by Lisa Schauer
Marking the completion of a two-year renovation, an open house was held at The Grand Castalian Inn, a new bed-and-breakfast located at 41 Pratt Street in Berkeley Springs on Sunday, March 9.
Neighbors and visitors streamed through the double-door entry of the majestic three-story Queen Anne style home, with its wraparound porch, gables and eaves, huge windows and high ceilings.
Built in 1905, the home is a fine example of the Victorian architectural style popular from the mid-nineteenth century until about 1910.
Known by some locals as the “Old Dame,” the home served as a boys’ dormitory for Old Dominion Academy, a military school that operated here in the early 20th century. After the school closed, it later served as an apartment building and was eventually left gutted and leaking in disrepair.
Lovingly restored by new owners Bob and Nickole Harris, the ornate building now operates as a busy five-bedroom bed-and-breakfast in town.
“She fell in love with this town, and this house. You don’t realize the magnitude of refurbishing this house,” said Bob, who is originally from Wheeling, and wanted to bring his family back east to West Virginia to start a hospitality business.
“We felt welcomed here. It’s a super-friendly town. I feel like I’m part of something. Plus, Berkeley Springs is one of the top five towns to visit in West Virginia,” said Nickole, who previously worked at Charlotte’s Café, and owned her own cleaning company.
The original pine floors have been restored, along with the original staircase, five fireplaces, wall textures, chandeliers, ornaments and facades.
Each bedroom suite has its own modern bath, along with large flat-screen TVs and other amenities.
“Every room is a different vacation. You’re not staying at grandma’s house. We wanted to make it fun,” said Nickole, showing visitors the well-appointed luxury themed rooms, including the Appalachian, Bird Nest, River Retreat, ‘50s Drive-in, and the Lady Rosa, after the original owner of the Berkeley castle.
For breakfast, Nickole prepares guests what she describes as elevated classics, such as strawberry cream cheese French toast, loaded potato cakes, and other people-pleasing entrees, sides and pastries.
The inn’s name is derived from a Greek nymph, Castalia, who threw herself into a spring near Delphi to avoid the pursuit of Apollo, the god of war. Such drastic measures are no longer needed for a getaway near the springs.
Anyone wanting more information about The Grand Castalian Inn can call 541-848-1265 or visit grandcastalian.com.
