The Cockayne Farmstead offers a captivating guided tour of its historic 1850 farmhouse, which underwent updates in the 1890s. This one-hour experience accommodates small groups, ensuring a personalized exploration of the Cockayne family’s rich history and their contributions to West Virginia’s agricultural past. Wheelchair accessibility and free shuttle service make the tour inclusive for all visitors, inviting them to step back in time and uncover the farmstead’s unique story.

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Good To Know

Guided tour of historic Cockayne Farmhouse built in 1850, updated in the 1890s, offering insights into West Virginia’s agricultural past.
Tour duration is one hour, limited to small groups of 10 participants, led by live English-speaking guides in a wheelchair-accessible environment.
Explore original furniture, documents, and photographs reflecting the Cockayne family’s rich history, including artists, musicians, and a World War II veteran.
Tour priced at $10.00 per person with a reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
Convenient transportation and accessibility features provided, including free shuttle service and accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Guests can experience a guided tour of the historic Cockayne Farmhouse, which was built in 1850 and updated in the 1890s.

The tour lasts an hour and is limited to small groups of 10 participants. Live English-speaking guides lead the tour, which is wheelchair accessible.

Guests can explore the original furniture, documents, and photographs that reflect the Cockayne family’s rich history, including four generations of artists, musicians, and a World War II veteran.

The farmhouse serves as a time capsule, offering insights into West Virginia’s agricultural past and the evolution of the surrounding landscape.

Pricing and Reservations

The tour is priced at $10.00 per person. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can check availability for starting times on the website.

The small group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. With the reserve now and pay later option, visitors can secure their spot without having to pay immediately.

Wheelchair accessibility makes the tour inclusive for all. The pricing and reservation process is straightforward and flexible to accommodate different needs.

Historical Significance

Explore original furniture, documents, and photographs from the Cockayne family, untouched by time. Learn about four generations of the Cockayne family, including Samuel Andrew Jackson Cockayne, artists, musicians, and a World War II veteran. A glimpse into their lives is revealed through the historical artifacts preserved at the farmhouse.

| Generation | Year of Birth | Occupation |

| — | — | — |

| Samuel Andrew Jackson Cockayne | 1862 | Farmer |

| Mary Ellen Cockayne | 1895 | Artist |

| John Cockayne | 1923 | Musician |

| Sarah Cockayne | 1942 | World War II Veteran |

The Cockayne Farmstead serves as a time capsule reflecting the evolution of the surrounding landscape and society.

Cultural Context

While touring the Cockayne Farmstead, visitors can discover West Virginia’s rich agricultural past through the lens of the Cockayne family’s story.

The farmhouse serves as a time capsule, reflecting the evolution of the surrounding landscape and society.

Visitors can:

Envision the rhythm of daily life on the historic farm.
Imagine the cultural traditions and values passed down through generations.
Appreciate the family’s adaptations to technological and economic changes over the decades.
Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of an influential West Virginia farming dynasty.

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Visiting the Farmstead

Visitors to the Cockayne Farmstead can easily access the historic site, as transportation to and from the farmhouse is included with the tour.

The guided tour offers an intimate experience, with a small group size limited to 10 participants. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the original Cockayne family’s furniture, documents, and photographs, providing a glimpse into their lives.

The farmhouse serves as a time capsule, reflecting the evolution of the surrounding landscape and society. Wheelchair accessibility ensures the tour is inclusive for all visitors.

Food and drinks aren’t allowed during the tour to preserve the historic setting.

Transportation and Accessibility

The Cockayne Farmstead offers convenient transportation and accessibility features for visitors.

Guests can enjoy:

Guests can enjoy free shuttle service, wheelchair-friendly pathways, and accessibility features at the Cockayne Farmstead.

Free shuttle service from the Cockayne Farmstead Visitor Center to the historic farmhouse.
Wheelchair-friendly pathways and an elevator for easy access to all tour areas.
Large-print tour guides and audio descriptions available upon request for guests with visual or hearing impairments.
Staff trained to accommodate the needs of visitors with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and comfortable experience.

Whether arriving by car or using the provided transportation, all guests can explore the Cockayne Farmstead with ease and accessibility.

Food and Drinks Policy

To ensure the preservation and enjoyment of the historical setting, food and drinks aren’t permitted during the Cockayne Farmstead guided tour.

This policy helps maintain the pristine condition of the farmhouse’s original furnishings and artifacts. Visitors are asked to refrain from consuming any food or beverages while exploring the property.

Water bottles may be brought, but must remain sealed and stored away during the tour.

This simple rule allows guests to fully enjoy the Cockayne family’s history without the distraction or risk of potentially damaging the fragile historical items on display.

Meeting Point

The Cockayne Farmstead Visitor Center serves as the meeting point for the guided tour.

The Cockayne Farmstead Visitor Center serves as the meeting point for the guided tour.

From this central location, visitors will:

Check-in with the tour guide and receive any necessary instructions.
Gather as a small group, limited to 10 participants.
Board the included transportation to travel to the historic Cockayne Farmhouse.
Begin their immersive journey back in time to explore the family’s legacy and the property’s rich history.

Transportation to and from the farmhouse is provided, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour, but visitors are advised to avoid disrupting the experience for others. Guests should be respectful and follow any additional guidance provided by the tour guide.

Can I Explore the Farmhouse on My Own After the Tour?

Visitors can’t explore the farmhouse on their own after the guided tour. The tour is the only way to access the historic site, as it’s not open for self-guided exploration outside of the scheduled tour.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets aren’t allowed on the Cockayne Farmhouse guided tour. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 10 participants and focuses on exploring the historic house and learning about the Cockayne family’s history. Visitors should leave their furry friends at home.

Is There a Gift Shop On-Site?

Yes, there is a gift shop on-site at the Cockayne Farmstead. Visitors can browse a selection of locally-made souvenirs, historical books, and other items related to the Cockayne family and West Virginia’s agricultural heritage after their guided tour.

How Long Has the Farmhouse Been Open to the Public?

The Cockayne Farmhouse has been open to the public for tours since it was restored and converted into a historic site, though the exact year it opened is unclear from the information provided.

The Sum Up

The Cockayne Farmstead offers a captivating journey through West Virginia’s agricultural past. The hour-long guided tour of the historic 1850 farmhouse provides an intimate, personalized experience for small groups. Visitors can explore original furnishings and documents, gaining insights into the Cockayne family’s contributions. With wheelchair accessibility and shuttle service, the tour is designed to be inclusive for all. It’s an engaging opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage.