“It’s so beautiful!” We hear it all the time and who are we to argue? Just look out your window from the Tygart River Guest House or ride your bike a few miles downriver and you’ll feel like you have found one of nature’s undiscovered natural wonders. Whitewater rapids are framed by huge boulders, sandy beaches and even a 16’ waterfall. So if your idea of wealth is defined in terms of life experie
nces and memories you make – you’ve just found a goldmine! For your next getaway or adventure vacation, take the road less traveled to our home among the hills in north central West Virginia. You’ll experience life in a country residential setting along the banks of the Tygart River in our newly remodeled guest house. Far from tourists and commercial destinations, the Tygart River Guest House offers riverside views and access to some of the best whitewater and fishing in the Appalachia Mountains of West Virginia. The area’s rich coal mining heritage invites you to take a step back in time - just a step, not a leap! You’ll find all the amenities of modern living but if you look closely you’ll find relics of a bygone era and experience life at slower pace. But if adventure is what you seek, it’s all close at hand! The Tygart River Guest House is nestled among the mountains of historic Arden, West Virginia on what used to be the B&O Railroad line of the early 1900’s that passed between Grafton and Elkins. Today this narrow strip of land is a rural roadway simply known as “the grade” to locals. It offers passersby a close-up view of the Tygart River in all its glory and though the tracks have long since disappeared, you’ll find remnants of the past all around. Arden was once a bustling town with numerous coal mines operating in the area, a restaurant, a saloon, a barber shop, a movie theater, a doctor, a cobbler and many other growing businesses. Trains ran regularly and passengers could climb aboard at the Arden depot, just a few hundred yards upstream of the Tygart River Guest House. Situated next to what was once the General Store in the center of town, the Tygart River Guest House offers an inviting view of the river. Walk down the grassy bank to the riverbed rocks below and bask in the glow of the setting sun. Open a window during the evening hours to usher in soothing sounds of rushing water and lull yourself to sleep. Or, take in the scent of a fresh country rain from your porch swing with a good book in hand. The house offers a spacious “old timey” front porch, complete with swing, rocking chair and plenty of easy lounging wicker furniture – great for lazy days on the river. High ceilings will greet you through the front door entrance where original bead board walls whisper stories from the distant past and restored yellow pine floors pave the way to a more contemporary present. We have brought together period elements from the coal mining era joining them with contemporary colors and modern amenities. Remnant artifacts salvaged from the house during its recent renovations are on display accompanied by vintage black and white photos of the era. Each of our bedrooms is named for a rapid on the Tygart River. Immediately, to the left you’ll enter ‘Back Alley’, featuring a classic full size black iron bed dressed in quilts with two lamps and nightstands, armoire and river view windows. To the right of the foyer, you’ll enter ‘Arden Garden’, a bedroom with a sunny disposition in hues of red and green. Its companions are an ornate metal queen size bed, ceiling fan, closet and comfortable loveseat. Continue down the hall into the open Dining Room which is centrally located and acts as a hub for the whole household to gather between the living room and kitchen. For the musically inclined, there is upright piano dating back to the early 1940’s and a large country table with pullout extensions to comfortably seat 10 people. Additional seating can be found at the breakfast bar. The kitchen is equipped with modern amenities including microwave, dishwasher, full refrigerator, gas cook stove, antique country sink and drain board with garbage disposal and ceiling fan/light. Glass sliding doors separate the kitchen from a private back deck with patio table with chairs and a private backyard view. You’ll be right at home in the spacious Living Room with sloped ceiling and hardwood floors, couch, loveseat, and two reclining chairs. An oak armoire entertainment center houses a TV and DVD Player. One of the most unique features of this home is the large antique oak pocket doors at your disposal to close off the room if needed. There is a convenient full bathroom just off the Living Room with a shower and beautiful slate tile floors. On the opposite side of the house is a Laundry Room with washer and dryer, easy to clean tile floors and laundry table. This room leads to another full bathroom with full size tiled shower. Upstairs, there is a full bathroom with tile floors and windows on all sides giving it a bright airy feel with an antique claw foot bathtub for soothing relaxation. Exiting the bathroom, you’ll enter ‘Premonition’ on your left complete with a full size bed, roomy closets, TV and DVD player, full river-facing windows and carpeted floors. There is a gorgeous view of the river from the hallway as well, where you can perch for a look from above. The ‘Moats Falls’ bedroom finishes our tour with riverside views, full carpeting and two sturdy bunk beds to comfortably sleep four with tranquil combination of colors and ceiling fan. One bunk bed features staircase access to the upper bunk, making the climb to the top a little easier. The house offers central air for your comfort on hot sunny days and cozy heating during winter months. Grill and outdoor fire pit are available upon request. Take in the stars, the rolling sounds of whitewater and connect with family and friends in a most welcoming and unlikely place. Area Activities
Swimming is a popular activity and there are many safe places to take a dip on hot summer days. Sightseeing is everywhere locally and in nearby parks. Moats Falls is located about 4 miles downstream and is a sight to behold. The 16’ river wide vertical drop is easy to access by crossing the natural stone bridge that leads to an overlook house size boulder upstream of the falls. There are many sandy beaches and places to explore along the riverbanks, as well as trails to hike and mountain bike. As avid whitewater guides and kayakers who have lived in the area for more than 35 years, we can arrange for whitewater rafting trips, private kayak clinics, point you in the direction of nearby hiking and mountain biking trails and/or guide you to some prime fishing spots. We can also provide access to 46 acres about 15 minutes away the hunters among you. The Tygart Lake State Park is a nearby attraction where boats and all types of lake recreation activities are available. You can rent a pontoon for the day or jump on a jet ski. Another local favorite is Audra State Park where the Middle Fork of the Tygart River flows though tight channels and larger boulders. Amazing fishing, hiking and swimming are all available at this park and the views are amazing! Blackwater Falls is a popular attraction about an hour from the house featuring a waterfall that drops 65 feet! This area is also home to some of the best Mountain Biking in the state of West Virginia. Stop in the local bike shop, Blackwater Bikes to find out about the trails and plan to spend hours riding on trails ranging from beginner to expert. The Allegheny Trail offers a rail trail ride that’s great for riders of all types and can be accessed in Parsons. The house is about 45 minutes from Clarksburg, 1 hour from Morgantown, 2 ½ hours from Pittsburgh, 2 ½ hours from Charleston and about 4 hours from Washington D.C.
