A Modern, Copper-Clad West Virginia House Heads to Auction

A copper-clad mansion in the West Virginia woods is set to hit the auction block with no reserve later this week, with the gavel going down July 12.

Located in Hedgesville, West Virginia—in the northwest corner of the state, a little over a two hours drive to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.—the home first hit the market in April for $1.5 million with Gina Wood, of Kesecker Realty. It’s being sold by Concierge Auctions, with bidding starting Friday.

Designed by architect Travis Price, one side of the residence is completely covered in oxidized copper, which gives it the material’s characteristic green patina (reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty, which is also copper). But the other end of the home is entirely glass, letting in light and making nature the backdrop. 

Set on 2 acres of wooded grounds, “it’s like a treehouse for grown ups,” Wood said. 

During the design process, Price asked the seller to write an essay on what was important for the home. The seller wanted to be both “safe from nature,” but also a part of it, according to Shasta Bross, a project manager with Concierge. The result was the copper shell and exposed glass, which allows for both. 

“It’s an extraordinary property, very contemporary,” Bross said. “So if you’re looking to commune with nature in a very cool, contemporary home, this is for you.”

Inside, the more than 3,000-square-foot residence is connected by a yellow spiral staircase, as well as wood ceilings and wood or tile flooring, listing photos show. The living room has a fireplace and built-in shelving that wraps around the room, and there’s a stainless steel kitchen with a breakfast nook. 

The home has three bedrooms and four bathrooms, each of which offers views of the trees. There’s also a roof deck for taking in the vistas. 

Currently the home has a dumb waiter that services the four levels, but that could be converted into an elevator. In addition, there’s a glass enclosed car display area that would make an excellent guest suite if the next owner isn’t a car collector, Bross said.