This is the destination for family reunions, corporate retreats, multi-family vacations, and other large groups visiting southern West Virginia!
Our beautiful home is built on a rock cliff that overlooks the New River Gorge with 50+ mile views. Enjoy these views from the hot tub on the massive back-deck that spans the entire length of our home. This luxury 7-bedroom, 4.5-bath vacation rental comfortably sleeps 18 with 9 beds & 3 pull-out couches. Massive full kitchen, featuring 2 ranges & 2 dishwashers, is open to a large dining table with amazing views into the gorge. Also includes a large formal dining room off the main entrance that comfortably seats 10. Amenities include private hot tub, game room with foosball & arcade games, two propane grills, one charcoal grill, gas fireplace, 2 laundry machines, and outdoor fire pit. See a more detailed house description, layout, and history of the home below. 10-minute drive to ACE Adventure, 12-minute drive to downtown Fayetteville, & 15-minute drive to Adventures on the Gorge (AOTG).
Our home is just 10 minutes away from the newest National Park! The New River Gorge offers world class whitewater, rock climbing, mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and more! The gorge provides some of the most beautiful scenery on the east coast. Fayetteville West Virginia, voted top 10 coolest small towns in America, is a short 12-minute drive from this rental and has lots of great local restaurant options. Our welcome guide also includes lots of food and activity recommendations for your stay.
This property is just 0.25 miles off Route 19, however, it’s location at the end of the street with its own private drive-way give you a completely secluded area that is the best of both worlds! There are trees blocking the two neighbors within view of the front of the house, with the backside being completely out of sight of any other homes. You will be hard-pressed to find a more private & quiet rental this close to the highway!
The kitchen is fully equipped with 2 gas stoves, 2 ovens, 2 refrigerators, 2 dishwasher, coffee makers, wine cooler, blenders, full cookware set, most necessary cooking utensils, and basic spices. Additional cleaning supplies and linens can be found in the cabinets in the room off the backside of the kitchen. Please note that one of the ranges, refrigerators, & dishwashers is located in this room as well.
The house has internet, air conditioning, & a private driveway with parking for 5+ cars. Private hot tub is located on the back deck, overlooking the beautiful New River Gorge. We empty, clean, and refill our hot tubs after each stay. This rental does have 1 gas insert in the living room fireplace. There is also an outdoor fire pit area in front of the house. Firewood is not provided but is sold at Walmart, Kroger, & Lowes. Two propane grills may be found on the back porch. We also have a charcoal grill located near the fire pit at the front of the house. Propane is provided but charcoal is not. Additional propane tanks can be found in the garage.
We do not allow events or parties of any kind. We have a strict 18 guest maximum and do not allow any more than that number in the house at any time. For this reason, we ask that all guest entering the house are included on the reservation. If the house appears to be holding more than 18 guests then we will check the ring camera. If we find the maximum occupancy is exceeded then we will immediately contact Airbnb/VRBO and the reservation will be cancelled without refund. Other penalties may include being banned from Airbnb/VRBO. This policy is zero tolerance. The house was built in the 60s and for this reason we have concerns about the plumbing if more than 18 guests are present. Unfortunately these rules were implemented because it is something we have dealt with in the past.
We do not allow pets of any kind. This is well posted on the listing. If a pet is found to have entered the home, then the pet will be reported to Airbnb/VRBO and the reservation will be canceled immediately without refund. Other penalties may include being banned from Airbnb/VRBO. Additionally, we will include a fee for cleaning every rug/carpet in the house to ensure we are a hypoallergenic home. This is a zero-tolerance policy. Please note that some guests specifically look for rentals that do not allow pets due to their allergies. I myself am very allergic to dogs & cats. Violating this policy is not only against the rules but is also immoral.
Please note: Ring cameras are installed at both front entrances and another overlooking the driveway/side entrance.
This house is very unique in its build and layout. Included below is more history on the home and architecture, as well as an in-depth description of the layout. During our renovation of the house, we tried to keep as much of the original house and components as possible. For this reason, there may be some quirks with the ornamental door knobs/handles & faucets. We find that the beauty & uniqueness of the original fixtures to be worth dealing with these quirks!
This is the destination for Family Reunions in Southern WV! The Amherst Retreat was designed by architect E.T. Bogges in the mid 1960's as a residence for Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Lewis. The home was built on the cliffs overlooking the New River Gorge at Arbuckle Creek. The home was remodeled in 2019, however, we are constantly working on future improvements. We have installed new roof, HVAC, electrical, drywall, floors, lighting, appliances, furniture, and thousands of hours of elbow grease to restore the home to its original glory. The mansion was built using nothing but the finest materials from around the globe. The siding is redwood and stone. The doors are mahogany. The cabinets are wormy chestnut. The house has marble fireplaces, countertops, and showers. Detailed, ornamental doorknobs and brass fixtures are found throughout the house.
The kitchen is over 1,000 square feet and is lined with the original Wormy Chestnut cabinets, large food prep island, handmade French fixtures, Italian marble counter tops, and updated with all new Samsung appliances as well as a custom deep concrete sink. There is a table that seats eight opposite the cooking area along the glass wall with one of many beautiful views of the gorge. A second chefs kitchen and pantry with an extra set of stainless-steel appliances for catering or large groups is located on the backside of the kitchen. The kitchen area alone is an amazing place to congregate and visit with friends and family. There is also a formal dining room with a table and chairs that comfortably accommodate ten.
The Main Dining and Living Rooms are a combined 1,300 square feet with multiple exits to the 1,400 square foot back deck. These grand rooms have been renovated with new hardwood floors and furniture that will seat a small army. We were able to refinish the elaborate trim, the piano key crown molding, the Italian marble mantle, and an original silk oriental mural.
The upper level is linked by brightly lit tile hallways guiding guests to the four upstairs bedrooms. The master bedroom upstairs has two queen beds and a pullout couch that fits a large family unit itself. The master ensuite bath has a walk-in closet, his & her marble vanities, and a massive sunken marble tub. There is another bedroom beside the master with a queen bed and small pullout futon. This bedroom has one of the best views into the gorge and a half bath right beside the entrance. The final two upstairs “Jack & Jill” bedrooms have a hallway between them that features a full bath and his & her vanities. These four bedrooms alone will accommodate many different sleeping arrangements. All the fixtures and faucets in the upper-level baths are outfitted with mid-century phylrich brass details that have been refinished by a local jeweler.
The lower level is accessed by a spiral stairway off the kitchen and has three bedrooms. Two of the downstairs bedrooms have their own private full baths. One of these bedrooms has a king-sized bed while the other has a full-size bed and a pullout sofa. The third downstairs bedroom is our “kids’ bedroom” with a set of bunk beds and TV. There is an outdoor entry point to one of the downstairs bedrooms. Please note one of the downstairs baths is a bathtub with a shower attachment.
Also downstairs is the spacious family/game room that sits 30 feet off the ground on stilts. This room features a wet bar with mini fridge, ice machine, sectional sofa, 55 inch TV, two arcade games, and a foosball table right by the door.
*Adventures and Activities within a 15 minute drive*
- World-class whitewater rafting on the New River & Gauley River
- Renowned rock climbing throughout the New River Gorge, Meadow River, & Summersville
- Professionally built mountain biking trails at Needleseye, Wolf Creek, or Arrowhead parks
- Miles of hiking trails at Long Point & Endless Wall trails
- Ziplines & Aerial Parks at ACE Adventure & Adventures on the Gorge (AOTG)
- Tour the catwalk underneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge with Bridgewalk
- Nearby fly fishing, and guided float trips, for trout and smallmouth bass
- Disc golf courses located at Needleseye, Fayette County Park, ACE, & AOTG
