Once known as Middletown, West Virginia, the quaint village of Gerrardstown adopted its current name in 1897. At the heart of this historic locale lies a property steeped in history. Circa 1797, the main dwelling; originally christened the Bowers Inn, was constructed and served as a lively tavern for many years. Fondly remembered as the “last saloon south of Martinsburg,” this establishment bore witness to the life and culture of its time. The architecture of the main house showcases an L-shaped floor plan, resting on a stone foundation. Its front wing, a 2 1/2 story frame construction, features three brick chimneys, while its rear is a 1 1/2 story log structure distinguished by a stone end chimney. To the rear of the main house, a dogtrot style, log home, known as the James Bell House and dating to circa 1780, adds to the properties storied past. Once a hub of craftsmanship, this home served as the residence of a harness and wagon maker. A gable roof log smokehouse, a rare artifact of the era, still graces the southern side of the wagon maker’s house. Both these log structures will need restoration and repair. With meticulous care the present stewards of the property have preserved its period details and historical integrity of the main house, ensuring that its legacy endures. Around 1990, the storied property found a new life as a Bed and Breakfast. Today, a gracious front porch stretches across the home’s facade, evoking an error of leisurely charm. Beyond the house, the backyard is a sanctuary, enclosed by a privacy fence and brimming with vibrant perennials. A resplendent cherry tree serves as a focal point. Approaching from the rear, the driveway grants entry to both the main house and the wagon maker’s residence. Step through the back entrance of the main house and you are greeted by a warm mud room complete with an authentic fireplace and a staircase leading to upper quarters. Throughout the home, hardwood floors whisper of its rich history, while carefully designed spaces preserve its welcoming spirit. The main floor unfolds to include a living room, kitchen, mud room and two additional chambers each featuring their own bathrooms. Ascending to the upper level via the original front staircase, reveals two further bedrooms, also with private baths, alongside a small room with a gable ceiling, accessible via the rear staircase. This remarkable property effortlessly blends its historical significance with the comforts of modern living, offering a timeless testament to its enduring charm.
Sold for $265,000 on 06/18/25
$265,000
1788 Gerrardstown Rd, Gerrardstown, WV 25420
4beds
2,234sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1797
0.42 Acres Lot
$267,100 Zestimate®
$119/sqft
$2,431 Estimated rent
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: June 23, 2025 at 02:17am
Listed by:
Kathy Shank 304-676-7881,
Samson Properties
Bought with:
Michael Oates, wvs180300515
Exit Success Realty
Source: Bright MLS,MLS#: WVBE2038338

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 4
- Main level bedrooms: 4
Basement
- Area: 0
Heating
- Hot Water, Radiator, Oil
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Refrigerator, Cooktop, Washer/Dryer Stacked, Electric Water Heater
Features
- Additional Stairway, Bathroom - Tub Shower, Kitchen - Galley, Plaster Walls
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Has basement: No
- Number of fireplaces: 2
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,234
- Total interior livable area: 2,234 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,234
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Parking features: Off Street
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: None
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Pool features: None
Lot
- Size: 0.42 Acres
Details
- Additional structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
- Parcel number: 03 35C002100000000
- Zoning: 101
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Colonial
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Frame, Wood Siding, Log
- Foundation: Stone
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- Good
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1797
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: On Site Septic
- Water: Public
Community & neighborhood
Location
- Region: Gerrardstown
- Subdivision: None Available
- Municipality: Gerrardstown District
Other
Other facts
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Agency
- Ownership: Fee Simple