Home & Garden

Inside A West Virginia Time Piece

A look inside at a new house that tells a centuries-long story
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The facade of John C. Allen, Jr.’s twenty-first-century home, in locally mined limestone, was built to look as if it were constructed in the early 1800s.

The facade of John C. Allen, Jr.’s twenty-first-century home, in locally mined limestone, was built to look as if it were constructed in the early 1800s.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

Two wings added to the limestone facade were made to look as if they were built over many decades.

Two wings added to the limestone facade were made to look as if they were built over many decades.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

Vandalia sits along a scenic stretch of the Potomac River that faces Antietam National Battlefield.

Vandalia sits along a scenic stretch of the Potomac River that faces Antietam National Battlefield.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

The dining room.

The dining room.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

The walnut-stained railing in the entry.

The walnut-stained railing in the entry.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

Period-appropriate millwork in the master bedroom.

Period-appropriate millwork in the master bedroom.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

Slipcovered sofas strike a casual note in the living room.

Slipcovered sofas strike a casual note in the living room.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

Period-appropriate millwork.

Period-appropriate millwork.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

John C. Allen Jr.’s favorite vintage leather chair in the library.

John C. Allen Jr.’s favorite vintage leather chair in the library.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

A view through the library.

A view through the library.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

The airy kitchen opens to a sitting room and hearth with windows that overlook the Potomac.

The airy kitchen opens to a sitting room and hearth with windows that overlook the Potomac.

Photo: Patricia Lyons

Allen at home on the back porch.

Allen at home on the back porch.

Photo: Patricia Lyons