a weekend in west virginia

Last month, overwhelmed by my hectic jury schedule, I asked my friend Anne if she would stop by with a guest post. Little did I know that she would so graciously take us along on a recent family trip (thank you! thank you!):

A few weeks ago, we packed up our little family for an all-too-brief jaunt to the mountains of West Virginia. We have been many times, and the cabin we visit, which is situated on the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, never disappoints.

We discovered the Goff House Antiques & Textile Studio in the nearby town of Beverly on one of our last trips. The house, which dates to the late eighteenth century, became an important site during the Civil War. Its owner, Confederate Colonel David Goff, fled to the South after the Battle of Rich Mountain in July 1861, and for the remainder of the war the house was used as an official U.S. Army hospital. The building is now owned by Historic Beverly Preservation and has been restored ~ and preserved on the walls are the writings and signatures of soldiers treated there.

Four and a half years ago, local textile artist Laurie Gundersen rented the house to use as a studio. She has found consignors to fill the rooms with American antiques, art, and other handmade objects. Exploring the house one discovers artists’ workspaces, quilts, fabrics, antique furniture, books and other delights, displayed in quirky juxtaposition. We always find something special to bring home.

See more of the Goff House here!