The Inn was constructed in the Civil War era by James A. Brown,Visit Preston County Inn an attorney and a graduate of West Virginia University. He fell in love with a beautiful girl named Isabel who was from Baltimore. They were married and the house was given to Isabel as a wedding gift from her loving husband.
However, they lived in the house for only one year. Isabel contracted smallpox and soon died. James Brown became a Victorian mourner and would not allow anything belonging to his lovely wife to be touched. Nothing was to be changed or moved. Even her sewing remained as she left it, needle in cloth and thimble nearby.
Highlighting the exterior decoration of the house was the roof; in large letters of light colored slate was the word "home." Through the years and change of owners, this was either removed or covered with new roofing. Much of the front part of the home has been restored to its original nature. There are a total of seven fireplaces in The Inn, three downstairs and four upstairs. The hearths and mantels have been refinished and restored to their original condition. Guest sleeping rooms were added in 1948 as a new addition to the inn. Also included in this large addition were the large kitchen and dining room.
This Historic 1857 Federal Brick House on Kingwood's "Main Street" has been offering lodging and fine dining in Preston County for over 77 years. The addition to the back of the Inn includes a full service kitchen with three dining rooms. The tradition of excellent food and service continues with an extensive menu for parties, receptions, private group parties, as well as casual dining.
On the 2nd floor of the Inn, eight rooms are available (four singles and four suites). Each room features private heating, A/C, wireless internet (WiFi), HD Satellite TV (Direct TV) and private baths (1 per bed).
All guests have access to the screened-in porch as well as the rest of the Inn and restaurant. All reservations come with a complimentary Continental breakfast.
Kingwood, WV
26537
Open everyday! Please call ahead: 304-454-2095.
The River House has been transformed into a small, boutique lodge tucked away in the mountains of West Virginia. The concept is to bring back to life the River House of the early 1900s. Though razed long ago, the "New" River House now takes its place to welcome guests into a motif of railroading that once dominated the small town of Rowlesburg.
B&O artifacts adorn the rooms and hallways. Pictures of the past history of the town take visitors back to a different time, one of railroading in its golden era.
One source says that the original River House was a tavern and railroad lodge operated by A.A. Perry. According to this version the lodge was the center of this small settlement, with the homes of the Grahams, Wheelers, Goffs, Hootons, and others scattered nearby. The building sat next to the railroad, as did most of the early structures in Rowlesburg.
The front porch, as seen below, is for relaxing!
Rowlesburg, WV
26425
Restaurant and Saloon
Terra Alta, WV
26764