Gold, Washington, House
a.k.a. Mountain View Farm
S of Gerrardstown on CR 51/2, Gerrardstown, WVThe Washington Gold House is significant for its historical associations with the Gold family and as part of the progression of the development of the Rippey-Gold farm. It is also significant as an excellent example of vernacular Greek Revival architecture.
Joseph Rippey purchased 310 acres in 1761 and constructed the small log building as early permanent settler housing. The farm remained in the Rippey family until 1848 when it was purchased by Washington Gold who lived at a neighboring farm. In 1854, Mr. Gold built a large brick house which he named "Mountain View" and made it his home. He owned two other farms in the area and one in Clarke County, Virginia.
The house is architecturally significant and is representative of several brick, period houses in the area beginning with "Edgewood", ca. 1830, in the southern part of the county. This "L" shaped house-plan became very popular and continued to be used until the 1890s. All of these houses exhibit classical overtures, but stylistic identity is found in their separate features.
"Mountain View" is quite a large house, well finished throughout, and exhibits design elements of Greek Revival, particularly in the proportions of the building, classical trabeated fenestration, very elegant staircase, plain, temple-like mantels, decorative doorways, and heavy, wide four-panel doors with original hardware. The workmanship, both interior and exterior, is excellent.
Washington Gold built "Mountain View" in 1854 and it remains today a reflection of his architectural expression. The dwelling house is a significant example of vernacular Greek Revival architecture.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.