Elegant Updated Mansion in the Heart of Lewisburg

"Holt House" was built in 1834 and is named for long term resident Judge Holt, whose grandson, born in the house, was a WVA governor. Holt House has been maintained and updated in the best of quality throughout the years, yet retains its historic feel and charm. Just 3 blocks from "downtown" Lewisburg and 7 miles from the Greenbrier, the area is steeped in natural beauty and history. Lewisburg offers a local Irish pub, a fantastic pizza restaurant, unique taco spot (high praise coming from a Texan!), several gourmet eating establishments and fun shopping. Less charming but also very convenient, the area is also serviced by a Krogers, Lowes, and Walmart.

Five large bedrooms, 3 full baths, 3 half baths, an eat-in kitchen, bright sun-room, formal living room and dining rooms, and two offices provide plenty of space for a large group or family to enjoy each other's company and yet retain some privacy. There are beds for 10 adults. Five working fireplaces, two staircases, casement windows, and updated 1920's style bathrooms provide character and comfort. The house has been updated to include wireless internet, two flatscreen TVs with cable, and air conditioning in the entire second floor and kitchen. An outdoor patio for casual dining sits on a fenced acre in the heart of town. A washer dryer is in the basement, as is the new natural gas furnace that heats the house through the radiator system in winter months.

The front door, accessed by a gravel half-moon driveway, enters a lovely, large reception foyer opening onto the living room to the right, with dual couches and a fireplace. A connected elegant dining room has a fireplace, and seats 10-12. The butler's pantry sits between the dining room and the eat-in kitchen, and doubles as a bar area. The updated kitchen includes a food prep galley connected to a casual eating area with a fireplace, seating 8. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, electric stove/oven, microwave, Keurig, stainless refrigerator, storage area, and is cooled by an air conditioning unit in the summer.

A large private bedroom (the "Botanical Room") has a king bed, full bath, and cedar closet, and sits off the hall connecting the front and back stairs. Tucked off the entry is the lovely, tiled sun-room with a comfortable seating, a fireplace and TV: a perfect place for morning coffee and newspapers.

Upstairs, four bedrooms and two offices are connected by a large middle gallery. The master bedroom (king bed) has a fireplace, two cedar closets, and a full bath (featuring a shower/tub tiled in lilac and mint tile). A short step takes you through to a connecting office, that could be used as a nursery or play area for children. The office has the second TV and a printer. The front bedroom (the "Bird Room") has a queen bed with a quilted carved backboard, a cedar closet and a connected half bath (toilet and sink). An interior bedroom (the "Horse Room") has a queen bed, cedar closet, and large full bath (featuring a shower/tub tiled in yellow/black color). A last upstairs bedroom (the "Dog Room") has a king bed and cedar closet; it is serviced by a hall half bath (toilet and sink) in the hall. A sleeping porch on the back of the house has been converted into a second office with views across the backyard.

The house is comfortable and easy to live in. However, it sits on a busy corner. The traffic does not bother us; the walls are thick and we are well off the street. But there is noise (except at night when traffic is sparse) and the front yard is not enclosed. Another disclosure: the backyard is large and private (fenced), but the landscaping has not been maintained for many years. It remains lovely; a mossy patio just off the kitchen, makes a fantastic place to eat summer meals and watch the bird-feeder.

There is much to do in this area, both indoors and out. Hiking/biking (the 70 miles Greenbrier River Trail is 3 miles away); fly-fishing the many local streams and rivers; finding hidden swimming holes, driving through rural hills (just minutes out the door); kayaking; tubing; white-water rafting; snow skiing (Snowshoe is 1.5 hours away); antiquing; and of course, and checking out the historic Greenbrier Resort. In addition, there are many civil war sites in the area, including several markers just outside our fenced yard commemorating the Battle of Lewisburg.