Stacey Lee

ERA Liberty Realty
304-279-7644
Office: 304-728-2000
Licensed In: WV

A NOTE FROM THE SELLERS:

What we love about our 200 West Race St, Martinsburg, WV home.

We love our Martinsburg home.  

If it wasn’t for family, including 10 grandchildren, in the western U.S. and now being retired, we would not want to sell.

Location

When we first saw the house we were excited because of its proximity to the MARC Commuter/Amtrak train station, since we would be commuting to DC to work.  We were also impressed with its history and beauty.

When we moved from Capitol Hill we appreciated being able to leave the car in the garage, walk the 3 blocks to the train station to catch the train to work in DC.  We did not need to drive into town from the newer, outlying, cookie-cutter homes on the snow and ice covered roads to find a costly, paid parking space at the train station.  We would also catch the Amtrak train for trips around the country.

The House, The History 

The back portion of the house was here during the Civil War when both Union and Confederate troops occupied the town.  The house has been continuously lived in and improved since the original portion was built as a two story “log” home in 1850 (with railroad timbers, not logs).  The “new” front, wood frame portion of the home with high ceilings and beautiful staircase was added in the 1880s.  Wood siding was added to the house covering the log after that.  In the 1950s the home owner, Mr. Haymaker, who many considered the best brick mason in the area, added a full brick shell wall around the existing structure.  The back portion has thick exterior walls of log, lath and plaster and wood siding encapsulated inside  the low maintenance brick shell.  The two car garage had been added by 1931.  A local historical figure, William W. Westphal (Westphal Hose Company Fire Station), and his wife lived in the home in the early 1900s. 

The unique, antique and beautiful entry and front door set the stage for the home.  The large rooms and windows, high ceilings, beautiful original real hardwood floors, old staircase and garden make the home a joy to live in.

The house has a few surprises that reveal and demonstrate some of its history.  The cellar, 2-level, floored attic, historic construction techniques, doors to nowhere, Harry Potter closet, etc. all have stories to tell.

Upgrades

Since we have been in the house we have been able to repair plaster walls and ceilings.  We upgraded the kitchen and pantry with quality cabinetry.  We appreciate the 2 (his & hers) walk in closets and the remodeled, large Laundry Room adjacent to the Master Bedroom suite. 

The most significant upgrades include recently going from 100 amps to new 200 amps electric service, new 94% High Efficiency Indirect Fired Hot Water and Zoned Heating systems (with hot water radiators on first floor and “air over  hot water” forced air on first and second floors) and adding Central Air Conditioning.

The Garden

We enjoy relaxing in the garden with the changing flowers and colors watching the fish in the pond, the birds in the trees and the evening fireflies. In the evenings we may sit around the small back garden fire pit in the converted historic cistern, sometimes roasting marshmallows with friends and their children.

Downtown Martinsburg

We love living in downtown Martinsburg, walking to the downtown restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, specialty shops, museums & historic sites, performances at the historic community theatre and the frequent community events like the Chocolate Fest, Heritage Days, Chile Cook Off, Parades, etc.

When we initially lived in the home there were times when we had a lot of traffic, but a few years ago a bypass road was built 3 blocks away that has diverted a lot of traffic.  We were honored to be across from the old American Legion, but there were times when it created issues.   Since the city bought the building and the Legion moved out, the area is now much quieter.

We love our Martinsburg home and would love for you to have the opportunity to see it and fall in love with it as your home.