Queen Anne in the Appalachia Mountains
This Victorian House reminds me of a castle with it’s intricate features and the way it sits in the valley with the mountains watching over it. The landscape is rural and picturesque giving us a glimpse of a bygone era. With the rounded porch on both corners, the turned spindles and decorative details, this home is right out of a storybook.
John Campbell Miller constructed over 100 elaborate homes in West Virginia during his 37 years as a homebuilder; he also erected schools, churches and stores. His homes are still being widely talked about and marveled over in their beauty to this day. I’m planning a trip this spring to photograph some more examples of his work. Miller built this house for Dr. Lewis M. Campbell but Dr. Lewis never lived here, he lived in another home built by Miller. It is thought that Dr. Campbell’s brother, Judge Charles William Campbell (1856-1935) may have resided here at one time. It’s also possible that the house was built for his parents, Robert Dunbar Campbell (1818-1895) and Mary Catherine Johnson Campbell (1830-1904), who are buried on the mountain top above the home along with Dr. Lewis M. Campbell and his wife.
Allen Madison Long (1849-1935) purchased the property in 1915, and throughout the following years three generations of Longs called this valley home. Can you imagine how beautiful the seasons must be here in the Appalachian mountains? I’m sure it wasn’t an easy life but I bet it was a wonderful place to raise a family.
scrollwork: Decorative trim generated on a scroll-saw (jigsaw), such as brackets, balusters, or gable ornaments, common on Victorian houses.
spindlework: Fancy Victorian trim generated on a lathe, including columns and balusters.
Beautiful i love the pictures of older homes
Thank you so much, Jean. I’m glad you’re enjoying my work.
John Campbell Miller must have been an awesome builder. This one draws me to come, sit on the beautiful rounded porch and observe all the beauty of the woods, wildlife, and imaginary children running; playing tag, hide and go seek until mama calls them in to wash up for supper.
Your photo is magnificent and the history of this house house is wonderful! Love, LOVE your house portraits!! Sooo happy that you have an adventurous spirit and get out to find these places.
Thank you so much for your kind words; I’m happy you’re enjoying my old house images! Hopefully my adventurous spirit won’t get me into too much trouble. 🙂
I love your old house photos! Takes me back to my grandparents days ❤️
I’m so glad! That’s exactly why I do this…it takes me back to another time too. 🙂 Thank you for your nice words!
Enjoy seeing and learning about all the beautiful ole ladies and wishing I could restore some to their glory days and live there
Wouldn’t that be amazing, Beverly?! They inspire such wonder and beauty. Thank you for your comment. 🙂