Charmed by a Snapshot in Time
This quiet countryside has so much to offer!
If you want a taste of country farming without the work, The Wilson House near Monterey, Virginia will accommodate your needs. The house is a century-old farmhouse, and the 80 acres on which it sits once were actively farmed. Today, cattle simply roam through the fields and meadows, munching on blades of grass.
In summer, you and/or your children will be able to see cattle up close. Occasionally, they wander to the yard’s fence, examining you from a distance. Farm buildings remaining on the property include a root cellar with a carpentry workshop, a wood shed, and a building in which milk was once processed into butter or cheese, and pork hams were hung from the ceiling. A stroll through the fields or a peek into an outbuilding may reveal farm implements once used with horses.
The water source is a mountain spring. A walk from the house to the spring is a healthy stroll.
Set near the edge of a wooded area and on a hill above the highway (State Route 84), The Wilson House has become a favorite of birding groups. During your stay, you’ll most likely observe not only a variety of birds but also plenty of deer, squirrels, and groundhogs. Deer sometimes wander into the yard, especially if apples are available. An observation deck offers hours of relaxation while viewing miles of the Blue Grass Valley. No wonder The Wilson House is a haven for artists!
The house, although renovated in recent years to make your vacation experience comfortable, maintains facets of early 1900’s farmhouses. The country kitchen is spacious, with a large pine table originally built for processing meats. An old wood cook stove sits along the wall and may prove interesting to examine. One might imagine retrieving flour or other grains from the large walk-in pantry’s pull-out bins, then kneading bread on the countertop’s workspace. Those sleeping in two of the house’s bedrooms gaze up at rare chestnut-wood* ceilings. The kitchen cabinets are handmade of knotty pine, and several floors are solid oak.
A stroll on a path through the woods behind the house reveals gardening plows, hay rakes, an old unpainted building. The path soon leads to a hiking trail up Back Creek Mountain. The mountaintop, which is the east property boundary for The Wilson House, is at 865 feet elevation above the house’s front yard. Rigorous hiking indeed!
Mary Wilson Lovelady, Owner/Host
*Note: After a fungus attack in 1904, American chestnut trees virtually became extinct from Eastern US forests.
Nearby Activities
Big Fish Cider Co.
Big Fish Cider Co. is an award winning microcidery in Monterey, Virginia making ciders using locally grown apples and traditional techniques to create completely new flavors.
High’s Restaurant
Driving west from the Shenandoah Valley along US 250 feels like a trip back across the centuries. Highland County is a rare “Frontier” County in the Eastern US, a beautiful wild spot. Then you get to Monterey, VA – a county seat of about 150 people – and you find High’s.
Virginia Trout Company
Trout for live stocking and processed food fish, and fee fishing.
Back Creek Farms
Back Creek Farms is located in the beautiful Back Creek valley of Highland County, Virginia. Life in Highland County has always been about using the abundant natural resources around us in a responsible, sustainable way – and carving a livelihood out of the mountains, woods and meadows which make up this beautiful area known as Virginia’s Switzerland.
Fair Lawn Farm
Fair Lawn Farm has a deep-rooted history in Highland County, Virginia. It’s your turn to become a part of it! “The first time you visit, you are our guests. After that, you are our friends.”
The Curly Maple
The Curly Maple is a bakery, lunch spot, and grocer located in a historic former general store. In addition to lunch, deli fare and coffee, they have a small events space used to host and cater special events.
The Church at the Old Oak – Home | Facebook
Performance & event venue. The Church at the Old Oak was the scene for the Historical Society Patron’s Party Sunday.
Farmers’ Market
Local produce, meats, crafts, and much more. Drop by to see for yourself! Call to learn more about its selection of organic food, local specialties, vegetables, crafts, and fruits OR if you want to register as a vendor! The Highland Farmers’ Market season runs from late May through mid-October.
Highland County Museum & Heritage Center
First built as a residence in 1851, it served as a stagecoach stop, a hotel, and a Civil War hospital. Inside, visitors will find a new local history museum that tells the story of the mountain people of Highland County.
Cass Scenic Bald Knob Trip
Trip Summary. Bald Knob – Approximately 22-mile, 4.5 hr. Round – trip Excursion. At an elevation of 4,842 feet, Bald Knob is the third highest point in West Virginia. Located 11 miles up the mountain from Cass, the Bald Knob overlook offers spectacular views (on a clear day) into two states and into the valley below, home to the National Radio Astronomy Observation
Downtown Lewisburg
Unique, vibrant, and ever-changing, Downtown Lewisburg has an energy and feeling that sets it apart from many places. Our artistic community is magnetic and draws entertainers, actors, musicians and artists from near and far.
Garth Newel Music Center Experience
Founded in 1973, Garth Newel Music Center is a year-round chamber music venue situated in the heart of Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, presenting over 50 concerts throughout the year performed by the Garth Newel Piano Quartet and other renowned guest musicians.
Lake Moomaw Boat Rentals
Lake Moomaw boat rentals and jet ski rental. Offering the best quality boats, waverunners, boat tours, charters, water toys and watercraft rentals in Virginia at Gathright Dam.
Highland | VDGIF
Highland The Highland Wildlife Management Area is located in a county that is generally regarded as having the highest average elevation of any county east of the Mississippi River. The management area offers challenging and rewarding hunting for forest game, fishing for trout through the magnificent Bullpasture Gorge and an array of trails for hikers.
Monterey, Virginia Trails & Trail Maps
Explore the best trails in Monterey, Virginia on TrailLink. With more than 33 Monterey trails covering 310 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Rocky Point Trail or Red Creek Trail. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink.
West Virginia Rafting
America’s Best Whitewater Rafting Resort!