Photos by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
The Old Jail in Fincastle has detained a gift shop with a selection of items for shoppers to enjoy.
Caroline and Donald Naysmith have spent the last year restoring the historic jail built in 1897. The first floor has been revitalized into a gift shop that includes hand-made, limited edition mugs, spa items, greeting cards, and ornaments and other items for the upcoming holiday season. The focus of the upstairs portion of the jail is currently being decided. The Naysmiths have talked with the county about using the upstairs as a museum and a possible escape room, according to Donald.
Initially, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved the location for a museum/bed and breakfast earlier this year. The county voted to moved forward with the revitalization of the historic jail, featuring a possible museum on the upper levels and a gift shop downstairs. Fincastle Town Council approved the rezoning of a portion of the Old Jail property owned by Botetourt County from “Public” to “Commercial” during its April meeting.
The county leased the property in February to Cardon Development, the Naysmiths’ historic restoration business. The two preservationists moved to Fincastle last year. Donald is originally from New York and Caroline, from Georgia.
This is the Naysmiths’ 27th historic restoration in the last 17 years. Restoring historic buildings was a part of the Naysmiths’ “dream” when they began their business, according to Caroline.
“Our dream was to get anything we could get our hands on that was old that needed us,” Caroline said about their work.
Caroline’s work in restoration dates back to 1989 when she purchased the Larimore Plantation House in Washington, Mo., built in 1857. The Naysmiths have also restored Duncraig Manor in Southern Pines, N.C.. and won awards for their restoration of the Alexander Homestead in Charlotte.
The gift shop is open each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Christmas.
