Milton Hall, Bed and Breakfast Inn, 297 Thorn Lane, Covington, VA 24426
540-965-0196 or milton_h@cfw.com; click here for a map; their official website
The Fire
Callaghan Tavern stood on Midland Trail -near the junction of Dunlap & Ogles Creeks for 82 years. A renowned stop for travelers heading west, its food and hospitality was known far and wide.
Viscount Milton and his wife Laura purchased it with a,160-acre tract in 1871. In December of 1873, Lady Milton, her ailing husband and several of her siblings and servants were residing in the aged wooden building when a fire broke out. It took only a few minutes that early morning for the building to burn to the ground taking the life of a family servant.
In the wake of the devastating fire the family removed to Staunton for a time but soon returned to reside in their newly built Gothic Country Manor - Milton Hall.
Milton Hall
Milton Hall and its formal English gardens have changed little in the 125 years since Lady Laura Fitzwilliam's first envisioned them. Gothic arches, towering ceilings, and its buttressed porch are allconstructed of hand-made brick and distinguish this Victorian Manor house as Lady Milton's labor of love.
Today
Milton Hall remains a monument to Victorian excess and stands as a testament to Lady Milton's vision. The 17 room manor house has 13 working fireplaces, a formal parlor, dinning room, and library. Each room of the manor house has been tastefully decorated and furnished in keeping with its Victorian heritage.
Eric & Suzanne Stratmann have operated it as a Bed & Breakfast since 1998. We invite you to visit the estate and experience the hospitality and ambience of another age.
Your Stay
Five bedrooms and one 2-room suite are decorated with period antiques and reproductions, all have private modern bathrooms and working fireplaces. A hearty breakfast and afternoon tea are included with your stay.
Reservations are required. A 10-day cancellation notice is required for a full refund.
Virginia's Western Highlands
Cathedral like old growth forest nestled among the states oldest and highest rock peaks surround the 44-acre wooded estate. The southern Appalachians harbor 130 species of trees, 175 species of birds, 65 species of mammals and more species of fish than any other place in the country. More than 50% of Alleghany County, is public lands, which includes the George Washington National Forest.
Lake Moomaw, a 2500-acre lake provides year round fishing, water sports, hiking, biking and horseback riding along with seasonal hunting is less than 10 miles away. Two world-renowned resorts, The Greenbrier and The Homestead are less than 20 miles away. Skiing is conveniently located at The Homestead, and Snowshoe Ski Resort is 70 miles away.
The Virginia Highlands have many Civil War sites, historic towns, and antique shops. The last remaining arched span covered bridge is just 2 miles away on Hwy 60.
Railroad buffs will find C&O Historical Society archives in nearby Clifton Forge.