A unique past that shaped Old Southwest into the neighborhood it is today.
The Alexander-Gish House
Imagine your wedding, party, or special event in a quaint & intimate historic setting!
The Alexander-Gish House is available for events such as meetings, parties, showers, family reunions, workshops, and weddings. Rentals include use of the main floor including entry hall, two parlors, meeting room, and kitchen, as well as the outdoor park areas immediately surrounding the house and historic gazebo. Ample parking is available on site, and alcoholic beverages are permitted. The Alexander-Gish house is equipped with Wi-Fi as well as central air conditioning & heat.
A piece of history.
The exact age of the Alexander-Gish house is undocumented, but it is undoubtedly one of the oldest dwellings in Roanoke. Built on property that has been a home site since before 1750, the house is located in an attractive setting with wide lawns, lovely holly trees, and a boxwood hedge. It includes a historic gazebo & modern gas fire pit.
In 1776, the land was surveyed by William Preston for George and James Alexander, sons of William Alexander, the original owner. In 1817, it was acquired by George Howbert, who in 1818 conveyed the house and the 35 acres to his son Michael upon his marriage to Hannah Peffley. Tradition has it that the log portion of the building now standing was built for Michael’s bride.
In 1836, William Coon acquired the property, and lived there until his death in 1860. His nephew inherited the property but died in 1863, leaving the property to his widow, Nannie Coon. Nannie married Samuel H. Gish about two years later, and the property became known as the “Gish Woods”. In 1901, Nannie Gish sold “Gish Woods” to the City of Roanoke for $10,000, and it became Roanoke’s first park. During the 1920’s, an addition was made to the structure. Originally the house faced the river. With the addition the house was reconfigured to faced north, towards the road winding through Highland Park. This is how we see it today.
Until vacated in 1974 in preparation for demolition, the house was occupied by the park caretaker. Through organized efforts by Old Southwest, Inc. members, the Alexander-Gish house was saved from demolition and restored. Care-taking responsibilities eventually were transferred to Old Southwest, Inc. through an agreement with the City of Roanoke that remains in effect today.
Currently the Alexander-Gish house serves as a meeting place for organizations, classes, and workshops as the official headquarters for Old Southwest, Inc., a volunteer non-profit neighborhood alliance, which has continued renovation and restoration efforts since 1982. Rental income supports these preservation efforts.
Rent the Alexander-Gish House.
Rental Price: $395 - $450
Rates include use of the Gish House common areas on a daily basis. This includes all utilities, internet access, tables & chairs, parking, gas fire pit, and access to grounds immediately surrounding the house and gazebo. Call: 540-524-9590 (Leave a voice message, including event date, or complete the form below.) NOTE: Indoor occupancy 65. Outdoor space can accommodate larger groups.