Welcome to the 2010

United Fund of Giles County

Homes Tour

Claus-Goette Home, 407 Kerr Lane, Eggleston – This unique contemporary home known as “BelleBend,” is situated in the Village of Eggleston on a peninsula high above the meandering New River with an unbelievable breathtaking view of the bluffs that rise above the river. The creative architectural design, artistic features, and personal touches allow this home, which was built by Richard Claus and his wife, Ann Goette, to coalesce with its natural environment and make it truly one of a kind. The property also boasts a magnificent barn that the couple constructed to host special gatherings and group functions. BelleBend was built in 2005. A stunning residence and view to match.

Thomas Home, 3227 Walkers Creek Valley Road, Pearisburg – This five bedroom, six fireplace historic home, located in the White Gate community of the County was built in 1826 by early settler, Tobias Miller, of German descent. Today the home is owned by Robert and Janice Thomas who have and continue to restore it, along with extending their garden pathway, now reaching over 100 yards in length. This two and one half story structure is also surrounded by its historically preserved out buildings, one which served as a temporary prison quarters housing nine Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. There also still remains a ground depression which served as a slave quarters. If the walls of this 3500 square foot home could talk, they would tell many interesting stories of the generations of the Miller descendants who lived and worked in this home surrounded by the pastoral setting of the White Gate community.

King Home, 4848 Pulaski Giles Turnpike, Pearisburg, - Owned by Steve and Teresa Gary, this historic home sits on a hill in the Poplar Hill community. The original farmhouse of the King family and completed in 1913, the home was built above the old Shannon home place which burned on Christmas Eve in 1898. The King home was one of the first homes in the County to have carbide lighting. The home features solid hardwood floors, a handcrafted staircase, and a beautiful wrap around porch. Steve and Teresa Gary, who purchased the home from Tom and Ellie Miller in 1998, have done extensive remodeling and updating throughout the home. Steve, who operates a solid wood furniture shop on the property where he makes and sells fine furniture, has also crafted additional woodworking detail, mantels, and other furnishings and treasures that are on display in the home.

Stafford Home, 1104 Wenonah Avenue, Pearisburg - A charming cape cod home conveniently located in the heart of the Town of Pearisburg, yet surrounded by trees and other plantings to create a private oasis, is owned by Barbara Stafford, the Mayor of the Town of Pearisburg for the past 7 years, and the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for the past 11 years. Her husband was the late Jefferson Stafford, who served as a delegate to the Virginia General Assembly for 19 years. Barbara also served briefly as a delegate with a successful run to finish out his last term in office. Destroyed by fire in 2001, the Stafford house was completely rebuilt to create a cozy, warm, and inviting home with hardwood floors and beautiful interiors, all of which are tastefully appointed. It also has a relaxing deck which Barbara and her children, now grown, have enjoyed throughout the years.

Malone Home, 567 Riverbend Drive, Pearisburg – Owned Brett and Edna Malone, this unique home was built in 2005 overlooking the New River at Riverbend. It features a wonderful great room with custom stone fireplace and panoramic views of the river and the mountains. It also features a kitchen with a master chef island and custom cherry cabinets. A full deck allows family and friends to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the County. Other unique features include in-laid Japanese tile work, a custom 500 bottle wine cellar, detailed red oak trim, steam spa, heated floor tiles, and a stone patio with a relaxing fountain. Brett serves on the Board of the United Fund of Giles County and he and his wife, Edna, are pleased to be a part of the inaugural homes tour.

MACARTHUR INN TOUR CANCELED!

MacArthur House Inn Bed and Breakfast, 117 MacArthur Lane, Narrows - Built circa 1940, this historic hotel was originally named the Narrows Hotel. However, in 1941, a contest was held to select another name. President Franklin Roosevelt recommended that the hotel be the first in the United States to be named after General Douglas MacArthur. And, so it was. Throughout the years many guests have come to stay and experience the natural beauty that abounds, including well known notables, John Wayne, Audie Murphy, Mickey Mantle, and Michael Landon. In later years the hotel fell victim to neglect and disrepair, and its future was in jeopardy. Today this landmark was recently completely restored to its original grandeur and accentuated with time period furnishings. Fall weekends at MacArthur House feature delicious outside pit barbecues and carriage rides throughout the scenic Town of Narrows.

Davis Home, 1211 Valleyview Drive, Pearisburg – This newly constructed home is situated high on a hill among 70 acres in the center of the Town of Pearisburg, allowing a 360 degree view of the countryside surrounding it. This three story brick house, owned by Dean and Angie Davis, is truly a gem of the County. This 9,900 square foot home, with 8,000 additional square feet currently being added, features seven bedrooms, two full kitchens, nine bathrooms, a billiards room, and a media room. The Davises also enjoy a 5,000 square foot patio area that includes an in-ground pool and pool house. This truly is a spectacular and one-of-a kind home and property.

Home of Debbie and Angelo Massaro and Family, 420 Eggleston Road, Pembroke – The home, built in 1860, is in its original structural form. It is a two story solid brick (Flemish Bond style) built in a Colonial Revival style. When the Massaros acquired the home in 1997 the entire exterior walls were covered with mortar and paint. They were sandblasted and all mortar joints were redone and the bricks were repaired. The additions to the original house were done in period style using salvaged brick from the demolished Wheatland Mansion. It has seven restored fireplaces, one of which is a small cooking fireplace, retaining the original cooking crane and hooks. It still has many original heart pine floors, and replacement floors are of recycled timber. All of the out buildings have been torn down except for the springhouse, and the barn which is undergoing current restoration. During the last half century there were many owners or tenants. This farm was part of a larger farming enterprise originally growing wheat and apples and raising sheep. The original builder was Isaac Williams whose family was one of the early settlers in the area. The interior furnishings and décor are of early country primitives and have been tastefully appointed by Debbie Massaro. This Civil War Era jewel is a must-see as one of Giles County's Historic Landmarks.