2141 Washington St. East, Lewisburg, Wv 24901 (MLS# 20-26)

Documents: Survey

Exterior: Wood

Foundation: Block; Stone

Roofing: Slate

Flooring: Carpet; Ceramic Tile; Hardwood

Heating: Forced Air

MAISON MARCEL This lovely Federal style home was built in the late 1800 or early 1900 according to information researched by James E. Talbert. (information found at the Lewisburg Historical Society Archives from Talbert's book "Hard Scrabble Hill"). This land was originally part of a larger tract of land known as Hard Scrabble Hill. According to James Talbert. "It is likely, but not proven by this researcher, that the land at 542 East Washington Street, (now 2141 Washington St. East) was part of the land acquired by Jacob Kuhn of Fredericksburg, Virginia by patent or by assignment of patent in the 1790's. Robert Kenning held the mortgage on Kuhn's property described as nine tracts and estimated to contain 1212 acres." Over the next 100 years the land was sold and divided numerous times. The first mention of a dwelling on this tract was in October of 1907, when T.H. and Kate I. Pare, husband and wife, conveyed a 51 acre parcel of land, which contained what is now 2141 Washington St. East, to Mary B. Martin. In the description there was mention of "having on it the dwelling house now occupied by T.H. Pare and family." Over the next approximately 40 years, the land was further subdivided and conveyed to numerous owners. In June of 1948, Anne C. Porter conveyed this property to J. North and Doris Caldwell, husband and wife. Doris Caldwell was a well known local artist and a number of her works are on display at the North House Museum in Lewisburg. After their passing the house was bequeathed to their daughter, Emily Whitmore Park. The home was conveyed in 1997 to David S. Summers. At this time extensive remodeling and interior design was undertaken. They employed the famous, Carleton Varney, who is known for his work at the Greenbrier Hotel, the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan, and many other properties. Mr. Varney developed and is the owner of Dorothy Draper Interiors. Mr. Varney with the help of a local Interior designer, Ms. Dickie Chilton, of Chilton Interiors, designed and implemented numerous changes. The construction and restoration was done by local contractor Robert Vass III. At this time the porch on the west side of the house was added as well as the portico that connects the garage and the house on the east side. The Roof was changed to a slate roof that was taken from the home of the former governor of West Virginia, Hulett C. Smith in Beckley. This slate had been purchased from a civil war antebellum home in the Shenandoah Valley and was brought to Beckley. The Beckley home was being torn down to make way for the interstate highway and Carleton Varney went to look at the home and was impressed enough to buy all the slate for the Summers home that he was restoring. Inside, the lovely wool rug in the living room as well as the stair runner were designed by Carlton Varney and manufactured in Ireland with hand dyed wool. The Wall paper in the dining room had been installed at an earlier date, but was embellished with additional hand painting by a local artist. Most of the wall paper in the home and many of the draperies were designed and produced by Carlton Varney. There are a couple of interesting facts to note as you tour this home. The Summers' Family tree is set in the ceramic tiles on the fireplace in the den. A beautiful 1835 hand carved plate rack from New Orleans stands in the large dining room. An original painting by Anke Schofield of the cow is displayed at the top of the grand front staircase. Arthur and Debbie have fondly named the cow Delilah. There are many pieces of 1950's McCoy pottery scattered throughout the home. The home was recently purchased in May of 2017 by Arthur Forgette and Deborah Porter and it is now used as a lovely bed and breakfast, "Maison Marcel" They repainted the kitchen and remodeled and updated the bathrooms to make this gorgeous home a delightful destination for travelers who come to Lewisburg. Arthur and Debbie also own and operate a local French restaurant, "The French Goat" in downtown Lewisburg. Their talent for hospitality and delicious cuisine are a true asset tour our community.