Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council hosting 67th annual House and Garden Tour | Journal-news

The Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council will host the 67th annual House and Garden Tour of Historic Berkeley and Jefferson County homes Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27. Tour hours will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last admission occurring at 4:45 p.m. Day-of costs for the full tour are $25 per adult and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Single admission per home is $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Routes will be marked with green and white signs. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and be mindful that no photography is allowed inside any of the homes.

Myers House

The Myers House, 751 Berkeley Station Road, Martinsburg, will be shown by the Norborne Garden Club. The Myers House, built in 1813, is a stunning example of Federal architecture and a testament to early American craftsmanship. Its symmetrical façade and elegant proportions reflect the refined aesthetic of the period, while recent restorations have beautifully revived this historic gem. Thoughtful efforts have preserved the home’s original grandeur, honoring the vision of its first owner, Mr. Myers, while allowing the property to evolve over two centuries with modern sensibilities.

The surrounding grounds seamlessly blend historic charm with contemporary design. A unique highlight is the former swimming pool, now transformed into a cold-frame garden that supports year-round plant propagation—an ingenious nod to sustainable gardening practices. Recently added stone walls frame intimate garden spaces filled with a variety of thoughtfully selected plantings, enhancing the home’s historic character and providing seasonal interest.

As you tour the property, admire how the architecture and garden design work together to create a harmonious landscape that bridges past and present. The Myers House stands as a shining example of how historic homes can be lovingly preserved and adapted for modern living, offering inspiration for combining history, functionality and beauty.

The Faulkner House

The Faulkner House, 501 S. Queen Street, Martinsburg, will be shown by Olde Berkeley Garden Club. Located in the Boydville Historic District, the Faulkner House is one of Martinsburg’s oldest and most stately homes. Built in 1794-95 by James Stroke, whose wife was a relative of George Washington, the Georgian-style house hosted prominent figures including neighboring landowner Elisha Boyd. In 1841, the home passed to Boyd’s son-in-law, Philip Clayton Pendleton who added a large rear addition. It remained in the Pendleton family until 1872, when it was sold to Charles James Faulkner, Jr., a U.S. Senator, who resided there until 1897.

Later owned by George Meade Bowers, a local industrialist and U.S. Congressman, the house underwent significant renovations around 1900, including the addition of columns from the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. After several more transitions, the house was purchased in 2016, with restoration efforts focused on modernizing utilities while preserving original wood floors and historic architectural details.

The Faulkner House exemplifies elegant architectural styles with its original classical form enhanced by a portico, porch and five fireplaces. A backyard pool and 1950s addition complete the property. This home is a captivating example of Martinsburg’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Marshy Glen

Marshy Glen, 22008 Gerrardstown Road, Gerrardstown, will be shown by Gateway Garden Club. Built in 1774 by Scots-Irish immigrant Gilbert McKown, Marshy Dell sits along Mill Creek in Berkeley County. A log addition in 1803 nearly doubled its size while preserving its charm. A separate stone kitchen was later added. The current owner, a McKown descendant, restored the home, highlighting original woodwork, fireplaces and antique furnishings. It features curated American and Asian décor, reflecting the owner’s passions. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, Marshy Dell was proudly added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, it stands as a testament to early American craftsmanship, family heritage and the enduring beauty of thoughtful preservation.

Prospect Hall

Prospect Hall, 187 Brucetown Road, Kearneysville, will be shown by the Wizard Clip Garden Club. Prospect Hall began as a 639-acre land grant from Lord Fairfax to Joseph Edward in the Shenandoah Valley. Positioned on a hill overlooking Opequon Creek, Edward built a modest two-room log home that formed the foundation of the estate. Upon his passing, the property was divided, and 196 acres, including the original home and family graveyard, were sold to Peter Hunsicker, a first-generation American of German descent. Peter and his wife, Ann, raised 11 children while constructing a larger brick home between 1804 and 1808.

The house was built using materials from the estate, including bricks, timber and ironwork forged in Peter’s blacksmith shop. Its architectural details, such as strap-hinged reinforced doors and intricately carved mantels, reflect the craftsmanship of the period. Today, Prospect Hall is a premier private club known for its upland bird hunting and shooting activities. Spanning 500 wooded acres in Jefferson County and an additional 1,200 acres across Berkeley County, the estate offers a variety of activities, including trap, skeet and European-style shoots. With its picturesque landscapes, abundant wildlife and historic charm, Prospect Hall embodies the beauty and traditions of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

Beallair Manor House

Beallair Manor House, 480 Beallair Manor Drive, Charles Town, will be shown by the Sheanndaoh Garden Club. Beallair Manor is a historic estate with deep connections to early American history and the Washington family. The land was part of a grant owned by Lord Fairfax and was sold to John Crow in 1770. Corw’s son, Thomas, built a log home on the site, later replaced by a stone house after his service in the War for Independence. In 1803, the property was sold to Thomas Beall and his wife, Nancy, who transformed it into a grand retreat. The estate became known as Beallair and was used as an escape from the bustle of Georgetown.

In 1807, Beallair became part of the Washington legacy when Thomas Beall’s daughter, Eliza, married George Corbin Washington, a grand-nephew of George Washington. The property played a role in one of America’s defining moments during John Brown’s raid. Lewis Washington, a descendant of George Washington, was taken hostage at Beallair, and a pistol belonging to the Marquis de Lafayette and a Washington family sword were stolen during the attack.

Beallair remained in the Washington family until 1871. Today, this stunning property stands as a symbol of colonial elegance and revolutionary history.

Long Meadow Farm

Long Meadow Farm, 1502 River Road, Shepherdstown, will be shown by the Dolley Madison Garden Club. Long Meadow Farm offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River from its secluded site at the end of a quiet lane. The home, built in 1970 by Texas Congressman Frank Ikard, who later led the American Petroleum Institute, served as his weekend retreat and a venue for entertaining celebrities and dignitaries, including President Richard Nixon during visits to nearby Camp David.

Originally part of a 300-acre tract, the current 100-acre property was acquired by the present owner’s parents in 1979. They resided at Long Meadow Farm for 40 years and the family donated a conservation easement to the Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board, ensuring the property remains protected from future development.

In 2020, the home underwent a significant renovation, expanding and modernizing the original stone structure into a reimagined residence. A new structure was added nearby, replacing an earlier pool house and providing additional entertainment space. The property’s extensive landscaping, with stone walls and pathways from the original design, continues to be enhanced. Long Meadow Farm remains a serene and historic retreat, blending its rich past with thoughtful preservation.