The Fairfield Bay Community Club (FFBCC) has officially acquired the Cobblestone Inn & Suites, a major hospitality asset in the heart of Fairfield Bay—ensuring the hotel’s continued operation and preventing the community’s Conference Center from shutting down.
The $3.2 million purchase includes the hotel and 22 acres of adjacent land, acquired for less than half of the property’s original $6.5 million construction cost. The move follows months of leasing the property to prevent a prolonged 2–3 year vacancy that would have resulted from a pending foreclosure.
“Our community faced a crossroads,” said David Byard, President of FFBCC. “We could let the Cobblestone close, which would have triggered the shutdown of the Conference Center and significantly damaged Fairfield Bay’s future, or we could seize this opportunity to stabilize and grow. We chose to invest in our future.”
“Tourism is the lifeblood of Fairfield Bay’s economy. We pray for the success of this enterprise and hope it drives success for our community!” said Fairfield Bay Mayor Seth Connell.
A Strategic Investment in Fairfield Bay’s Long-Term Growth
Before finalizing the purchase, the Club conducted extensive financial and operational due diligence. Early pro forma projections suggest the hotel could generate approximately $100,000 in profit during its first full year under Club ownership—though results may vary.
With Wyndham’s exit from Fairfield Bay on December 31, the Cobblestone now becomes a central component of the Club’s hospitality, tourism, and marketing strategy. It will serve as a key lodging resource for:
Conferences and large-scale events
Visiting tourists
Future property owners discovering Fairfield Bay
Economic development initiatives
“Our upgraded amenities and growing slate of events make Fairfield Bay a destination once again,” Byard added. “The Cobblestone will be the front door to Fairfield Bay for many of our future residents.”
Future Development: Amphitheater, Events, and Long-Term Revenue
FFBCC is actively exploring development opportunities for the surrounding 22 acres. Early ideas include:
A modern outdoor amphitheater for concerts and movie screenings
Expanded event space to support festivals and conferences
Long-term mixed-use development to boost tourism and revenue
Its location in **Van Buren County—a wet county—**and direct proximity to Fairfield Bay’s Entertainment District makes the hotel and surrounding property ideal for events that drive economic and cultural growth.
Club leadership emphasized the acquisition’s importance in supporting member value and reducing operational burdens. Like the Resort Convenience Store—now the Club’s second-largest profit center—the Cobblestone is positioned to help offset costs for members.
“We would also like to thank DMC International and DeMarre Carroll for taking a chance on Fairfield Bay,” Byard said. “If not for their investment, the Cobblestone Inn would have never been built.”
“This is a forward-looking investment. While outcomes can never be guaranteed, we’ve acted with a sound, strategic plan to grow Fairfield Bay and protect our members’ interests.”
For more information, upcoming events, or to learn about Fairfield Bay’s growing opportunities, visit www.visitFairfieldBay.com
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