It was placed on a hilltop overlooking historic Lewisburg and surrounding mountains, in remnants of The Grove. This ancient grouping of large oaks was noted on pre-Civil War maps and local lore describes it as a pre-Revolutionary War Indian campground, where Col. Lewis formed the militia before marching to the Ohio to defeat Chief Cornstalk and the Shawnees. In the Battle of Lewisburg, a Union attack thru The Grove broke the Confederate lines forcing their retreat across the Greenbrier River.

Today, as you enter Daywood's driveway you are immediately immersed in its 3.3 acres of beauty and privacy. Driving up the hill to the stone house you encounter large oaks (2 of them estimated to be over 500 years of age); walnuts, maples, dogwoods, pines, rhododendrons, wild honey suckle, azaleas, flaming bush hedges and other flowering shrubs and flower beds that add patches of color to the greenery of the big trees and rolling lawn.

Here blooms abound from the last freeze of winter until hard frosts return in late fall. In summer, the perfume of magnolia blooms fills the air, and hilltop breezes rustle the leaves of large trees. After work, as a surgeon, I often unwound by viewing sunsets from the front stone walk. These where best savored relaxing in wooden chairs with family and friends.

On summer days Daywood's lawn is frequented by 3 or 4 fawns that fearlessly frolic and graze, as squirrels scamper in the trees above. At dusk, adult deer magically appear to feast on acorns as did their ancestors for hundreds of years.

Behind the house is an old brick serpentine wall that encloses a secret garden-courtyard with hydrangeas, roses, azaleas, a vegetable garden with scattered tomato and squash plants, and mature manicured boxwood hedges. Birdfeeders and a large bird bath resting on a millstone combine to offer a delightful bird watching experience.

In 1934, no expense was spared in the construction of Daywood. The stone facing of the home was quarried and cut on the property, the ceilings were high, the crown moldings were large and of chestnut. The fireplaces were numerous and the roof was of slate. The living and dining rooms were spacious. One large upstairs room has a vaulted ceiling and hand hewn beams of chestnut. A custom hand hammered copper chandelier and braces for the beams also grace the grand chestnut room. This unusual room was Mrs. Dayton's billiards room where she authored books, and entertained guests. The house was designed to float boldly atop its hill. Today aside from the addition of a large sunroom, little has changed. The living room with its large fireplace is the center of our winter family activities. The magnificent sunroom addition with chestnut raised ceiling, stone walls, and a large bank of windows, which fill the room with natural light, and open to catch cool breezes that blow thru the branches of the majestic gentle giant (a 500 year old oak tree) that stands close by.

The shops, restaurants, live theater and entertainments of Lewisburg are within walking distance. If anyone desires a break from Almost Heaven, the entrance to I64, Greenbrier Valley Airport, and The Greenbrier Resort are only a few miles away.

If interested in being part of the next exciting chapter of Daywood's history, please come visit!

Dan & Nancy S.