Circleville B&B steeped in the historical
The Larimer House in Circleville is being prepared to accommodate guests seeking a bed-and-breakfast stay in one of the Irwin area's historical sites.
Recent approval by the North Huntingdon zoning board allows owners Lynette and Lawrence Moisey to continue the renovation and conversion of their property on the corner of Maus Drive and Clay Pike Road.
Based on the home's potential and history, Lynette Moisey said she originally wanted to open a bed and breakfast in 1985.
"But the house was in such bad condition," she said. "We knew we wouldn't have the money to make it a B&B, so we instead came up with the Larimer House idea and put in little shops. I rented rooms to other people and they had their own little shops upstairs."
Lawrence Moisey said the proposal to the zoning board wasn't met with any major obstacles.
"When we open in spring," Lynette Moisey said, "We will have two bedrooms. We have a third bedroom in the last section of the house to be restored. If we see demand for it and it's successful, we will consider adding more."
The Moiseys didn't know the extent of the home's historical value at the time they bought it.
"As we did our research," she said, "We found out how historically significant the house was. It was built by William Larimer Sr. in 1790, and it was really built by slaves."
According to the 1906 book, History of Westmoreland County, Volume I, by John N. Boucher and John W. Jordan, Larimer Sr. would later move west and be credited as one of the founders of Denver.
Larimer's third son, William Jr., was, in contrast, a steadfast abolitionist and remained at the home where he initiated, among other endeavors, the Conestoga trail wagon train, along with friend and neighboring town founder, John Irwin. Several prominent guests are recorded as having visited the home, including 9th U.S. President, William Henry Harrison, and the nation's third vice president, Aaron Burr.
The Moiseys did not make the Larimer property their living space until 1998, after their primary residence was sold. Once their family began to grow however, she said they decided to liquidate and close the shops so that they could help care for their grandchildren. In the meantime, they dedicated a decade to repairing and restoring the home.
Lynette Moisey said the time has finally come to open for business again.
"Once the kids were all in day school, our minds starting working again. We wanted to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the house, so what better way than to open a bed and breakfast. It's at the point now where we can do that."
The problems Lynette and Lawrence Moisey did encounter were entirely related to gaining federal protection for the property based on historic significance.
Lynette Moisey said she didn't think the house could be listed on the national register because they put a new porch on the house.
"That changed the design of the house," she said. "But, the rules and regulations of the National Register allowed this. It's different in every state."
Lawrence Moisey said they were concerned with rumors that Clay Pike could possibly be expanded at some point and wanted to make sure the home would be protected.
"You think of all the families that have lived in this house, and we're just another step," Lynette said. "Hopefully we'll give it enough life for another two hundred years. It's going to give the people a chance to learn the history again."
The Moiseys were able to get the house listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. The house, however, is not easily found if searched under the name Larimer.
"We tried to get on the list for historical significance, but they decided to list the house under architectural design," explained Lynette. "Because it was remodeled in 1870 by Andrew McFarlane they also decided to list it as the McFarlane House instead of Larimer House."
Originally a log home, Lawrence said he plans to renovate a portion of an interior wall to expose the massive logs behind protective glass.
"All the molding, doors and fireplaces are original," Lynette added. "The floors and some ceilings too. It needed a new roof, wiring, kitchen, and plumbing. The linen closet is a bathroom and one of the bedrooms had to be converted to a laundry area."
The Moiseys will be listing the Larimer House on bed-and-breakfast Web sites. Anyone interested in more information or reservations may call 724-863-9150.
