Keep Fairhope Funky
Even those who are unfamiliar with my hometown of Fairhope, Alabama, may find this story about efforts to save The Poet of Tolstoy Park’s house interesting. It’s a strange house with a unique literary twist. And of course . . . our small town is abuzz!
There’s always something stirring in Fairhope, be it fact, rumor, or local lore. Right now, one of the hottest topics in town is the fate of the Round House—also known as the Hermit Hut, or simply, “that quirky little house in the parking lot.” Built in the 1920s by Henry Stuart, the 13-foot circular concrete dwelling has long been part of Fairhope’s identity. Stuart’s intriguing life was chronicled by author Sonny Brewer in The Poet of Tolstoy Park, a novel that made the odd little house even more beloved.
Originally built on the edge of town, the house now sits awkwardly surrounded by offices and asphalt, the victim of relentless progress. The group in charge of relocating the structure is working with the current owner and have set an October deadline for completing the move. The current owner of the office complex has been supportive and protective of the historic building, but you never know what will happen if down the proverbial road, the property is sold to someone else. This is why steps are being taken now to protect and relocate the building.
Thankfully, there’s a plan. When the new Flying Creek Nature Preserve was announced, many saw it as the perfect new home for the Round House. Plans to relocate the structure began to take shape, and now the effort is in full swing. The Single Tax Corporation has pledged half of the $369,000 needed to move the structure — offering $184,500 if the public can match it. As of this writing, around $200,000 more is needed. Many have asked, “can’t it be moved for less money?” and “Can’t we just give the Boy Scouts some shovels and have them move it?” Well, my friends, they’ve evaluated every single option, and discovered it’s going to take a specialized moving company, a miracle or two, and help from everyone.
Still, some folks are waiting on the sidelines. To many, the Round House is just a quaint oddity. But those who understand Fairhope’s heart know it represents much more. In writing We Don’t Push in Fairhope, I interviewed long-time residents and newcomers alike, and the overwhelming concern was that rapid growth is stripping away the charm that once made Fairhope unique.
We often hear the lament, “We’re starting to look like everywhere else.” Well, saving the Round House is a chance to push back against that trend. It’s a small but meaningful step toward preserving the unique personality of our city.
Henry Stuart’s story is one of resilience, simplicity, and healing. He came here to die but instead, found purpose, friends and a long life, thanks to Fairhope’s warm embrace. Moving his home to the Flying Creek Nature Preserve would retain a piece of that legacy — literary, historical, and a bit of the uniqueness that characterizes Fairhope.
A small town known for its artistic flair, Single Tax roots, bayfront beauty, and colorful characters needs to add a little round house. From dancing locals to street painters, welders of butterflies, walking school buses, and fairytale homes—we’re not like everyone else, and that’s the point.
A contribution to save it doesn’t have to be huge. Think of it as the cost of a few overpriced coffees—the kind we now find at the national chain that just popped up on the four-lane. If everyone gave just that, the goal would be met in no time. It’s a rare opportunity for a non-political effort to unite a community that has felt split on other recent issues.
Saving the Round House won’t just protect a building, it will preserve a story, a spirit, and a symbol of who we are. Let’s not wait and watch it disappear. Let’s act now and keep Fairhope funky.
Click here for easy instructions on donating: DONATE TO TOLSTOY PARK
Thank you so much for putting the funky round house front and center in your unique way! We greatly appreciate your taking the time to write this and encouragement of a few “coffee’s ” worth of donations. While October is not a deadline set in stone…..we know the round house will be moved eventually. Ken’s gift may be flexible, but the fact is, it needs to be moved to it’s forever public home and out of a private parking lot as soon as possible! The Tolstoy Park Committee is doing our best to get the word out about the need for “matched” donations. Your blog is widely read and we know your words will make a significant difference! Thank you!!!
Thanks so much Savan, for these kind words and also for all you and your team do to help our community. This is such a unique project and one that will definitely keep our history and character alive for many years to come. I’m so glad you are here in Fairhope!
Leslie Anne, I definitely am getting old because I now hate “progress”. All this AI stuff drives me nuts. My teaching friends say it has led to rampant plagiarism. And I sure hope you all are able to save the Round House. That is part of your history. When I go home, I barely recognize Charleston anymore. My beloved hometown across the river (Mt.Pleasant) has gone from a quaint and charming village of 4,000 people to over 90,000 with miles and miles of identical, soulless houses, no trees, and strip malls. It is so sad.
Not only do I feel your pain about Mt. Pleasant, I wrote a book about the same thing happening in Fairhope. You’d think with all the history in Charleston, they’d manage to keep things the same or at least save some of the old charm. I don’t think it has anything to do with being old because many of our young people here feel the same way. They don’t like returning home from college to find their home is completely different.
Progress is great, but not at the risk of tearing down the historical. I have visited Fairhope a few times and I have loved its charm. I so hope the Round House is saved!
Thanks Pam. I’m glad you’ve been able to get down here – hope you can visit again soon.