The vibrant profusion of floral color welcoming guests and residents alike in barrels, baskets and key areas in our downtowns is offered in part by our municipalities and some foundations, but the true backbone of beautification in small town America starts with Garden Clubs. And it is true in Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. This marks 40 years of sustaining these downtown beautification efforts by presenting the Greenbrier Valley Home and Garden tour.
On Saturday, June 13, the members and friends of five local clubs will graciously open their homes and gardens to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available now from members of the Bluebell, Greenbrier Gardeners, Lewisburg House and Garden, Old White and Savannah Garden Clubs, as well as at the Greenbrier Valley Visitor Center in Lewisburg and Gillespie’s Floral and Productions in White Sulphur Springs. Tickets will be available at each home on tour day, the fore-mentioned locations, and the General Lewis Inn.
Featured gardens range from formal with notable statues to serene, relaxing, and colorfully designed spaces with unique florals and vegetation. The homes range from elegant turn of the century residences to stylish mid-century homes, a weaving studio, and rooms of local and unique art. The homes feature charming renovations tailored for modern living, complemented by artful décor. To make the valley destination an even more memorable visit, the Greenbrier Historical Society is planning a June Wedding exhibition at North House Museum, and the Greenbrier Valley Airport will offer an Air and Car Show on Saturday. Dining fare from curated food trucks convenient to the museum and the distinctive restaurants of the area add to the delights of the day!
The Sheila Robinette Home, Lewisburg
This distinctive Colonial Revival-style residence spans two and one-half stories and features six bedrooms. It was featured in the 2023 Cottage Journal Holiday Home edition. While true to its architectural style, the home includes a spacious, newly created bathroom overlooking the formal gardens, complete with a copper tub and bright apothecary cabinet. Seven original fireplaces remain in use throughout the house.
A highlight of the décor is an extensive Greenbrier Resort collection of Dorothy Draper and Carleton Varney fabrics and chinaware. These esteemed decorators influenced the interior’s vibrant color palette. A Beverly Hills Hotel (c. 1948)-themed carriage house offers a spectacular view of the outdoor swimming pool. The backyard landscaping showcases a parterre with geometric boxwood hedges, all guarded by a life-sized replica statue of Michelangelo’s David.
Hillcrest, White Sulphur Springs
The stately 1895 residence is aptly named due to its vantage point, with panoramic views of the village below and its former farm. The home was built for A.E. Huddleston – the village’s first mayor, proprietor of the White Sulphur Supply Co., serial entrepreneur, and a state legislator. It was designed for his large family with six bedrooms and one bathroom.
The Inman family has lovingly renovated “Hilly” to its former glory, now featuring four bedrooms and three and a half baths. The grandeur of the sweeping staircase and restored woodwork is enhanced by a modern gourmet kitchen, while the views from the large windows and wraparound porch have provided unending pleasure through the years.
A wonderful educational booklet on landscaping and the use of native plants will be given by the WV Nursery and Landscape Association to guests at this home. The owner, John Inman, a landscape designer, will be on hand to share his knowledge about design and other questions.
Elder Austin Farm, Lewisburg
This beautiful, completely renovated home is crafted with intentional natural light and open spaces on 22 acres. Five bedrooms, five baths, and a very spacious kitchen make it perfect for hosting guests and entertaining. A 16-foot bifold door opens from the sunken living room to the seamless stone patio for outdoor entertaining with wonderful vistas.
Antique timber-framed porches, an elegant master en suite, heated marble floors, and elegant lighting enhance this unique country home that is only minutes from downtown Lewisburg. The Ziegler family transformed every corner of the home to increase its beauty and serenity. The farm has a pristine pond surrounded by fruit trees and local wildlife – a most relaxing place!
Heritage House, White Sulphur Springs
This home captures the charm of the early 1900s with beautiful antiques, period woodwork, built-ins, fireplaces, and a functional vintage style bathtub. An attractive and spacious kitchen enhanced with marble-quartz counters blends with the original features to make this a very inviting home.
It is aptly named Heritage House and was built by Benjamin Franklin Dixon, the village city clerk as a farmstead with vegetable and formal flower gardens. As the years went by, it was home to other distinguished families of the village. The property now offers a relaxing outdoor space and is adjacent to Howard’s Creek. Aaron Wood is the current owner and welcomes guests through AirBnb.
Toney/Francis Gardens of the Bloomin’ Acre, Lewisburg
Enchanting gardens greet visitors and draw them to stroll down paths and take in vignettes of outdoor beauty. Trellised arches draped in colorful blossoms blend with groupings of peonies, while other perennials and annuals surround Shona sculptures and metal art. Exquisitely manicured boxwoods and shrubs frame many garden areas. Natural rock outcroppings and vegetable gardens highlight the early 1950s home. A 75-year-old Kousa dogwood proudly crowns the lawn. Wonderful art by local and international artists await to delight within the mid-century home.
Leland Gardens and Weaving Studio, Lewisburg
The 1748 wormy chestnut, hand-hewn log home was built by Henry Lipps. The cabin was enlarged for family living. Today, it is adorned with lovely gardens designed for the pastoral setting. Enjoy sitting under the 100-foot walnut trees or in the shade of the porch to view grazing horses among day-lilies, wisteria, peonies, Echinacea, and other captivating plantings. The Leland weaving studio is a unique feature of the visit to this historic property.
Make the most of your time in the Greenbrier Valley and enjoy the “Greenbrier – A Romantic Step Back in Time” experience at Greenbrier Historical Society’s North House Museum on Friday evening and Saturday. Convenient to the museum, delicious picnic fare will be offered by local food trucks or enjoy one of the renowned restaurants of the area. The Greenbrier Valley Airport is also hosting the Wings and Wheels Car Show and Fly-In from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
So much to see and enjoy in the beautiful Greenbrier Valley!
