NORTH TAZEWELL, VA – NOVEMBER 6, 2024 – Creating a luxury primitive resort on their picturesque 87-acre rolling farm in North Tazewell was the goal Mike and Mary Blevins had as they returned to their roots, moving back to the region they grew up in from Raleigh, NC, to open the Ruakh Resort, part of their new business, Mason-Dixon Brothers LLC.
Mason-Dixon Brothers LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Mason-Dixon Brothers LLC is developing a creative tourism project offering visitors the opportunity to stay in Geodesic domes on Taylor Farm land, providing distinct visitor experiences,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects five full-time and two part-time employees within five years.”
“Our hearts may have wandered, but they always knew the way home,” the Blevins’ said about their decision to return to the region and open their new business. “Now, we’re here to stay, working hand-in-hand to make our hometown a better place for all.”
The name of the resort, “Ruakh,” is Hebrew, meaning “spirit, breath, or wind,” and is situated on their 87-acre farm, Taylor Farm.
The luxury dome glamping resort offers accommodations in 500-square foot Geodesic domes, the first of which was completed this fall. Up to five are planned on the property. The domes boast modern comforts including indoor toilets, showers and plush hotel bedding, all complemented by state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning. Outdoor fireplaces and outdoor showers enhance the experience.
In addition to the domes, a 1,200-square-foot brick and cinderblock farmhouse which is located at 6753 Baptist Valley Road in North Tazewell, and which now features two bedrooms is slated to become a commercial kitchen and resort clubhouse, Future plans call for primitive tent camping to be added in the spring, for the farmhouse to also be used as a wedding venue and for the future construction of an amphitheater venue on the property, utilizing the natural topography on which to situate it.
The future farmhouse/clubhouse will feature fork-to-table fine dining through a farmhouse restaurant they have already named The Rooted Rebel; as well as hiking, fishing and other tour experiences.
Additionally, the Blevins’ operate Haus of Taylor, an arts hub on 113 Fincastle Turnpike in Tazewell, through which they promote the Ruakh Resort and the rental of their Farmhouse Suite loft there. Arts offerings change periodically at the Haus of Taylor venue.
“Growing up in our hometown, we were blessed to be raised by parents who understood the value of hard work and community,” the Blevins’ noted. “They worked tirelessly, not just for their own family’s well-being but for the betterment of the entire town. They instilled in us the belief that giving back to the community was the ultimate form of gratitude.
“Our hometown may be small, but its heart is immense. The support and camaraderie we’ve experienced since our return has been overwhelming,” they continued. “Small businesses, farming families and God-fearing residents all come together to create a vibrant tapestry of life in Tazewell, Virginia, and the surrounding communities. This is what makes our hometown truly special.”
“The VCEDA grant was used toward the utility infrastructure for the first domes and connections for future expansion,” said Mary Blevins.
“It actually allowed us to install a much better offering and experience to the client,” Mike Blevins added. “It helped us to not make the wrong decisions out of not having the funds to do something.”
The Blevins’ worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing their application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority.
“Mr. and Mrs. Blevins were a pleasure to work with as Mountain Empire’s Small Business Development Center assisted with their VCEDA Seed Capital Fund application,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “Their vision for a high-end stay venue promises to attract attention to the Tazewell County area from those seeking a unique and luxurious outdoor experience. Through our assistance with the VCEDA Seed Capital Fund application, we had the opportunity to learn more about Mason Dixon’s expertise and passion for the region. The Small Business Development Center looks forward to continuing to support Mason Dixon as their business evolves.”
Mason Dixon Brothers LLC, Haus of Taylor and the Ruakh Resort may be reached by calling 919-217-2820 or by emailing info@masondixonbrothers.com. The website is located at www.masondixonbrothers.com. A new website is coming soon specific to the Ruakh Resort and may be found at www.ruakhresort.com.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.