Meet the Innkeepers

Gail & Grant Johnson would like to take this opportunity to introduce themselves to you and to The Country Inn at High View. To begin, let's start with a little background and update you on how they decided to build the inn. The Johnson family goes back several generations to the High View area. Grant's grandparents, Frank and Bettie Johnson, were born in locations close to High View. Even in their day they understood the value of land. Wouldn't they be surprised to see how valuable land is today? Frank and Bettie not only planned for their own future, but planned for their children and grandchildren's future as well.

Frank and Bettie purchased about 90 acres of land that adjoins the inn property to the south in 1918. The property is where their three children were born and you can still visit the chimney where the old house stood. Later, Bettie purchased the adjoining 89 acres on the northern side of the inn property. This was known as the Anderson place and the old house is still standing. In fact, the doors in the granary came out of the old Anderson house and are more than 150 years old. Guests can read all about the granary by visiting its own page on the website. The property was originally owned by Jake Spaid and now has the honor of having the inn on its highest peak. The original house burned several years before the Johnsons purchased the property.

About seven years ago, Grant and Gail pondered purchasing the property that was in between the two family owned parcels. Grant contacted the owners and discussed buying the acreage from them. He explained that his grandparents' land was on each side, and it would mean a great deal to own the land in between. After a week or so, Grant received a call from the owner who offered to sell the property. A deal was struck leaving Gail and Grant with about 100 acres of beautiful fields, woods, and animals.

Both Gail and Grant love visiting inns and bed & breakfasts. They started talking about a dream of building their own B&B or country inn. They certainly had enough land, and there couldn't be a more beautiful sight to build. Why not build at the highest point overlooking the mountains? Even more, why not share it with others? So, their dream has become reality to them and to their guests.

The first step was to design the house so it would be inviting to the Johnsons and to all their wonderful guests. Grant and Gail found a floor plan that was close to what they had in mind and took it to their architects. This phase involved the whole family: Grant and Gail; their daughter, Belinda Westfall; their son, Todd, and Todd's wife, Donna. It was so much fun designing the house. Their architects, Mickey and Will, gave them excellent recommendations. This phase took almost a whole year, but it was worth it. The next phase was finding contractors and breaking ground. In October of 2004, ground was broken and now "The Country Inn at High View" has become a dream come true.

The Inn sits at the highest point with trees surrounding three sides of the perimeter overlooking the mountains at Slanesville that are approximately 30 miles away. What a breathtaking sight! Gail and Grant wanted to capture the view, so they had the house built with a huge front porch loaded with rockers. They wanted their guests to not only enjoy the view of the distant mountains, but they wanted them to watch the deer graze in the open field. What a way to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Gail and Grant have both enjoyed professional careers and look forward to growing their little country inn. Gail has used her MBA to become one of Virginia's most experienced Purchasing Managers. Grant retired from AT&T after 30 years of service and now along with their son, Todd, owns and operates, GJ Telecom Services. Their lives stay very busy, so this is a wonderful calming for them.

Their family has grown the last years with the welcoming birth of two grandsons and one granddaughter. Their daughter, Belinda and her husband, Larry, live in Sidney, Nebraska with Brett and Cole. Larry works for the hunting and fishing company that all men "love," Cabela's. Belinda is a kindergarten schoolteacher. Todd's wife, Donna, is also a schoolteacher teaching first grade. Todd and Donna's daughter, Mia, is three years old and loves baking cookies with MaMa Gail. The family loves visiting the inn and celebrating family holidays in the country.

Gail and Grant would like to invite everyone to come and stay in their beautiful home and enjoy their tasty breakfasts. It is a fabulous getaway from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city. They are inviting everyone to come and relax by the pool, sit on the front porch, read a good book, take a hike through the woods, sit by the fire or just take a catnap. They promise once you join them in High View you will plan your next visit before you leave.

So ... the Johnsons can't wait to see you soon at The Country Inn at High View.

The Country Inn at High View, LLC
RR1 Box 345
High View, WV 26808

For Reservations Call (304) 856-1415