Mountain Sanctuary
We invite you to experience the soul of West Virginia. Nestled where the Laurel Fork and Dry Fork Rivers meet beneath the majestic Appalachian Mountains, our retreat is a place where nature, history, and hospitality come together. Here, you'll discover more than a place to stay you'll find a place to slow down, reconnect with the land, embrace the beauty of the mountains, and experience the peace that can only be found in the heart of Appalachia.
Call with questions for the BnB 304-402-7095
Room 1 The Salovaara "Sweet"
Room 3 The Big Timber
Room 2 The Ella Jennings
The Star Gazing Glamping Dome
Room 4 The Dryforker
A Breath of Fresh Mountain Air
Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast is a lovingly preserved historic home built in 1905. While we've added modern comforts where they enhance your stay, we've intentionally preserved the character and charm that make this home so special.
We invite you to experience something that has become increasingly rare sleeping with the windows open, listening to the gentle sounds of nature, and breathing the cool, fresh mountain air.
Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, our evenings are typically cool and refreshing, even after warm summer days. Fans and open windows create a natural breeze that has welcomed guests for well over a century. Many visitors tell us they sleep better here than they have in years.
One of the greatest luxuries of staying at Laurel River Club is that the Dry Fork River is just a short walk from the back yard. This pristine mountain river, considered one of West Virginia's cleanest, has been the natural air conditioner for generations of mountain families. After a day of hiking, exploring, or relaxing on the farm, take a refreshing dip in its cool, crystal-clear waters. It's an Appalachian tradition that never goes out of style. As the sun sets over the mountains, you'll return to the BnB refreshed, relax on the porch with the evening breeze, and drift off to sleep with your windows open, breathing in the cool mountain air.
Imagine waking to birdsong instead of the hum of an air conditioner, feeling the crisp morning air drift through your window, and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of mountain life. It's a chance to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with the simple pleasures that so many of us have forgotten.
Staying at Laurel River Club BnB isn't just booking a room it's stepping back to a simpler time when homes were built to capture mountain breezes, evenings were spent on the porch, and the river was where neighbors gathered to cool off after a warm summer day. Here, nature provides the comfort that machines often replace.
If you're looking for a modern hotel experience with sealed windows and climate control, we may not be the right fit. But if you're seeking authentic Appalachian hospitality, a beautifully preserved historic home, fresh mountain air, and the simple joy of ending your day with a swim in a crystal-clear mountain river just steps away, we think you'll discover an experience that's far more memorable than any air conditioner could provide.
We invite you to slow down, open the windows, listen to the river, breathe deeply, and experience mountain living the way it was meant to be.
The History of Jenningston, WV
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The Town of Jenningston, WV
On November 29, 1899, for an investment of $11,000 the Jennings brothers Cortez Hicks and Bishop Worth, acquired a piece of property in WV that included a sawmill, dam, machinery, and a railroad that ran from the Dry Fork Railroad to the mill from the Middle Mountain Boom and Lumber Company.
The town of Jenningston was founded in 1905. By the end of August, the company store was opened. The house that would become Laurel River Club Bed and Breakfast was being built for the company superintendent. BW Jennings and his wife Ella. Thirty-five men and a team of horses arrived from Pennsylvania. In November the post office was opened in Jenningston. B.W. Jennings was the first postmaster but was succeeded by Frank Rice.
On July 1, 1909, the Jennings sold all of the property in and around Jenningston, to A. G. and E. G. Allen of Maryland who owned the newly formed Laurel River Lumber Company. This included 18 miles of railroad, 400 million feet of uncut timber, the mill, store, all houses, and animals. The selling price was $1,400,000. It also included the newly built hotel, the Laurel Inn, that had just opened. After selling out, the Jennings family bought farmlands in Towanda, PA, where they operated The Jennings Farm for many years.
By 1919 the mill employed 300 men with a monthly payroll of $25,000 to $30,000, but it was short-lived. Because logging was the only industry in Jenningston, when the trees were all cut there was nothing left to sustain the people. The mill was closed in August 1921 and its equipment sold off. It sold its lands on January 22, 1922, along with the company store. In February it sold its houses, which were torn down for the lumber and used in neighboring towns. With no work, the population slowly drifted away. The post office closed on October 13, 1922, but reopened at the train station and remained open till June 5, 1939.
The official end of the Laurel River Lumber Company occurred on January 18, 1923. The last company house was destroyed in the flood of 1985. The only two houses left are the Fred A. Perley house and the Superintendent’s house, which is now the Laurel River Club Bed and Breakfast.
Sources:
History of Tucker County West Virginia by Homer Floyd Fansler
Nancy Hawke Bomboy a great-grandaughter of Cortez Hicks Jennings
Michelle Elizabeth Knight a great great granddaughter of Cortez Hicks Jennings
A Brief History of Jenningston by Keith Allen
A Pictorial History of Dry Fork Railroad WV and Surrounding Areas by Chris Kidwell
If you would like to know more, come and visit and experience the history first hand.
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Present Day Jenningston, WV
Client Testimonials
Marc
10/10 Excellent
Traveled with family
Liked: cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The B&B is charming and our room was spacious. The host Marsha was wonderful and went out of her way to make us feel at home with us hanging out in her kitchen while she cooked us breakfast. She was also very gracious in going out of her way to help me with a car issue that I had while staying there and I am extremely thankful for that. Will definitely stay here again when we come back to do some hiking in the summer.
Corinne
Vacation
Wow what an incredible stay! The Farm and farmhouse were stunning! There was a wonderful, unexpected educational aspect learning about the farm and the grounds and animals that really elevated our stay! We had a farm tour and acquired a great farm education!
Marsha is an exceptional host!
We absolutely cannot wait to come back!
Rooms: 5/5Service: 5/5Location: 5/5
Omer
Phenomenal stay at LRC B&B — one of the most special places we have ever visited. Beautiful spacious views, peaceful farm life by the river, spotless and comfortable rooms, and excellent beds. Breakfast with Marsha was wonderful, and Colleen’s falcon and birds-of-prey class was unforgettable. Perfect location near Blackwater Falls State Park and great hiking around Canaan Valley. We cannot believe we have to leave and only wish we had discovered this place earlier. Definitely stay more than one night!
Section 2 Support for Allegheny Trail Hikers
* Mail Resupply Packages
*Hiker Hostel
*Purchase of supplies
*WIFI
*Showers
*Food
*Possible Transports
*Slack Packing Opportunities
*First Aid
Call 304-642-9941
to make a reservation or get support
Mailing Address: LRCBNB 417 Jenningston Farm Road, WV 26254
When mailing a package make sure you put hiker on the side and your estimated time of arrival.
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Extra Details
A Historic Mountain Retreat
Built in 1905, Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast is a beautifully preserved piece of West Virginia history. As with many historic homes, it reflects the craftsmanship and character of its era. Guests can expect original architectural details, including narrower doorways and a staircase that leads to all of our guest rooms, which are located on the second floor. Because of the home's historic design, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Nestled high in the Appalachian Mountains, our naturally cool climate means air conditioning has rarely been necessary. Most days, fresh mountain breezes and cool evenings provide a comfortable retreat, even during the summer months. On the occasional warm day, we provide fans to help keep our guests comfortable while preserving the historic character of the home.
If you're looking for modern luxury, this may not be the right fit. But if you appreciate history, authentic Appalachian hospitality, peaceful mountain surroundings, and the charm of a century-old home, we think you'll feel right at home here.
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Our Name
While our official name is Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast, you'll often see us referred to as LRCB&B on our signage, accompanied by a charming image of the house.
Our Address
Our mailing address may read Bowden, WV, but our actual physical location is in Jenningston, WV. (It's a country thing!) For the most accurate directions, simply input "LRC BnB" into Google Maps. Be advised that you will experience a loss of cell service along the route.
Electric Car Charger
We do provide our guests with access to an electric car charger
