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 Kathy Crow (one of the three sisters) at 540-294-3012 or e-mail: crowbird988@yahoo.com.