On the 2nd floor, the West Bedroom has a queen-sized brass bed and tall windows on 3 sides. The Turret Bedroom features an elegant pair of antique brass twin beds and its own little circular porch overlooking the front lawn and mountains beyond. Two well-appointed bathrooms serve these bedrooms: a marble-floored bathroom next door with tiled shower and claw-footed tub and the house's original bathroom, on the same floor, which contains a sauna and shower.

Guests may use a rowing machine, Nordic Track, exercise bicycle, and vibration platform conveniently located in a nearby 2nd-floor conservatory and porch.

McDowell House has an amazing eat-in kitchen with original wainscot, Virginia soapstone counters, and state-of-the art appliances--from restaurant-grade gas stove to espresso maker. With windows overlooking both rear and side gardens, it's the perfect place to enjoy cooking--or eating--local vegetables, meats, breads, and cheeses. Glassware, china, flatware, and serving pieces make dining, entertaining, or enjoying take-out easy and fun.

McDowell House is a magical place to spend time with friends and family. A large, airy parlor with tall windows opens into the generous dining room, via sliding doors. The sunny library provides comfortable space for reading, working, watching television, or catching up on the day's activities.

Rooms feature luminous colors and period carpets, wallpapers, and curtains. Art covers the walls, as it did in the 1890s. Musical guests love playing the c.1890 ebonized Knabe piano in the handsome 1st-floor hall.

Visitors also enjoy lounging on the porches that wrap the house.

In the back garden's rock-lined pool, goldfish swim among the waterlilies. A round table and chairs sit on a stone terrace, surrounded by lush Japanese maples and evergreens, ferns, and native woodland plants. McDowell House provides a quiet refuge--and a perfect base for visiting Washington & Lee and VMI, exploring scenic Rockbridge County, and enjoying Lexington's vibrant downtown.

Keywords: historic property, residence, villa, self-catering house