Glamping Micro-Resort in Virginia is Coming Up
In this week’s newsletter, I’d like to introduce you to my friends Laura and Kevin.
They’re building something special in the forests of Virginia—a modern glamping retreat called Camp Yellow Cardinal. A thoughtfully designed escape tucked among pine trees and quiet streams, created for rest, reconnection, and a little bit of magic.
But this story isn’t just about domes or design.
It’s about a couple who came from two completely different worlds—a restaurant owner and a former lab tech—and decided to take a risk on a dream.
A dream that started during long dog walks… and is now becoming one of the most thoughtful glamping projects I’ve come across.
From Kitchen Heat to 100-Year-Old Home
Kevin started his career in restaurants. First as a sushi chef, then as co-owner of two Richmond spots—Sticky ToGoGo and The Cellar Door. He learned fast. Hospitality. Pressure. Long nights and tight margins.
Meanwhile, Laura was working in the sciences. First in cancer diagnostics, then teaching math and science to seventh graders. Her work was important—but draining. And somewhere along the way, she realized she craved something more creative. More hands-on. More free.
Together, they bought a 100-year-old home and renovated it room by room. They didn’t just survive the project—they loved it. And that was the spark.
A Dream in the Pines
Kevin’s love for the outdoors runs deep. He grew up in the Boy Scouts and stayed in the program until he was 17—just for the chance to go camping every month. Sleeping under the stars, cooking over a fire, hiking deep into the woods—these weren’t just activities. They were formative experiences.
Laura, on the other hand, preferred clean linens and climate control. Her version of camping leaned more cozy bed and AC than headlamp and trail mix.
But together, they started dreaming.
"What if we created something that blends my love for camping with your love for comfort and beautiful spaces?" Kevin asked one evening.
That became their North Star.
They imagined spacious domes. Hot tubs. Cozy fire pits. Full privacy. Unexpected comfort in the wild.
So they bought their first piece of land… and immediately hit a wall.
The Setback That Taught Them Everything
13 acres of land in Fluvanna County felt perfect—until their proposal reached a public zoning meeting.
Dozens of local residents showed up with concerns, imagining traffic, noise, and changes to the character of their rural community. Someone uncovered an old regulation limiting land use to horse farms only.
After months of planning, Kevin and Laura weren’t allowed to build anything.
And they had already bought the land.
It was a gut punch. But it didn’t end them.
They sold the land (losing only a few thousand dollars), took notes, and kept going. They vowed to do everything better next time.
Camp Yellow Cardinal is Born
The second time around, they found 25 acres in Prince Edward County—a quiet property bordered by forest and crossed by a gentle stream.
This time, everything felt more intentional. Kevin prepared a 75-page zoning package—complete with wetland studies, endangered species assessments, sound maps, a full business plan, and community outreach. Nothing was left to chance.
But what made this moment even more meaningful was the kindness of the land’s sellers.
Kevin and Laura were transparent about their plans from the start. They explained they couldn’t close until the county approved the project—and instead of walking away, the sellers stood by them. When a snowstorm delayed the zoning meeting, the sellers extended the contract. Then extended it again.
On a Tuesday night, the project was approved unanimously by the board.
By 9am the next morning, they closed on the land.
The dream finally had a home.
Construction begins soon. Phase one includes six geodesic domes—each 6 meters wide, with a king bed, record player, kitchenette, and outdoor hot tub.
their vision for how the outside will look
and here is the inside inspiration
The bathhouse? Heated concrete floors, tiled showers, elegant design.
The vision: camp outside, retreat inside.
And though the land could easily fit 50 units… they’re capping it at twelve.
Because this isn’t a campground—it’s a personal experience.
To complete that experience, Phase Two will bring a barrel sauna, a sunset deck, an outdoor shower tucked in the trees, and a small camp store for slow mornings and late-night snacks.
Built for Guests. Rooted in Story.
Kevin’s background in hospitality and community engagement is guiding everything—from building trust with the county to planning fire-cooked dinners with local chefs.
Laura is pouring herself into the interiors. After years in clinical labs and classrooms, this is her creative playground. Each dome will carry her design sensibility—functional, thoughtful, and serene.
They’ve financed the project with an SBA loan, putting in 20% of their own capital and bootstrapping the finishing touches. They sourced their domes from a vetted manufacturer overseas and are working with a contractor who specializes in park infrastructure.
Every choice—every deck, dome, hammock, and trail—has been intentional.
What’s Next?
Their dream doesn't end here.
Kevin and Laura hope to eventually create more retreats across Virginia—each rooted in the local landscape and designed with the same care and intention.
But for now, they’re focused on doing this one beautifully.
I hope this story inspired you as much as it inspired me.
It’s not easy to break ground in a regulated state like Virginia. It’s even harder to do it with grace, perseverance, and vision.
But Kevin and Laura are doing just that—and I can’t wait to see their first guests arrive.
You can follow their journey here:
📸 On Instagram: @campyellowcardinal
🌐 CampYellowCardinal.com
If you're building something of your own—or just dreaming of it—I hope this gives you hope, ideas, and the courage to keep going.
