A Rare Opportunity in West Virginia’s Gateway to Adventure

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO TOUR OF HISTORIC HINTON

Discover the perfect blend of historic elegance and contemporary comfort in this stunning 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home nestled in the heart of Hinton’s charming historic district. This remarkable property offers over a century of character with all the conveniences of modern living.

Prime Location & Lifestyle

Located in the beautiful historic district of Hinton, West Virginia, this home sits at the southern entrance to the renowned New River Gorge National Park—America’s newest national park and a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re passionate about white-water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, or simply enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas, you’ll find endless adventures right at your doorstep.

Hinton’s charming small-town atmosphere provides a peaceful retreat while keeping you centrally located near numerous outdoor activities, attractions, and amenities throughout Southern West Virginia.

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO OF THE HISTORIC HINTON HOUSE AND THE TOWN

Authentic Historic Exterior

The exterior maintains its authentic historic appearance, preserving the home’s contribution to Hinton’s historic district while ensuring structural integrity.

Second Empire Architecture

Second Empire architecture is one of the most recognizable and dignified architectural styles of the 19th century. It takes its name from the Second French Empire, the period of rule under Napoleon III in France from 1852 to 1870. During that era, Paris was transformed with grand boulevards, public buildings, and elegant urban residences. The style soon crossed the Atlantic and became popular in the United States, especially from the 1860s through the 1880s.

The most famous feature of Second Empire architecture is the mansard roof. This roof has two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steep and often pierced by dormer windows. The mansard roof was not only stylish but practical, because it allowed for a full upper story or attic living space while giving the building a commanding appearance. When you see a tall, steeply sloped roof with dormer windows, especially on a 19th-century home or courthouse, there is a good chance you are looking at Second Empire influence.

Second Empire buildings often have a strong vertical appearance. They may feature bracketed cornices, tall narrow windows, decorative window hoods, quoins, towers, cupolas, iron cresting, and ornate trim. The style can range from modest homes with a mansard roof to grand public buildings that look almost palace-like. Many courthouses, city halls, hotels, and railroad-era residences used Second Empire design because it projected permanence, prosperity, and civic importance.

In America, the Second Empire became especially popular after the Civil War. The style fit the optimism and ambition of the Reconstruction and railroad age. Communities wanted buildings that looked modern, impressive, and refined. A Second Empire house often suggested that its owner was successful, fashionable, and connected to the broader cultural tastes of the time. For this reason, many prominent homes of the late 1800s were built in this style.

A typical Second Empire home may have a symmetrical or slightly irregular façade, a central entrance, tall windows, and an elevated roofline. The mansard roof often makes the structure appear taller and more formal than it actually is. Some examples include a projecting tower or pavilion, giving the home a stately appearance. On more elaborate examples, the roof may be covered with slate shingles arranged in decorative patterns.

In West Virginia and the Appalachian region, Second Empire architecture often appeared in county seats, railroad towns, prosperous farming communities, and commercial centers. While not as common as simpler Victorian or vernacular styles, Second Empire buildings stood out as symbols of refinement. A surviving Second Empire home or public building often tells a story of a community’s growth during the late 19th century, when towns were expanding, commerce was increasing, and families of means wanted homes that reflected both elegance and stability.

In plain terms, Second Empire architecture is the style of the mansard roof, tall proportions, decorative detail, and 19th-century confidence. It carries an Old World French influence, but in America, it became a bold Victorian-era statement of success, permanence, and architectural sophistication.

THE CITY OF HINTON, WV 25951

Hinton is a classic Southern West Virginia river town with a rare combination of history, scenery, courthouse-town convenience, and outdoor recreation. It offers the peaceful character of a small mountain community while still providing practical shopping, business, professional, medical, civic, and recreational amenities. For those seeking a home, a business location, an investment property, or a mountain retreat near rivers, parks, and historic downtown charm, Hinton is one of the most distinctive communities in the New River-Greenbrier Valley region.

THE HISTORIC HINTON HOUSE LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.673979, -80.888592
Address: 323 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV 25951
Elevation: 1474 ft

Historic Home with Character with Timeless Appeal

Original Construction: 1910

Expansion: 1929 (third-story addition)

This magnificent home tells the story of American craftsmanship across two distinct eras. The original 1910 structure showcases the solid construction and architectural details of the early 20th century, while the 1929 third-story addition reflects the prosperity and optimism of the late 1920’s

This magnificent home tells the story of American craftsmanship across two distinct eras. The original 1910 structure showcases the solid construction and architectural details of the early 20th century, while the 1929 third-story addition reflects the prosperity and optimism of the late 1920’s

• Spacious & Thoughtfully Designed Living
• 5 generous bedrooms providing ample space for family and guests
• 3 full bathrooms for convenience and comfort
• Formal living room perfect for entertaining
• Elegant dining room ideal for family gatherings
• Well-appointed kitchen ready for culinary adventures
• Dedicated playroom for family fun and recreation
• Practical mudroom for outdoor gear and everyday organization
• Completely Renovated for Modern Living (2024)

This home has undergone extensive interior renovations completed in 2024, bringing it into the 21st century while preserving its historic charm on the outside:

Infrastructure & Systems

• Complete electrical system replacement for safety and reliability
• All-new plumbing throughout the home
• Modern HVAC system installation for year-round comfort
• Traditional radiator heat option maintained for authentic charm with
  all radiators refurbished
• On-demand hot water systems for endless hot water and efficiency

INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

• Most walls and ceilings were completely replaced and updated, and all ceiling
  lights/fans replaced
• Original plaster areas carefully refurbished to maintain character
• Beautiful hardwood floors professionally refinished to their original luster
• New windows installed throughout most of the home for improved efficiency along with custom blinds installed
• Numerous additional improvements and modernization touches, including all new appliances and tv’s, alarm system, remote thermostats, and remote door lock

The Perfect Home or Investment

This property represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying modern conveniences. Whether you’re seeking a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property in one of West Virginia’s most desirable locations, this home offers:

Historic district prestige and character

• Turn-key condition with recent complete renovation
• Gateway location to New River Gorge National Park
• Strong tourism market potential
• Authentic architectural details that can’t be replicated

THE SECOND LEVEL

SECOND LEVEL CONTINUED

THE THIRD LEVEL

The Historic Hinton House Is Ready for Its Next Chapter

After more than a century of history and a complete modern transformation, this remarkable home is ready to welcome its next family. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Hinton’s heritage while enjoying all the comforts of contemporary living.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

SUMMARY

• 5 Total Bedrooms
• 3 Full Baths
• 2496 SF (AG)
• 2496 SF (Total)
• 0.06 Acres
• Built in 1910
• Renovated 2024
• 3 Stories
• Historic Style, Second Empire
• Partial Basement
• Lower Level: Unfinished
• Renovation: This immaculate home has had a complete interior renovation in 2024. New electric, new plumbing, 3 HVAC zones, high-end kitchen appliances, plus more.

THE GATEWAY TO THE NEW RIVER GORGE

ABOUT THE NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE

This property is located just outside the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, a renowned destination for hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Congress established the 70,000-acre park in 2020, and the designation has sparked renewed interest in the region as a destination for travel and residency. Articles in magazines such as National Geographic have television coverage by major networks. Time magazine recently named the park among the “World’s 100 Greatest Places.”

WILDLIFE

Bald eagles, blue herons, and a wide variety of other waterbirds may be among the best-known denizens of the riverbank. Deer are also frequent guests, and even the occasional black bear will visit the neighborhood, though they usually keep to the mountain forests. The river’s smallmouth bass population draws anglers from across the U.S. to the river near Hinton annually. The river around the property boasts some of the best bass fishing on the entire stream.

UTILITIES

Water: Public, City of Hinton
Sewer: Public, City of Hinton
Electricity: American Electric Power
Telephone: Various providers
Internet: Various providers
Fire Service: Hinton Fire Department and Summers County Volunteer Fire Department
Cellphone Coverage: Various providers

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property is located on the corner of Ballengee Street and 4^th Ave.

ZONING

Please contact the City of Hinton, 322 Summers Street • Hinton, WV 22951 Phone (304) 466-3255

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: Deed Book 282 Page 157
Acreage: 0.06 acre (+/-)

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Summers County (45), West Virginia Hinton Corp (04)
Tax Map 3A Parcel 68; Class 2

2025 Real Estate Taxes: $804.00

SURROUNDING AREA

The property is located in an increasingly popular vacation area anchored by the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The region is renowned for its scenic mountain landscapes, which descend to the rivers from peaks that approach 4,000 feet above sea level. Three remarkable rivers converge here—the New and its tributaries, the Bluestone and Greenbrier rivers. Much of the Bluestone is protected as the Bluestone National Scenic River. Large parts of the region are protected as state and national parks. Bluestone and Pipestem state parks both attract thousands of vacationers annually.

HEALTHCARE

Four full-service hospitals with emergency rooms and surgery centers operate within minutes, including Summers County Hospital (54 beds), which is less than five miles away. Greenbrier Valley Hospital (122 beds), near Lewisburg, and Raleigh General and Beckley Appalachian hospitals (300 and 160 beds), in Beckley, are all less than an hour’s drive away. The region’s principal Veterans Administration Medical Center (80 beds) is also at Beckley. Additional medical centers at Huntington, Clarksburg, and Roanoke, Va., are only two to three hours away.

TRANSPORTATION

Hinton is located near the center of the eastern U.S. and within a day’s drive of more than half the U.S. population. Approximate hourly drive times to regional U.S. cities include Charleston, W.Va., 1.5; Morgantown, W.Va., 3; Columbus, Ohio, 4; Pittsburgh, Pa., 4.5; Cincinnati, Ohio, 5; Charlottesville, Va., 4; Richmond, Va., 4.5; Winston-Salem, N.C., 3; Charlotte, N.C., 3; and Washington, D.C., 5.

Motor Traffic: Interstates 64 and 77 are located 10 miles and 30 miles from the property, respectively. More than 6,000 vehicles pass through Hinton daily, according to 2021 traffic reports, though only 500 pass the property on the parkway. Traffic has likely increased due to increased tourism.

Air Traffic: The Beckley-Raleigh County Memorial Airport is a 30-minute drive from the retreat. An hour’s drive farther, Yeager Airport, at Charleston, is the largest and busiest flight-service center in the region, while the Greenbrier Valley Airport, at Lewisburg, provides flight options to Atlanta and Washington.

Rail Traffic: The Amtrak passenger station in Hinton is a 1-minute drive from the property and provides direct service to Washington, Chicago, and New York City.

CLIMATE

The valley of the New River at Hinton sustains a microclimate typical of warmer, more southerly latitudes, due in part to the sheltering influence of the valley and the river, which has absorbed radiant heat from sunlight along its upstream course. It has already traveled more than 300 miles from the summits of the Blue Ridge in North Carolina. The valley is a preferred garden location because its warm microclimate supports a longer growing season. It remains relatively free of the heavier snows that blanket the surrounding highlands more than 2,000 feet above. The growing season at Hinton is relatively long and begins after the last spring frost on April 18, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and extends to the first fall frost at about October 21.

PUBLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The area is well-served by schools. The public schools in Summers County are bused to Hinton and the adjacent campuses for grades, high, and vocational schools, all approximately 3.5 miles from the property. Two private schools are located nearby at Ballard and Pipestem. Homeschool programs are supported through the State Board of Education.

HIGHER EDUCATION

West Virginia University and New River Community & Technical College maintain campuses at Beckley, a 30-minute drive from the property. The main campus of Concord University is a 45-minute drive. The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Lewisburg, a drive of about an hour. Virginia Tech, at Blacksburg, Va., is a drive of an hour and a half.

DRIVE TIME TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Bluestone Lake: 10 minutes
Bluestone State Park: 10 minutes
Camp Creek State Park & Forest: 45 minutes
Glade Springs Resort: 30 minutes
Grandview National Park: 35 minutes
Little Beaver State Park: 35 minutes
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Sandstone Visitor Center: 25 minutes
Pipestem Resort State Park: 20 minutes
Summit Bechtel Reserve: 55 minutes
Twin Falls Resort State Park: 1 hour
Willow Wood Golf Course: 15 minutes
Winterplace Ski Resort: 35 minutes

Drive Times

Towns and Highway

I-64, Sandstone – Hinton Exit 139: 20 minutes
Beckley: 35 minutes
Hinton: 5 minutes
Princeton: 40 minutes
Concord University at Athens: 30 minutes
Virginia Tech at Blacksburg: 1 hour 15 minutes

(See Public Schools for additional Higher Education opportunities)

Airports

Raleigh County Memorial Airport: 40 minutes
Yeager International Airport, Charleston, WV: 90 minutes