187 Leonard Lane, Franklin, WV 26807

INTRODUCTION  At the heart of every exceptional property is a sense of place. The Simmons Homestead is unmistakable and tells a remarkable story spanning 212 years and 86± acres.    Anchoring the farm is 1/2 mile of frontage on the South Branch of the Potomac River. There is a restored 9 room manor house (circa 1812) that sits at the end of a mile long driveway with sweeping 180-degree views. Surrounding the house, 45± acres of West Virginia river bottomland unfold, while an additional 40± acres of forested mountain land rises up behind it. An historic log barn (circa 1780) and numerous outbuildings are spread across the property. Other improvements include an exceptional log cabin featuring a native stone chimney, hearth and foundation, an half acre pond, fencing, and a private bridge spanning the South Branch of the Potomac River.    The Simmons Homestead's balance of seclusion, privacy, and convenience is unbeatable. The nation's capital is only three hour's away. Harrisonburg, one of Virginia's most appealing towns, lies just 75 minutes to the east. The Simmons Homestead stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of West Virginia and the country lifestyle and presents a rare opportunity to own one of the area's legacy landholdings.    The Simmons Homestead dates to 1760 when the German born Leonard Simmons (1726-1808) pioneered the South Branch of the Potomac River. There, he established his homestead near what is now Cave, WV.    Leonard's son Henry (1760 in 1823) built a brick home in 1812 on the lower part of the farm.  This 212 year old historic home still stands as a lasting testament of the pioneering Simmons family.    Leonard Simmons was born in 1725 in Germany into a farming family.  In 1760 the 35-year-old Leonard pioneered the South Branch of the Potomac River and established his homestead near what is now the small community of Cave WV. There, Leonard built a log cabin where he and his wife Mary raised 5 children.  In 1808, at age 82, the pioneering Leonard Simmons died. His son Henry II, born 1760, built a brick home on the lower part of the farm in 1812. This home, which still stands today, headquartered General Stonewall Jackson in 1862 during the Civil War.  After a couple of days, Jackson continued the march of his army to the Shenandoah Valley.    The same son, Henry II, had six children with his wife Mary. Henry II died in 1823 at age 63, directed in his will that five gallons of apple brandy be supplied annually to his wife until her death.    A special thank you for the Simmons bio researched and created by Carolyn Sue Boggs Burt.    OVERVIEW  The reliably agreeable weather, unrivaled scenery, access to public lands, and year-round activities make the area a continuously popular and desirable destination for people throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.    Pendleton County (pop. 7,695) has long been counted among the most dramatically beautiful counties in West Virginia.  The Simmons Homestead is convenient to all the recreation and cultural activities in the Potomac Highlands.    With an elevation of 4,863′, Spruce Knob is the highest mountain in West Virginia, and the highest peak in the Allegheny Mountains.  Franklin is the county seat, and this property is a 75-minute drive from Harrisonburg, Virginia.    Historically, the land in this area has been in the same families for generations. Parcels this size on the South Branch of the Potomac rarely come up for sale in the open market.    PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS  THE HOMESTEAD  *86.5 +/- acres of fields, forest, and home grounds  *3-story brick home built in 1812  *One and half story hand hewn log cabin - new in 2022  *Large Pre 1800's log barn  *South Branch of the Potomac River borders for 1/2 mile of river frontage  *Forest trails for ATV riding, hiking, camping, hunting and nature viewing  *Utilities on site