Have you ever felt drawn to places that hold a sense of history and quiet charm? West Virginia is full of historic homes that do just that. Simple, welcoming spaces that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage.
These homes carry stories from the past in their walls, gardens, and porches. Each one has its own character, shaped by time and the people who lived there.
Here’s a look at 16 of these homes, each offering a small window into a different time, quietly waiting to be noticed and appreciated.
1. Aspen Hall – Martinsburg
Aspen Hall, where history feels like a cozy cardigan on a chilly day, boasts Georgian architecture that’s as stately as a royal decree.
Built in the 18th century, it whispers tales of colonial times. Imagine strolling through its gardens, feeling like you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel. If walls could talk, these would recite sonnets.
The charm of its ancient woodwork and grand fireplaces is as inviting as a warm cup of cocoa. How lovely to wander its halls, drenched in elegance and grace, pondering the lives lived within.
2. Redbud Hollow – Martinsburg
Sometimes, a name says it all. At Redbud Hollow, you’re enveloped in a hug from nature itself. The rustic appeal of this home, kissed by the blooms of redbud trees, makes it a haven of tranquility.
Picture yourself sipping tea on the porch, surrounded by whispers of the past. How the morning light dances through old windows, casting playful shadows of history!
It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the heart feels light. Isn’t it delightful how a house can sing the melody of simpler times?
3. Craik-Patton House – Charleston
If elegance had a face, it would resemble the Craik-Patton House. This Greek Revival beauty stands like a poised ballerina, ready to dazzle with every turn.
Built in 1834, its classical columns and pristine facade make it a showstopper. How curious to think of the genteel conversations once held in its parlors!
The house is a museum now, offering a peek into antebellum life. Though time has marched on, within these walls, the past remains vivid and tangible, ready to captivate any who wander by.
4. Woodlawn – Kearneysville
Ever wonder what it’s like to live in a painting? At Woodlawn, every view is a masterpiece. This historic farm estate sprawls across Kearneysville like a warm embrace.
Built in the 19th century, its brick farmhouse is a nod to simpler, yet enduring times. Imagine the stories told under its roof, the laughter carried across fields.
How picturesque it is, with nature as its perennial companion. Sometimes, beauty lies in the timeless dance of past and present, and Woodlawn leads this waltz with grace.
5. Levi Shinn House – Shinnston
How about a journey back to frontier days? The Levi Shinn House, with its log cabin charm, stands as a testament to resilience and simplicity.
Built in the 18th century, it’s as rugged as the pioneers who once called it home. Imagine crackling fires and hearty stories shared under its roof. Sometimes, the past feels like an old friend, familiar and comforting.
This home is a reminder of the grit and determination that carved a place in history. Isn’t it intriguing how such modest beginnings can hold such profound tales?
6. MacFarland-Hubbard House – Charleston
Where opulence meets history, the MacFarland-Hubbard House stands as a Victorian gem in Charleston. How its ornate interiors and grand staircase ignite the imagination!
Built in the late 19th century, it’s a relic of elegance and sophistication. Imagine the whoosh of satin dresses, the murmur of genteel gatherings gracing its halls.
Sometimes, a home can transport you to another era, where every corner holds a secret. Though time marches on, this house remains a sentinel of style and grace, inviting all to explore its timeless allure.
7. Fleming Mansion – Fairmont
Sometimes, grandeur speaks louder than words. The Fleming Mansion, with its Italianate design, towers over Fairmont as a beacon of elegance.
How its ornate detailing captures the eye, inviting closer inspection! Built in the 19th century, it’s a testament to an era of opulence and ambition. Imagine the lavish gatherings and whispered intrigues within its walls.
Though it stands as a monument to the past, the mansion still pulses with life, sharing stories of those who danced through its grand halls.
8. Halliehurst – Elkins
Where fairy tales meet reality, Halliehurst stands as a Victorian marvel in Elkins. With its castle-like structure, it’s a dream wrapped in stone.
How its turrets and towers beckon with stories of yore! Built in the late 19th century, it overlooks lush forests, a silent guardian of the land.
Imagine the laughter that echoed through its halls, the dreams dreamt within its walls. It’s a place where imagination takes flight, and history comes alive.
9. Surbough-Ferguson House – Huntington
Some houses have a personality all their own, and the Surbough-Ferguson House is one of them. With a playful mix of Colonial and Victorian styles, it’s the kind of place that would wear a top hat and bow tie if it could.
Built in the late 1800s, its intricate woodwork and blooming gardens speak to a rich past and an eye for detail.
This home doesn’t just sit quietly on a street, it makes an impression, offering a whimsical glimpse into the stories of another time.
10. General Lewis Inn – Lewisburg
How about a stay where history is the main guest? The General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg offers hospitality wrapped in historic charm.
With its rustic brick exterior, it stands as a cozy invitation to the weary traveler. Imagine fireside chats and hearty meals echoing through time.
Built in the 1830s, its vintage interiors whisper of simpler days and restful nights. Isn’t it delightful to find comfort in the stories of those who once passed through?
11. Maison Marcel – Lewisburg
There’s something effortlessly enchanting about Maison Marcel. Tucked into the hills of Lewisburg, this early 20th-century gem blends French elegance with cozy West Virginian charm.
It’s the kind of place where wrought iron details catch the light just right, and the gardens feel like a private escape meant for slow strolls and deep breaths.
Whether it’s the scent of blooming flowers or the sound of laughter echoing through the evening air, the whole setting feels like a quiet celebration.
12. The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs
How its grand architecture commands attention, a true icon of hospitality! Built in the late 18th century, it has hosted dignitaries and dreamers alike.
Sometimes, the allure of a place is woven into its legacy, and here, history dances with elegance. Imagine grand balls and whispered secrets, a backdrop for countless stories.
Though time has changed, the essence of grandeur and grace remains, inviting all to create their own chapter in this storied haven.
13. Rockhaven B&B – Harpers Ferry
If you’ve ever dreamt of a retreat where nature and nurture go hand in hand, Rockhaven B&B in Harpers Ferry is your cozy haven.
How its rustic charm invites you to kick back and relax! Imagine mornings on the porch, with birds serenading your breakfast.
Built in the early 1900s, it offers a warm embrace to all who enter. Isn’t it wonderful to find a slice of serenity amidst the bustling world?
14. The Town’s Inn – Harpers Ferry
Where history meets hospitality, The Town’s Inn in Harpers Ferry stands as a testament to time well spent. How its stone and wooden elements greet you like a familiar friend!
Nestled in a town rich with stories, it offers a cozy refuge for the modern wanderer. Sometimes, comfort is found in the embrace of history, where every corner holds a tale.
Built in the 1800s, it echoes with the laughter and footsteps of those who’ve paused here on their journeys. Isn’t it intriguing to be part of a continuum of travelers?
15. Bolivar Bread Bakery – Harpers Ferry
Step inside Bolivar Bread Bakery in Harpers Ferry, and you’re instantly hit with the comforting scent of fresh bread.
Housed in a lovingly preserved historic building, this cozy spot is a little haven of happiness. Rustic charm, friendly faces, and loaves that taste like home all come together to create something special.
Every bite feels like a nod to the past, baked fresh for today. It’s amazing how a simple loaf can stir up such sweet nostalgia.
16. Kelley Farm Kitchen – Harpers Ferry
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when fresh ingredients meet a cozy setting, and Kelley Farm Kitchen captures it perfectly.
Tucked into a historic building in Harpers Ferry, this charming spot brings people together over hearty, farm-to-table meals. The rustic decor adds to the down-to-earth vibe, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
Here, food isn’t just nourishment, it’s connection. Every bite tells a story of simple goodness, shared laughs, and the joy of slowing down. It’s comfort food with a whole lot of heart.