Fernweh Lodge has been here longer than we have.

Built in 1916, the house was home to Frank and Elizabeth TouVelle. Frank was a judge, orchardist, and civic leader who left his mark on Southern Oregon in more ways than one. After Elizabeth died, he opened their home to boys in need, helping house and educate more than a dozen of them. He also donated land along the Rogue River in her memory, now TouVelle State Recreation Site.

The house went on to become the TouVelle House, welcoming travelers to Jacksonville for years.

When we found it, we weren’t interested in making an old house feel new. We kept what we loved, uncovered some of what had been lost, and gave the rest another life.

Old wood. Crooked floors. Collected things. A pool, a sauna, gardens, and a little bar called Frankie’s.

Fernweh means an ache for faraway places. A homesickness for somewhere you haven’t been yet.

That felt right.

The house has already had quite a few lives. We’re just the current caretakers.

Come stay awhile. Take it easy.