John Warfield Johnston, a Virginia senator and judge of Tazewell County, built this lovely historic home in 1859. The residence is conveniently positioned within a short stroll from Tazewell Main Street on a 3.16-acre lot. The Johnston family erected the house to showcase their accomplishments because they were highly renowned in thier native Virginia. The owners of this lovely property for the longest period of time were A.Z. Litz and his wife Etta V. Stauber. Experience history!
The interior of the home is focused on a large central hallway that serves as the main avenue of traffic and the entrance area to the adjacent rooms. Three of the bedrooms are situated on the ground floor, including the The Litz Suite, The Etta V. Room and The Jack May Room. Also, on the ground floor you will find the kitchen, dining room, living room and game room.
The central hallway flows into a large, wide staircase that provides access to the second floor. On the second floor, lower landing you will find a cozy sitting area and access to three more of the bedrooms: The Mary May Room, The Hopkins Room and The Doctor Johnston Suite. On the second floor, upper landing you will find the remaining four bedrooms: The Nelle May Room, The Colonel May Room, The John Johnston Room and the Nicketti Johnston Room. The second floor also leads to a spacious upper-level balcony that overlooks the vast front lawn.
Just outside the front door, you will find the large front porch with rocking chairs perfect for soaking up the outdoors. And to the side there is a rustic fire pit and sitting area so you can catch up with your friends and family….in all, this home is a perfect place to rest, relax and enjoy the mountains of Appalachia.
Rooms:
1) The Litz Suite: The Litz Suite pays homage to A.Z. Litz, in which the mansion as we know it today is named. The cozy bedroom features a queen-sized bed, fireplace, and most importantly a private on suite. The on suite is the main attraction here. Newly renovated with beautiful white tile, large glass shower, sunflower shower head and travertine corner seat, make this room a guest favorite. Located downstairs with easy access to the kitchen, dining room, living room and game room. Perfect for couples or guests that enjoy a little more privacy.
2) The Etta V. Room: Named after A.Z. Litz’s wife, Etta Viola Stauber, the Etta V. Room is positioned downstairs at the front of the house with views of the yard. This bedroom includes a king-sized bed and fireplace. And the front porch, a guest favorite, is just a few steps away. Grab a rocking chair and your favorite drink and enjoy the sounds of nature. Also, being downstairs, you have easy access to the living room, game room, dining room and kitchen.
3) The Jack May Room: Named after the most prominent owner of the Litz Mansion, Andrew Jackson (“Jack”) May. This room is located downstairs and across the hall from The Etta V. Room. The bedroom includes a king-sized bed and fireplace. Just outside the room door is everyone’s favorite, the front porch. Grab a rocking chair and your favorite drink and enjoy the sounds of nature. Also, being downstairs, you have easy access to the living room, game room, dining room and kitchen.
4) The Hopkins Room: Named after John C. Hopkins who was the second owner of the home during the Civil War. This room is located upstairs in the rear of the mansion, has two sets of bunkbeds and is a perfect retreat for young and old. With three glass walls facing east, the sun fills this room in the morning. Designed to complement the cheerful sun, the white bunkbeds, beautiful white shutters and bright paint remind guests there is so much to look forward to outside.
5) The Mary May Room: A room dedicated to Andrew Jackson (“Jack") May’s first wife Mary Matilda, is located upstairs, on the lower landing and adjacent to The Hopkins Room. This large space features 2 double beds and 2 comfortable sitting areas and even 2 closets. An excellent value for folks travelling together. Beautifully done, spacious and comfortable. Also, easy access to the rear staircase leading to the kitchen and most importantly the coffee maker.
6) The Doctor Johnston Suite: Dr. George Ben Johnston was the son of the original owner and builder of the home, John Johnston. Dr. Johnston was highly respected in the medical community for his surgical expertise and this room is named in his honor. The tucked away upstairs bedroom features two double beds and a private bathroom. Located across the hall from The Mary May Room, this suite is ideal for multiple guests. Full of light, bright and cheery, this room gives guests a pop of color with vintage red bed frames and a soft aqua rug. Also, the room has easy access to the rear staircase leading to the kitchen and most importantly the coffee maker.
7) The Nelle May Room: A room just as stunning as Andrew Jackson May’s second wife (who was 51 years his junior), the Nelle May room is a picturesque part of the mansion and is quickly becoming a guest favorite for it’s good vibes, early morning sunshine, happy wall coloring and vintage white painted bed. This expansive, bright, and cheerful bedroom features a queen-sized bed, fireplace and also has a cozy sitting area. It is a perfect room for folks looking for a recharging environment.
8) The Colonel May Room: The Colonel May room is dedicated to the youngest son of Andrew Jackson and Nelle May. Andrew named his son “Colonel” in hopes to pass along some of the luster and reputation of his own name. This room is fit for a Colonel and styled for one too. With all the furnishings being dark, rich mahogany, and walnut. A favorite talking piece of this room is the beautiful stone capped foot boards. And of course, the guests who stay in this room are in love with the upper porch located just a few steps outside the room door, perfect for enjoying and relaxing.
9) The John Johnston Room: Named for the man that envisioned and constructed the stunning mansion, the John Johnston room is a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Located upstairs at the front of the mansion this bedroom features a king bed and fireplace. It being one of the biggest, most spacious rooms in the house, it has plenty of room for guests. Not just for sleeping, with two oversized chairs and a desk this room is great for longer stays. And of course, the guests who stay in this room are in love with the upper porch located just a few steps outside the room door, perfect for enjoying and relaxing.
10) The Nicketti Johnston Room: Dedicated to the wife of John Warfield Johnston, the Nicketti Johnston room makes you feel like you are part of history. Located just off the upper landing this expansive bedroom features a king bed and fireplace. The room is one of the biggest in the house; decorated in grand style with dark wood tones and elegant bedding. The large cedar closet and 2 full armchairs give guests who prefer longer stays, the space to lounge and live comfortably.
