The Isaac Spitler Homeplace is a complex of agricultural structures making up the core of an early farmstead reflecting the building traditions and cultural values of the Shenandoah Valley’s first German settlers.  *

An exceptionally rare large Switzer barn (above right),  probably started in the 1750s and completed before 1800, is one of the very few barns in the Valley to have survived the Union Army burnings in October of 1864.  Constructed of huge logs, with mortise and tenon improvements, it is an outstanding historic resource on the farmstead.  Other notable resources include the remains of a log house, the ruins of a stone residence and fort and a stone well house, all built between 1738 and 1753 by Hans Spitler, a German immigrant stonemason and the original settler on the property.  There are other dependencies, as well, but constructed at unknown later dates.

Spitler acquired his title to 400 acres in 1749 by purchase from the Lord Fairfax Proprietary.  His descendants resided on the farm until 1934.

Spitler’s sons, Abraham and Jacob, were Revolutionary War soldiers, who set aside their pacifist religious inclinations and fought with General Washington’s forces during the summer months of the war.

The large brick farmhouse (above left and below) was constructed in 1826 for Hans Spitler’s grandson, Isaac Spitler, a prosperous farmer.  It was substantially expanded by Isaac in 1857.  Incorporating  traditional German architectural features, the house served as an early place of worship for the local congregation of German Baptist Brethren.

 

The historic property, reposing in the shadow of The Blue Ridge,  was purchased in 1984 by Chester and Rita Taylor.  The Pre-Civil War farmhouse was sympathetically renovated by the Taylors in 1989, 1990 and 1991.

In 1997, The Isaac Spitler Homeplace was recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark by The Virginia Board of Historic Resources.  In the same year, the farmstead was also listed on The National Register of Historic Places by The United States Department of the Interior.

The Taylors extend a warm welcome to all who are interested in the history of the Shenandoah Valley - - and to those who might also

be interested in the very special suri llama 2007 yearlings and 2008 juveniles available from Shenandoah Homeplace Suri Llamas.

Shenandoah Homeplace Suri Llamas is located on the Isaac Spitler Homeplace in Page County, Virginia, near the town of Luray.

Shenandoah Homeplace Suri Llamas can be reached by phone at

540-743-7931 or e-mail at shenhomeplacellamas@mac.com.

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1. *  The Virginia Landmarks Register, Fourth Edition,  Calder Loth, Editor,  The University Press of Virginia,  1999,  page 372.
   

   Also, a suggestion:  Google : The Isaac Spitler Homeplace Registration.