On 19 acres! Check out the stone walls! C. 1850 in Virginia. $598,000.
Locals call it The Rock House. It’s a two-story stone home built in 1850, sitting on about 19 private acres in the Rich Patch area of Alleghany County, Virginia. It has three bedrooms, one bathroom, and 1,872 square feet. The listing describes it as restored, with an updated kitchen, a renovated bathroom, and new electrical.
4407 Rich Patch Rd, Covington, VA 24426 — $598,000
Hand-Cut Stone, Nearly 20 Inches Thick
The main house is built from hand-cut stone. According to the listing, the walls are close to 20 inches thick. That’s the kind of wall that keeps a house standing for 175 years.
A frame addition with vinyl siding sits off the back of the stone section. Brick and stone chimneys rise above the roofline.
Features:
- Built in 1850
- Hand-cut stone walls, nearly 20 inches thick
- Stone and vinyl siding construction
- Two stories
Double Porches and a Balcony
The front has a wide covered porch on the ground floor, and the listing says it’s lined with rocking chairs. Right above it is a second-story balcony that looks out over the mountains and the countryside.
There’s also a side deck, which the listing calls a good spot for having people over.
Features:
- Expansive front porch
- Second-story balcony
- Spacious side deck
- Mountain, sunrise, and sunset views
Three Fireplaces
The house has three fireplaces. For an 1850 home in the mountains, that makes sense. Heat today comes from electric baseboard and propane. The listing shows no central air.
Features:
- Three fireplaces
- Baseboard electric and propane heat
- No central cooling listed
Inside the House
The listing keeps its interior notes short. It says the kitchen has been updated and the bathroom has been renovated. Floors are wood, and the fact sheet lists built-in bookcases and storage.
It’s a two-level layout with three bedrooms and one full bathroom. One bathroom for three bedrooms is worth keeping in mind if you’re planning to host guests.
Features:
- 3 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom (renovated)
- Updated kitchen
- Wood floors
- Bookcases and storage
- 1,872 sq ft
Updates Behind the Walls
Along with the kitchen and bath, the listing mentions new electrical and “numerous infrastructure improvements.” It also has fiber-optic internet, which is not a given out in the country.
Water comes from a spring, and the house is on a private septic system. The foundation is a crawl space.
Features:
- New electrical
- Fiber-optic internet
- Spring water source
- Private septic
- Crawl space foundation
19 Acres in Rich Patch
The house sits on roughly 19 acres. The listing uses the word private more than once, and the fact sheet lists mountain views to go with it.
There’s parking for five vehicles. There’s no garage listed.
Features:
- About 19 acres
- Private rural setting
- 5 parking spaces
- No garage
Things to Do Nearby
The listing points to trout fishing, hiking, kayaking, and hunting close by. Alleghany County is mountain country, so outdoor time is a big part of the draw here.
Features:
- Trout fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Hunting
Rental or Event Potential
The sellers pitch this as more than a home. They suggest it could work as an Airbnb, a small bed-and-breakfast, a retreat, or a place for small weddings.
The furniture and furnishings are negotiable, which could help if you want to start renting it out right away. Check local zoning and permit rules before counting on any of those uses.
Features:
- Listed as suited for short-term rental, B&B, retreat, or small weddings
- Furniture and furnishings negotiable
Schools
Nearby public schools include Mountain View Elementary (PK-5) about 10 miles away, Clifton Middle School (6-8) about 7 miles away, and Alleghany High School (9-12) about 9 miles away.
Features:
- Mountain View Elementary School, PK-5, 10.3 mi
- Clifton Middle School, 6-8, 6.8 mi
- Alleghany High School, 9-12, 8.6 mi
Taxes and Price History
The home was first listed in November 2024 at $739,000. It came down to $685,000, then $649,000, before being pulled in February 2026. It came back in June 2026 at $598,000.
The tax-assessed value is $406,800, and annual taxes run about $1,993.
Features:
- List price: $598,000 ($319/sq ft)
- First listed Nov 2024 at $739,000
- Tax-assessed value: $406,800
- Annual taxes: about $1,993
At $598,000, The Rock House is about $141,000 below where it started almost two years ago. It’s a fit for someone who wants a real 1850 stone house with land around it, whether that’s for a family place, a weekend getaway, or a small hospitality business.
Full Listing Description
Take a step back in time. Welcome to THE ROCK HOUSE–a truly exceptional historic estate where timeless craftsmanship, refined, rustic, country living, and remarkable investment potential converge.
Situated on approximately 19 private acres in the scenic Rich Patch area of Alleghany County, The ROCK HOUSE is a meticulously restored stone residence dating back to 1850. Built with hand-cut stone walls nearly 20 inches thick, this iconic property offers a level of character, authenticity, and architectural significance that simply cannot be recreated.
From the expansive front porch lined with rocking chairs to the stunning second-story balcony overlooking the surrounding mountains and countryside, every space has been designed to capture the beauty and tranquility of rural Virginia. Whether enjoying a sunrise over the valley, gathering around one of the home’s three fireplaces, or entertaining guests on the spacious side deck, The Rock House delivers an unforgettable experience.
Inside, historic charm is complemented by modern comforts, including a renovated bathroom, updated kitchen, fiber-optic internet, new electrical systems, and numerous infrastructure improvements that allow owners and guests to enjoy modern convenience while preserving the home’s rich heritage.
Beyond its appeal as a private residence, The ROCK HOUSE presents a rare hospitality and investment opportunity. In today’s travel market, guests are increasingly drawn to authentic, experience-driven destinations, and few properties offer the distinctive appeal of a restored 1850 stone home surrounded by nearly 19 acres of privacy and natural beauty. The property’s unique character, picturesque setting, and proximity to trout fishing, hiking, kayaking, hunting, and mountain recreation make it ideally suited as a refined-rustic Airbnb, a boutique bed-and-breakfast, destination retreat, or intimate wedding venue.
More than a home, The ROCK HOUSE is a destination–an opportunity to own a piece of Virginia history while capitalizing on the growing demand for unique refined rustic accommodations. Whether envisioned as a legacy family estate, a weekend retreat, or a thriving hospitality venture, this extraordinary property offers an unmatched combination of history, beauty, and income-producing potential.
The ROCK HOUSE is not simply a place to stay–it is an experience guests will remember and return to for years to come. The Furniture and the Furnishings in this BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC ROCK HOUSE are negotiable.
Schedule your private tour today and discover one of Alleghany County’s most remarkable properties!
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