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 is currently wrapping up a complete renovation from top to bottom. 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 cabins are wormy chestnut. The house has marble fireplaces, countertops and showers. Expensive doorknobs and bathroom brass fixtures are throughout the house.
We are accepting reservations for the summer of 2019 starting in May and will be updating the photos weekly as furnishing arrive and the finishing projects and touches are complete.
The home is perfect for large family gatherings, weddings, corporate retreats, or a multi family vacation getaway.
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 and a a custom concrete deep 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.There is also a dining room with a table and chairs that accommodate ten. There is a second chefs kitchen and pantry with an extra set of stainless steel appliances for catering or large groups. The kitchen area alone is an amazing place to congregate and visit with friends and family.
The Main Dinning and Living Rooms are a combined 1,300 square feet with multiple exits to the front patio garden or 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 my brightly lit tile hallways guiding guests to four bedrooms. Three bed rooms share one and one half baths and will accommodate many different sleeping arrangements with each room having their own pull out couch. The Master bedroom is fit for a king or a mid size family. The ensuite bath has a cedar sauna, walk in closet, his and hers marble vanities, and a sunken marble tub that is large enough for an entire family as well. All the fixtures and faucets in the upper level baths and outfitted with mid century Phylrich brass details that have been refinished by a local jeweler.
The lower level is accessed by a spiral stairway of the kitchen and has multiple entry points from the south side of the property. There are two bedrooms with a private bath and a kids bunk room with plenty of freestyle bedding arrangements.
**Adventures and Activities**
- World-class whitewater rafting and kayaking available on the Gauley River (Ranked as one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world)
- Family rafting and float-trips on the New River
- Renowned rock climbing opportunities throughout the New River Gorge.
- Nearly 10 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails accessible from the front door
- 13 miles of IMBA-built single track at the Arrowhead stacked-loop trail system (within a 10 minute drive)
- Aerial adventures, a high-speed zipline and an amazing canopy tour system is only 1 mile away
- Nearby fly fishing (and guided float trips) for trout and Smallmouth Bass
