Nestled in the mountains of the Potomac Highlands along the banks of the Lost River, the Inn at Lost River has welcomed guests to the valleys of West Virginia for nearly 30 years. Housed in an 1880s Folk Victorian Farmhouse with handsome woodwork and original pine floors, The Inn at Lost River is an impossibly charming bed and breakfast in the heart of the Mountain State. It's also a world unto itself, its sprawling grounds containing an original smokehouse and historic general store, the latter of which has long been a place for folks to gather and congregate. In truth, The Inn at Lost River is not simply a destination in the wondrous wilds of West Virginia; it's the community cornerstone of a small and humble town in the Mountain State.

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West Virginia is a state that, by and large, does not get the respect and adoration it deserves. But at The Inn at Lost River, Patrick Goodwin and Michael Ortiz-Sanchez are challenging and changing that narrative.

For decades, the Inn has played a role in momentous family celebrations in the valley, opening its doors for reunions, weddings, memorials, and special events. There have been three sets of innkeepers at the helm of this West Virginia gem, but Goodwin and Ortiz-Sanchez have truly transformed this destination into something far greater than its original owners could have ever imagined.

In 2021, the pair took over operations at the Inn, full of ideas and inspiration -- and heart. "As innkeepers, we strive to serve as ambassadors introducing guests to the beauty, character, and the best of Appalachian culture in the valley," says Goodwin.

While the property's three spacious Main House rooms and two private cottages certainly stand on their own, the new owners have transformed The Inn at Lost River into a place for fellowship and community.

"Creating a beautiful, welcoming space where guests can choose their own adventure, be it quiet relaxation with a glass of wine and a book in our stream-side Summer House, hiking to the top of Cranny Crow overlook in nearby Lost River State Park, visiting local art and craft galleries, or canoeing the South Branch of the Potomac" -- this is what The Inn is all about, says Goodwin.

"Whether seeking outdoor adventures or a quiet place to reenergize from the hectic day-to-day of city life, we strive to make sure all of our guests experience the best of what Lost River and West Virginia hospitality offers," he adds.

This experience includes the Lost River General Store. Open in 1898, the store has long been a centerpiece of town culture. Explains Goodwin, "As a small, unincorporated community without a 'Main Street,' the Inn and the on-site Lost River General Store serve as the 'downtown' heart of the Lost River Valley."

Once a place for essentials and supplies; today, the general store is a celebration of the Mountain State, stocked with local and regional art and wares, craft beer, and "some of the best hand-dipped ice cream you will ever taste (made for us at The Ice Cream Shop in Davis, West Virginia)," says Goodwin.

Goodwin and Ortiz-Sanchez recognize and respect the incredible privilege and opportunity they've been granted as innkeepers. It's a role in which they take great pride.

"As an inn, it’s the opportunity to share a little bit of West Virginia with our guests, serving meals with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting local artists on the walls of The Inn, and helping guests plan their West Virginia adventure, be it for one day or a long weekend," Goodwin explains.

West Virginia is a wild and wonderful place, and The Inn at Lost River truly captures the heart and soul of the Mountain State -- its history, people, and culture.

Many thanks to Patrick Goodwin and Michael Ortiz-Sanchez for sharing the story of this longstanding destination in the Mountain State. Learn more about The Inn at Lost River at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Of course, The Inn at Lost River is just one of the many wonderful small businesses in West Virginia; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In West Virginia article. And be sure to follow Only In West Virginia on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Mountain State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.