Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat is the 1780 home of Charles Washington, founder of Charles Town and youngest brother of George Washington. The Friends of Happy Retreat is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization working to purchase, restore, develop, and operate the historic Happy Retreat for public enjoyment and education, for encouragement of area economic development through heritage tourism, and for the enrichment of community life through programs in the arts, culture, and history.
For updates on Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat, please visit The Project page!
Or you may send your donation by check made payable to “Friends of Happy Retreat” to:
Treasurer
Friends of Happy Retreat
Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat
P.O. Box 1427
Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
Thank you!
2011 Washington Family Homes Tour – Special Events
Happy Retreat
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Horse drawn wagon rides from Happy Retreat to downtown Charles Town through the historic streets of Charles Town
12:00 noon: Dedication at Happy Retreat of Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat, as Global Headquarters for the George Washington Institute on the Enlightenment (GWIE) and public center for Washington Family History. Mr. Richard Dreyfuss, a noted Academy Award winning actor, head of The Dreyfuss Initiative and founder of GWIE, and Mr. Walter Washington, a local attorney and a direct descendent of George’s Washington’s older brother Samuel, will participate in the dedication.
Harewood
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Learn about Harewood’s involvement in the Civil War from Kyle Psalzer, Civil War Re-enactor
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Wine tasting by Charles Town’s Albert & Arnolds’ wine and cheese shop
Claymont
10:00 am – 12:00 noon: “Slave Life at Claymont” presentation by Mr. James Green
Beallair
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Meet and talk with Mrs. Mary Jo Kennard, the previous owner who renovated Beallair in the 1980’s- 90’s
10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Enjoy light refreshments hosted by Wormald Homes at the Summerhill Model
Docents will be present at all homes to discuss Washington Family history, the architecture of each home, and historical highlights. Live music can also be enjoyed at the homes.
In tribute to
William G. Gavin 1924 – 2010It is with deep regret that we bring you news of the death of William Gavin, who owned Happy Retreat with his wife, Mary. Bill Gavin died of a heart attack at his home on February 8, 2010. He was 85. We are grateful for the Gavin family’s support of the Friends of Happy Retreat’s efforts to realize Bill’s vision to make Happy Retreat a community resource for future generations.
The Washington Family Homes Tour
Saturday, September 17, 2011
10 AM - 5 PM
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
The Washington Homes Tour, now in its fourth year, offers one of the most enjoyable and educational ways to support our work to renew Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat.
This year’s event—on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—offers you the rare opportunity to visit not one or two but four remaining Washington Family Homes in Jefferson County, West Virginia: Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat circa 1780; Harewood, the 1770 estate of George Washington’s older brother Samuel; Claymont, the elaborate 1840 mansion built by the president’s grand-nephew, and Beallair, built in the late 1790s and later owned by Lewis Washington, who was held hostage during John Brown’s Raid on nearby Harpers Ferry.
On the day of the tour you also may purchase your ticket at $25 to tour all four homes or buy individual tickets for $10 per home. Tickets will be for sale at each home.
CLICK HERE for Directions to the Homes
CLICK HERE for Washington Homes Tour Brochure
Washington Family Home Tour Special Hotel Package
The Quality Hotel Conference Center is sponsoring a Washington House Tour Package with a special rate of $119.00 per night for the night of September 16 and 17, 2011. Guests can book one night or two nights. Total price per night with tax is $128.48. Room choices will be either one King Bed or a two Queen Bed Room. The price includes two Tour tickets, free Continental Breakfast and use of the indoor Pool.
Deadline for reservations is September 1, 2011. Call 304-535-6302 for reservations. For questions ask for the Sales Department. Tickets will be available at time of check in.
We wish to acknowledge our Sponsors for the 2011 Washington Family Homes Tour
Lead Sponsor
Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Supporting Sponsor
BCT (Bank of Charles Town)
Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC
The Quality Inn Cliffside Hotel
Associate Sponsor
Allstate Insurance, The Kohlhepp Agency
Ranson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Reese’s Nursery and Landscaping
Valley Homes and Style
Wormald Homes
Sustaining Sponsor
A Better Way Electrical Services, LLC
Blue Ribbon Property Management
Sherwin Williams
C.T. Carpet One Floor & Home
For more living history, period architecture, and family fun on September 17, be sure to visit the Charles Town Heritage Festival, in the center of town. For information, visit www.historiccharlestownwv.com
