Caution Tape Comes Down: The Castle’s Historic Verandah is Fully Restored!
For the past two years, visitors arriving at the Berkeley Springs Castle met an unfortunate, unsightly vision right at the threshold: bright yellow caution tape cordoning off sections of our ground-level wraparound verandah. What should have been the front-facing jewel of the Castle—and our premier outdoor gathering area—had become a serious safety hazard. Severe rot in the tongue-and-groove floor boards forced us to close the space entirely, out of genuine concern that the wood would give out underfoot. During free community days, volunteer meals had to be relocated, and during last spring’s Easter Egg Roll, the Easter Bunny had to greet children out on the sun-baked asphalt instead of under the cool shade of the porch. Today, we are overjoyed to announce that the caution tape is officially down, and the verandah restoration is complete!
A Partnership of Local Support
This critical restoration was made possible through an incredible demonstration of community commitment. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Morgan County Commission, whose grant funding through the county’s Hotel/Motel Tax fund provided essential financial support for this capital preservation project. Alongside the Commission, this work would not have crossed the finish line without the extraordinary generosity of Jim and Denise Selby. Their unwavering dedication to the Castle and hands-on investment in our historic heritage continue to breathe new life into these historic stone walls. Together, their civic support, private philanthropy and Denise's many hours of dedicated volunteer work have directly solved one of the most visible structural vulnerabilities facing our Gilded Age landmark.
Good News Beneath the Surface
Contractors wrapped up the comprehensive replacement work earlier this season, installing fresh, durable, historically appropriate flooring across the entire ground-level span—from the southern turret all the way around to the northern outdoor dining terrace. Best of all, as the deteriorated surface boards were pulled away, our preservation team received welcome news: the heavy structural joists underneath were sound, dry, and in remarkably good condition. The substructure required no extensive remediation, confirming that our intervention came at the right moment—protecting the floor before rot could migrate deeper into the foundation of the porch.
Welcoming Our Community Back
The aesthetic and functional improvement to the Castle is immediate. The entryway to the Great Hall once again reflects the late-Victorian dignity Colonel Suit envisioned when he laid these stones in the late nineteenth century. More importantly, the restoration returns a working, living space to our neighbors and friends. As we look ahead to wedding season, Christmas events and volunteer days, the verandah is once again ready to host volunteer meals, anchor our holiday displays, and welcome local families into the Castle safely.
To the Morgan County Commissioners, to Jim and Denise Selby, and to the community that continues to believe in the mission of the Berkeley Castle Foundation: thank you.
Come up the mountain soon, take a walk across our newly restored porch, and enjoy the view!