Over a century of Southern rail history
No. 332 — the Dixie Belle — is the oldest car on the property and the most storied. Built in 1913 for the Norfolk and Southern Railroad, this caboose was the working home of brakemen and conductors who rode the rear of freight trains through the American South for decades. It never carried passengers — it carried the crew that kept the trains running.
Restored with care and deep respect for its history, the Dixie Belle is a genuine piece of American railroading. The original woodwork, the proportions of the interior, the character of every surface — all of it speaks to an era when the caboose was the nerve center of the freight train. Step inside and you step back into 1913. In an effort to preserve the integrity of that history, guests must be 21 or older to book this car — no children are permitted.
A 1913 caboose doesn't lie. Every joint, every plank tells you exactly where it's been.
Sleeping quarters
The Dixie Belle sleeps two guests in the original crew quarters, now fitted with two comfortable twin beds. The cots have been updated for a proper night's rest while keeping the authentic feel of the space intact — low ceilings, close quarters, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a working railroad caboose.
It's an intimate stay by design. The brakemen and conductors who once slept here didn't have much room either — and that's exactly the point. This is history you can actually sleep in.
The galley
The compact galley is stocked with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Refrigerator, cookware, and all the essentials are ready and waiting when you arrive.
Brew your morning coffee and watch the Tennessee hills come alive through the original windows. There's no better breakfast view on the property. The kitchen itself is tucked away in the cabinets under the cupola — right where the conductor's gear used to be stored.
The bathhouse
In an effort to preserve the integrity and history of the Dixie Belle, we made the decision not to install a full bathroom inside the car. A 1913 caboose was never meant to have one — and we wanted to keep it that way.
A full private bathhouse is located just outside the back door of the car, steps away and exclusively for your use during your stay. Everything you need is right there — hot water, fresh towels, and all the comforts — without compromising a single inch of the original interior.
The cupola
The raised cupola at the top of the car is the Dixie Belle's signature feature — the elevated lookout where conductors once watched the length of the train ahead for shifting loads, sparks, or trouble on the line. It's original, intact, and unlike anything else on the property.
Climb up and look out over the Tennessee hills the same way a Norfolk and Southern conductor did over a century ago. It's a small space with an outsized sense of history.