Elmwood Estate library.
The dining room at Elmwood hosts the couple’ s curated collection of china and antiques.
The central passage hallway at Elmwood Estate boasts a landscape mural by artist Michael Christie. rebellious in our lives, states Chris. We never really follow the crowd. After living and working all over the world, we bought Elmwood in 2001 but didn’ t actually move here until 2013. Saudi Arabia, England, Italy, and Dubai were home for twenty-three years. Once we got back to the states, we sold our home in California and moved here.”
Elmwood had seen almost 200 years of history. The home of Hugh Caperton and his descendants( Allen T. Caperton and Gaston Caperton, two term West Virginia governor, were descendants). Caperton was an American politician and planter and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Monroe County. In recognition of this historical significance, Elmwood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Architecturally, Elmwood is thought to be inspired by Birdwood, a historic home in Charlottesville Virginia located on the University of Virginia grounds. Birdwood was built between 1819 and 1830 by Charles Edgar and Hollis Rinehart. Indeed the brick home with its pillared gabled entrance and second floor balcony appear to have influenced Elmwood and both houses are classical revival in the Jeffersonian style.
While the history was well documented, what the couple found when they came to Elmwood was a different matter.“ Anita was mad, chuckles Chris because everything was in such a state.”
“ It’ s true sighs Anita. There were vines and vegetation everywhere. The downstairs area where the bar is now had not been opened up for over 100 years. It was truly a labor of love.”
Luckily the 1950’ s style ranch house that was also located on the property was habitable. They were able to live there while they restored the manor house.
“ The ranch house had to be renovated as well says Anita. It now functions as a first class Air B & B with terrific reviews. Guests return year after year because they feel as if they are coming home.”
Southern charm abounds throughout the estate from the haint blue porch ceilings to the central passage hallway that takes advantage of the cross breeze in summer. The great hall also boasts a landscape mural that echoes the distant mountain range and was painted by local artist Michael Christie. Christie also helped with the faux bois on the doors and skirting boards.
“ We knew we wanted to be community oriented and not just another business, says Chris.”( The couple also owns two other historic housed in Union as well as the old fashioned hardware and antique store, Kittles Hardware and Supply).
States Chris,“ Elmwood now functions as an event venue and we have had a great response from the community. Obviously we are a wedding destination but we also host fundraisers, wine tastings and art events. We have great reunions for families and
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