This property, highly valued for its rich history beginning in 1742, is improved with a stately 4,630 sq. ft. two-story brick manor house that retains the integrity of the original home (circa 1822) and yet offers upgrades and renovations designed for contemporary living. Other improvements include a stone cottage, frame cottage, 6-stall horse barn and paddock, granary, portions of a brick dairy barn (circa 1890-1910), storage shed and swimming pool. The property features lush pastures, wooded areas and a beautiful spring-fed pond. A prior owner built a 1,200 ft. landing strip for single engine airplanes (VA43 at Latitude/Longitude 373850N/792529W) and another operated a bed and breakfast inn on the property.

The property is identified as Rockbridge County Tax Map Parcels 108B2-1-A and 108B2-1-A1A. It has a current tax assessed value of $866,500, of which $304,400 is attributed to the land and $562,100 to the improvements. Zoning is A-2, Agricultural and General Uses District.

THE MANOR HOUSE

The Manor House has 4,630 sq. ft. of living space including 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The front entrance to the home opens into a foyer with a grand central staircase under which a half bathroom is cleverly located. The light-filled kitchen has granite countertops and custom cabinetry. A room beside the kitchen is perfect for either a dining area or a study. The homes original kitchen with exposed wood rafters and a massive stone fireplace now serves as a family room/den. The library, which is 17 ft. by 17 ft., has built-in bookcases. A separate entrance is provided to the laundry/mud room. The upper level features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a staircase from one of the bedrooms to the dining room. The home has seven fireplaces and ornate wood trim. Attention to detail is evident throughout the home.

Extensive upgrades and renovations were completed in the late 1990s. These included replacement of windows and installation of a gas-fired furnace that provides hot water radiant heat, central air conditioning and a security system. The plumbing and electrical systems were upgraded.

STONE COTTAGE

The original stone portion of this cottage was reportedly built as an ice house in the late 1890s. The cozy cottage has a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. There is also a basement with a gas furnace for forced hot air heat.

FRAME COTTAGE

The Frame Cottage, built in 1945, has a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The living room in the frame cottage has a beautiful stone fireplace with a chimney that provides a focal point in the adjoining bedroom.

HORSE BARN

The six-stall horse barn with center aisle has a heated tack room, feed room and loft. The paddock has three-board fencing.

DAIRY BARN

Local historians state that the bricks in the Dairy Barn were purchased by W. G. Matthews who owed Balcony Downs from 1863 to 1890. The bricks were to be used to build a hotel in Glasgow during the economic surge brought on by the iron industry. Because the hotel was not built, Mr. Matthews was able to purchase the brick inexpensively and build the barn. The Old Dominion Furniture Company occupied the brick barn in the 1940s.

RECREATIONAL PARADISE!

Recreation is easy on this farm! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond, hike the trails in the woods or ride horses. If you would prefer to relax, take a seat on the back porch or in the sunroom and enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and George Washington National Forest.

GREAT LOCATION!

Balcony Downs is easily accessed from I-81, I-64, I-66 and several US and Virginia roads. The property is in Rockbridge County, which is named for the Natural Bridge (the Rocky Bridge), a National Historic landmark, once surveyed by George Washington and owned by Thomas Jefferson. The Natural Bridge is located on US Rt. 11 only 7.6 mi. from Balcony Downs. The historic town of Lexington, home of Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, is approximately 15 miles from the property. Within the same distance, are the Virginia Horse Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the George Washington National Forest, the Appalachian Trail and Cave Mountain Lake.