CAPERTON HOUSE

Located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, the site of the Caperton House transitions from rural road, across open meadow, to dense deciduous forest—where a south-facing promontory commands the Potomac River. Both rural retreat and gathering place, the house engages visitors with the site, the river, and the distant ridges. while including gallery space for a collection of West Virginia art. The building deploys local traditions, materials, craftsmanship, and practice. Local masons built the limestone ‘arms’ with native stone, local timber framers used state-grown oak, and a combination of metal and wood siding reflects indigenous building practice. The colorful palette ameliorates the bleakness of winter and helps buildings recede into the landscape the rest of the year.