On the outskirts of Morgantown, West Virginia, there’s a quiet little road that would be easily overlooked by anyone passing through. Few people know the hidden treasure that lies down the road: a beautiful cut stone castle.
This beautiful castle is tucked away on Tyrone road in Morgantown.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
It was built in 1928 as a private residence for Thoney Pietro and his family.
Flickr/Zach McCormick Thoney Pietro was an Italian immigrant with a successful business in masonry and infrastructure development.
The castle is 3,400 square feet of beautiful masonry.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
In 1949, Pietro donated it to the Catholic church.
Flickr/Zach McCormick It was then called the Good Counsel Friary, and was used for the training of priests.
In 2007, the priest that oversaw the monastery died. The building was no longer in use and fell into disrepair.
YouTube/The DPost
It lay abandoned for years.
YouTube/The DPost Water damage, plumbing problems, and electrical issues affected the building.
In 2012, the property was purchased by Calvary Chapel Morgantown.
YouTube/The DPost
They have been doing extensive renovations and restorations over the years.
YouTube/The DPost
They are doing their best to restore the original details while bringing the building up to code.
YouTube/The DPost
The castle is not normally open to the public, but may be for events in the future.
Flickr/Zach McCormick There have been a couple of exclusive tours since the renovations began, and the church is considering opening it up for occasional community events.
Here’s a video from the Dominion Post with a tour of the castle and information about the renovations.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
Thoney Pietro was an Italian immigrant with a successful business in masonry and infrastructure development.
It was then called the Good Counsel Friary, and was used for the training of priests.
YouTube/The DPost
Water damage, plumbing problems, and electrical issues affected the building.
There have been a couple of exclusive tours since the renovations began, and the church is considering opening it up for occasional community events.
I’d definitely love to see more of this beautiful building and take a tour in the future. It’s wonderful that this part of history is being saved.
For another amazing castle in West Virginia, take a look at this castle in Berkeley Springs.
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