house, with 8 eight bedrooms, five and a half baths and a powder room, the property includes a separate three-bay garage with a three-bedroom apartment and bath above it.

Both structures have fireplaces – five in the main house and one in the apartment. The latter and two (of the five) in the main house are fully operational. Heating is by steam radiation; the original Moline Vapor system has been restored.

Extensive exterior restoration (roofing, gutter/downspout systems, trim and walls, etc.) is nearing completion on both structures. The 2.07 acre grounds have numerous mature trees, and a terraced lawn on the south side.