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  6. VRBO Listing #369363
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Historic House with Gardens Near Universities & Downtown

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Architect William McDowell designed this stately house in 1891, as his own home.

Architect William McDowell designed this stately house in 1891, as his own home. The parlor has comfortable seating and an intriguing collection of art. A Bessarbian rug hangs above the round dining table, which expands to seat 12. The kitchen features soapstone counters, a deep sink, and a 5-burner gas range. The kitchen's table & chairs create an informal spot for eating--or chatting. In the 1st-floor bedroom, Arts & Crafts patterns create a rich, but light look. The spacious 2nd-floor bedroom has a queen-sized brass bed with c.1890 design. Even McDowell House's 3 bathrooms feature luminous colors popular in the 1890s. From a secluded terrace by the kitchen, stone paths lead to other gardens. The sunny library offers comfortable seating, flat-screen TV, and lots of books. The Turret Bedroom contains a chaise longue, as well as antique twin brass beds.

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Last updated: 06/11/2013
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  • Minimum stay:Contact manager
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

McDowell House offers the unusual opportunity to stay in an exquisitely restored historic residence in one of Lexington's most beautiful neighborhoods. Surrounded by other 19th-century properties, the house sits just blocks from Washington & Lee, VMI, and downtown's restaurants and shops. A deep front lawn and tranquil gardens provide quiet and privacy.

McDowell House sleeps 6 guests--or up to 10, when combined with the property's 3rd floor apartment, McDowell Studio (VRBO #339861). Combined bookings receive a special rate.

All beds have high-quality mattresses, silky all-cotton linens, and hypoallergenic duvets. McDowell House's charming 1st-floor Garden Bedroom features a tall-post double bed and a window overlooking the secluded rear garden. An adjoining tiled bathroom retains its original marble sink and claw-footed tub, but with shower mounted above.

On the 2nd floor, the West Bedroom has a queen-sized brass bed and tall windows on 3 sides. The Turret Bedroom features an elegant pair of antique brass twin beds and its own little circular porch overlooking the front lawn and mountains beyond. Two well-appointed bathrooms serve these bedrooms: a marble-floored bathroom next door with tiled shower and claw-footed tub and the house's original bathroom, on the same floor, which contains a sauna and shower.

Guests may use a rowing machine, Nordic Track, exercise bicycle, and vibration platform conveniently located in a nearby 2nd-floor conservatory and porch.

McDowell House has an amazing eat-in kitchen with original wainscot, Virginia soapstone counters, and state-of-the art appliances--from restaurant-grade gas stove to espresso maker. With windows overlooking both rear and side gardens, it's the perfect place to enjoy cooking--or eating--local vegetables, meats, breads, and cheeses. Glassware, china, flatware, and serving pieces make dining, entertaining, or enjoying take-out easy and fun.

McDowell House is a magical place to spend time with friends and family. A large, airy parlor with tall windows opens into the generous dining room, via sliding doors. The sunny library provides comfortable space for reading, working, watching television, or catching up on the day's activities.

Rooms feature luminous colors and period carpets, wallpapers, and curtains. Art covers the walls, as it did in the 1890s. Musical guests love playing the c.1890 ebonized Knabe piano in the handsome 1st-floor hall.

Visitors also enjoy lounging on the porches that wrap the house.
In the back garden's rock-lined pool, goldfish swim among the waterlilies. A round table and chairs sit on a stone terrace, surrounded by lush Japanese maples and evergreens, ferns, and native woodland plants. McDowell House provides a quiet refuge--and a perfect base for visiting Washington & Lee and VMI, exploring scenic Rockbridge County, and enjoying Lexington's vibrant downtown.


Keywords: historic property, residence, villa, self-catering house

Property Type

      • House

      Accommodation Type

          • Vacation Rental

          Meals

              • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

              Onsite Services

                  • Housekeeper Optional

                  Suitability

                  • Pets Not Allowed:

                    To protect carpets and upholstery, we do not allow pets at this property. Our other rental house, Middleton House, welcomes pets....moreless

                  • Minimum Age Limit For Renters:

                    Minimum age for renters is 25 years. Visitors under the age of 25 must be accompanied by at least one older adult....moreless

                  • Non Smoking Only:

                    Absolutely no smoking is allowed either inside the house or on its porches....moreless

                  Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6

                  • Bedroom 1

                    ...moreless

                  • Bedroom 2

                    ...moreless

                  • Bedroom 3

                    ...moreless

                  • Other (See Description)

                    ...moreless

                  • Queen size Beds (2) The tall-post bed in the 1st-floor bedroom dates from c.1820-1830, but has a luxurious custom queen mattress. The 2nd-floor bedroom has a handsome queen-sized brass bed with top-quality Stearns & Foster mattress., Twin or Single Beds (2) Twin brass beds share the 2nd-floor Turret Bedroom. Both have comfortable new mattresses and luxurious all-cotton linens....moreless

                  Bathrooms: 3 Bathrooms

                  Kitchen & Dining

                  • Kitchen:

                    The custom kitchen has counters of Virginia soapstone and an extra-deep sink. Equipment includes microwave, blender, espresso maker, coffee grinder, food processor, KitchenAid mixer, and 5-burner restaurant-quality stove with vent. A large library of cookbooks fills a built-in bookcases....moreless

                  • Cooking Utensils:

                    Cooking utensils include All-Clad pots and pans, fine knives, a full array of baking pans and bowls, food mill, hand and stand mixers, grater, garlic press, peelers, and just about anything else neede...moreless

                  • Refrigerator:

                    The kitchen's stainless steel KitchenAid refrigerator has French doors and a bottom freezer with ice maker....moreless

                  • Catering Available:

                    Please request information about our private-chef service before booking....moreless

                  • Ice Maker
                  • Microwave
                  • Dishwasher

                  Amenities

                  • Air Conditioning:

                    Air conditioning on 2nd floor can cool entire house, if needed....moreless

                  • Wood Fireplace:

                    Wood for the parlor fireplace is provided....moreless

                  • Hair Dryer
                  • Iron & Board
                  • Clothes Dryer
                  • Linens Provided
                  • Washing Machine

                  Other Amenities

                      • Historic McDowell House offers a wide menu of modern comforts, including an exceptional kitchen and a sauna....moreless

                      Entertainment

                      • CD Player
                      • DVD Player
                      • Satellite / Cable
                      • Television
                      • Books

                      Communications

                      • Wireless Internet:

                        WiFi is readily available throughout the house....moreless

                      • Broadband Access

                      Pool & Spa

                          • Sauna:

                            A separate bathroom with shower houses the sauna....moreless

                          Outdoor Features

                          • Lawn / Garden:

                            A private garden behind the house provides a lovely outdoor space for dining, on a stone terrace. The garden features Japanese plants and a fish pond, where water-lilies bloom....moreless

                          • Deck / Patio:

                            Visitors can enjoy al fresco dining on the back terrace, surrounded by a garden of Japanese and 19th-century trees and plants....moreless

                          • Lanai / Gazebo:

                            Spacious porches--replete with wicker furniture--wrap the house, offering places to read and socialize....moreless

                          • Outdoor Grill

                          Theme

                          • Luxury
                          • Romantic
                          • Tourist Attractions
                          • Away From It All
                          • Family
                          • Historic

                          Activities

                          • Mountain Biking
                          • Hunting
                          • Fitness Center
                          • Shopping
                          • Wildlife Viewing
                          • Swimming
                          • Fishing
                          • Cycling
                          • Kayaking
                          • Hiking
                          • Boating
                          • Zoo
                          • Museums
                          • Live Theater
                          • Health/Beauty Spa
                          • Theme Parks
                          • Horseback Riding
                          • Antiquing
                          • Sight Seeing
                          • Cinemas
                          • Restaurants

                          Other Activities

                              • McDowell House is 3 blocks from the Woods Creek Trail, which winds down to the Maury River at Jordan's Point Park, connecting with university trails along the way. From Jordan's Point, walkers and cyclists can cross the Maury River bridge and pick up the riverside Chessie Trail. The property is also located just blocks from Washington & Lee's Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts; Lexington's Wednesday Farmers Market--with its fabulous local food; a movie theater; Sweet Things ice cream parlor; antique shops; restaurants; bookstores; and Healthy Foods Market. Back at the house, visitors can use the house's exercise machines, sauna, watch cable TV, relax with a book, enjoy the private back garden, with its goldfish pond--or play the c.1890 Knabe piano....moreless
                               

                              Reviews

                              Write a review

                              • Unforgettable place to spend a weekend

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                Unforgettable place to spend a weekend

                                • Guest M. & J. D.
                                • Date of stay 05/05/13
                                • Review Submitted 05/16/13
                                Thank you for an absolutely memorable weekend. What a fantastic find for a weekend in Lexington.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • A wonderful experience

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                A wonderful experience

                                • Guest E. Family
                                • Date of stay 05/12/13
                                • Review Submitted 05/16/13
                                Our family enjoyed the lovely curated experience that you have crafted. Thank you.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Special place for Washington & Lee reunion

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                Special place for Washington & Lee reunion

                                • Guest M J. S.
                                • Date of stay 05/05/13
                                • Review Submitted 05/05/13
                                I had such a memorable time celebrating my W & L Reunion with my dearest friends this weekend. Thank you for opening this amazing home, and its unique character, to us!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • A stay to remember

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                A stay to remember

                                • Guest M. & J. D.
                                • Date of stay 05/05/13
                                • Review Submitted 05/05/13
                                Thank you for an absolutely memorable weekend. What a fantastic find for a weekend in Lexington!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Ideal house for a reunion weekend

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                Ideal house for a reunion weekend

                                • Guest M. & M.
                                • Date of stay 05/05/13
                                • Review Submitted 05/05/13
                                This was the perfect spot for our friends to gather and in which to feel right back at home! Many thanks.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Beautiful!

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                Beautiful!

                                • Guest C. & G. M.
                                • Date of stay 04/28/13
                                • Review Submitted 04/29/13
                                Thank you for having us. Your home is so beautiful and restored to its original time period.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • The right choice for a VMI weekend

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                The right choice for a VMI weekend

                                • Guest J. & L. P. and L. & L. P.
                                • Date of stay 11/15/12
                                • Review Submitted 11/19/12
                                We loved your home with all its charm & character. We enjoyed all the space, so convenient to town & VMI. Look forward to staying at your home again in the near future.

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • A wonderful discovery

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                A wonderful discovery

                                • Guest C. W.
                                • Date of stay 11/01/12
                                • Review Submitted 11/05/12
                                A lovely place with so much charm! We are looking forward to staying here for graduation. Wish we had known about this "find" four years ago!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Loved the special television set-up

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                Loved the special television set-up

                                • Guest M. O.
                                • Date of stay 05/12/12
                                • Review Submitted 06/07/12
                                Great sound system!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                              • Perfect for Celebrating a Graduation

                                Guest comment entered by owner

                                Perfect for Celebrating a Graduation

                                • Guest S-- Family
                                • Date of stay 05/22/12
                                • Review Submitted 06/07/12
                                We celebrated our 3rd W & L graduation in beautiful Lex with a plethora of family and friends. As we gathered for lunch, everyone oohed and aahed, as they explored the house and read about its history and restoration. Such fun to convene on the gracious porch for stories and a cocktail or two. We had a wonderful time!

                                Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

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                              Write a review
                               

                              Rates

                              $195-$275/night for 2 persons, depending on season. For each extra person, add $45
Need to sleep 8-10 guests? Also book McDowell Studio (VRBO#339861).
11% lodgings tax
Having a party? Over 8 guests incurs a surcharge. Call for rates.
Optional daily housekeeping service available at $60/day.
SPECIAL OFFER: Stay a week, but pay for just 6 days.
We accept PayPal.

                              Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

                              This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
                              HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.

                               

                              Calendar

                              Last updated: 06/11/2013
                              Check availability
                              PreviousNext
                              23 Available
                              21 Unavailable
                              22 Today
                              23 Selected dates
                              24 Special offer
                               

                              Location

                               

                              Manager info

                              Year Purchased: 1983

                              About: The owners' award-winning restoration work has been featured in magazines such as Preservation, Early American Life, Victorian Homes, Traditional Homes, and Southern Living.

                              Why Lexington:
                              Lexington combines the intimacy and friendliness of a small Southern town with the diversity created by universities. Located a short drive from stunning scenery--Natural Bridge, Goshen Pass, the Blue Ridge mountains--the city is also linked to the country by walking trails.

                              The Unique Benefits at this House:
                              Local meat, eggs, vegetables, cheeses, ice creams, breads, beers, and wines make Lexington a wonderful place to dine--out or in. McDowell House is just blocks from downtown's shops, bakeries, farmer's market, wine shop, and micro-brewery. Its location encourages walking to everything: the newsstand, exercise classes, the whole foods grocery, the movies. At McDowell House, the car stays parked!

                              Contact us

                              • Primary: + 5407840282
                               

                              Photos

                              • Architect William McDowell designed this stately house in 1891, as his own home.

                                Architect William McDowell designed this stately house in 1891, as his own home.

                              • A Bessarbian rug hangs above the round dining table, which expands to seat 12.

                                A Bessarbian rug hangs above the round dining table, which expands to seat 12.

                              • The kitchen's table & chairs create an informal spot for eating--or chatting.

                                The kitchen's table & chairs create an informal spot for eating--or chatting.

                              • The spacious 2nd-floor bedroom has a queen-sized brass bed with c.1890 design.

                                The spacious 2nd-floor bedroom has a queen-sized brass bed with c.1890 design.

                              • From a secluded terrace by the kitchen, stone paths lead to other gardens.

                                From a secluded terrace by the kitchen, stone paths lead to other gardens.

                              • The Turret Bedroom contains a chaise longue, as well as antique twin brass beds.

                                The Turret Bedroom contains a chaise longue, as well as antique twin brass beds.

                              • The parlor has comfortable seating and an intriguing collection of art.

                                The parlor has comfortable seating and an intriguing collection of art.

                              • The kitchen features soapstone counters, a deep sink, and a 5-burner gas range.

                                The kitchen features soapstone counters, a deep sink, and a 5-burner gas range.

                              • In the 1st-floor bedroom, Arts & Crafts patterns create a rich, but light look.

                                In the 1st-floor bedroom, Arts & Crafts patterns create a rich, but light look.

                              • Even McDowell House's 3 bathrooms feature luminous colors popular in the 1890s.

                                Even McDowell House's 3 bathrooms feature luminous colors popular in the 1890s.

                              • The sunny library offers comfortable seating, flat-screen TV, and lots of books.

                                The sunny library offers comfortable seating, flat-screen TV, and lots of books.

                              Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #369363

                              There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                              This listing was first published here in 2011.
                              Date last modified - Tuesday, June 11, 2013

                              12

                              3 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom
                              Sleeps 6

                              Dates are unavailable
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                              Manager

                              + 5407840282

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