|
1827
German Parsonage / Fairfield, Virginia - near Lexington
Known also
as the "Van Pelt House" this stately, old Federal style house has
recently been carefully and painstakingly renovated. Once the area's Methodist
parsonage, it is located in the
Shenandoah Valley in the village of Fairfield, just outside historic Lexington,
Virginia.
The house has been described by
locals who have lived in Fairfield for generations as "one of the fine
houses" of the village. Graceful and elegant are words that are often used
to describe it and in fact the house is mentioned in a book titled "The
History of Rockbridge County." Six foot windows,
some with their original hand blown glass, welcome light across the heart
pine floors. Nine foot ceilings, period wainscoting and original mantles give the
rooms a sense of proportion not often found in houses today.
The floor plan of the original
house is four over four with working fireplaces in each room, including the
two bedrooms (the bedroom windows both have views of the Blue Ridge
Mountains). As the story goes, the intricately carved walnut parlor mantle was
crafted by Hessian workmen traveling what as called the "Old Wagon Road"
(Rt. 11).
Recently, during renovation work on the chimneys, several artifacts were
found inside: an iron box lock, a cook stove foot warmer and even an
old letter survived the years. The limestone cellar's original fireplace was
also uncovered leading to the further discovery of a cooking bar hidden up
in the chimney. Indeed, the cellar was originally the house's kitchen! We
probably should have suspected that the cellar was used as a kitchen as
there are still traces of white wash on the beams and ceiling and little
windows set in the stone.
Perhaps one of the most wonderful rooms in the house is
still the kitchen - only this time in what was originally the porch
addition. With its painted hardwood floors, tile counters, deck and garden
views, it is truly a cook's kitchen. In this same addition there is also a
full bath and a study with French doors opening onto an expansive deck
complete with outdoor furniture . The back of the property is privacy fenced
and landscaped with views of the mountains beyond the hay fields. In
addition there is plenty of room for a generous garden if one is inclined.
The village of Fairfield is rife with history. As Lexington
is just minutes up "the Old Wagon Road", confederate soldiers surely marched just in front of the
parsonage on their way up North. Records show that the local militia who
fired the first shot at the battle of Gettysburg met just a block away.
Lexington is home to the Virginia Military Institute, Washington and Lee
University, Stonewall Jackson's house, the Virginia Horse Center and a large
number of historical sites. Hot Springs, the baths at Warm Springs, Goshen
Pass and Natural Bridge are all within easy driving distance. The property
is conveniently located five minutes from I-81, thirty minutes from I-64 and
a half hour from Roanoke. The neighborhood post office, elementary school,
churches and market are all within walking distance of the house. The house has been equipped with
all new appliances including a dishwasher and washer and dryer and has been
completely updated with central air, heat and electrical service. There is
off street parking for two cars and a covered private carport.
The Parsonage is available as a long term rental for
$1000.00 per month.
For more information or
reservations call Catherine Cash (one of the three sisters) at 540-377-9945
or e-mail: 3sisters@cfw.com. |
THREE SISTERS LOG CABIN
