After 10 short years the house was used as an elementary school until Mrs. Helen Ryan and her husband purchased the home around 1938, converting second floor rooms for boarding house accommodations. During this time President Woodrow Wilson visited 2109 Jefferson St. during his candidacy and enjoyed the hospitality commonplace here. JFK was noted as visiting a collegue at 2109 for a brief day. In the early 1960's Mrs. Ryan then converted the rooms into an apartment dwelling. Each room was equipped with Kitchenettes and ensuite apartment rooms. The Mailboxes are still evident upon the wall in the side entry. Finally in April of 1995, she gave up her home after suffering a major stroke and left her estate in the hands of her private financial institution.

      Sandra J. Hancock purchased the home in May of 1995 and began to restore the disrepaired 2109 it to its originial lustre. After six months of vigorous renovation and restoration, the house began to take on a new version of its former elegance. Fine Victorian antique furnishings were brought in and displayed as it may have looked turn of the century. Upon completion Sandra named the house Dian-Lee, (Dian her middle name and Lee her sisters middle name). Then opening the doors in Nov of the same year to those wishing to retreat into the walls of a Southern mansion.

The House has played host to many famous guests. Nobel Peace Prize winner John Nash, a native of Bluefield. Jett Williams, Hank Williams Sr's daughter. Janette Walls, author of The Glass Castle who is a nearby native. Jackie-o's half brother Jamie Auchencloss. Singer and Christian song writer Michael O'brien. American Idol finalist Chris Sly. The Rocket Boy's namely Homer Hickam & Billy Rose (October Sky).

 Dian-Lee house has been featured in several West Virginia Magazines, National Newspapers and recently in the Bristol Herald Courier. A stage for TLC's Second Chance reality show, Inn's Across America, and a set for the up coming movie The Legend of Black Annie (Oct 2011).

The Dian-Lee Experience    

The Dian-Lee House reflects the formality of a Southern mansion and offers richly appointed bedroom suites. Uniquely different, the mini-suites offer world class comforts usually found in upscale hotels while inviting the traveler to relax in a homelike atmosphere - "A rich new version of the old-fashioned Boarding House."

~ Remnants of life-past are obvious when one sees the wall buttons for calling servants, some of whom lived in the back cottage and helped in the upkeep. They served meals in the large dining salon, filled the oversized tubs, or polished the wavy glass panes on the massive French doors and kept the gas lights twinkling. The history of Dian-Lee is still very alive today.  You will feel the quality of years of heritage upon your first step through the door.

Sleep the night away in a Lincoln-style Victorian bed, slumber in a four poster bed, or climb into a vintage brass bed. Enjoy a good book in front of a gas fireplace or soak in the oversized tubs.

Down the curving staircase a world of elegance awaits:                            

A formal reception hall lit by an Austrian Crystal Chandelier, focuses on an 19th Century baby grand piano, a two hundred year old pipe organ, and a player piano suggesting the by-gone formal parties when dancers gracefully waltzed among period antiques.

Through the sparkling window panes of massive European doors, a formal drawing room awaits. Napoleon style decor boasts Gilt Louis XVI furnishings surrounding a richly veined marble mantel imported from Italy with a butter cream Tête-à-tête  for lounging. 

Pass on into a true dining salon where a massive 18th Century Gilt Mirror  keeps company with sparkling crystal and silver displayed. An early 19th century 6 leaf dining table resides highlighted by another Austrian crystal chandelier. Relax in a unique Queen Ann sofa and admire Napoleon era wall treatments.

The Study evokes the feeling of a private club with its carved imported granite mantel, huge brass and oak chandelier (relocated from a North Carolina hunting lodge) and its tartan wall treatments. Observe the Art Deco bar formerly used in a private cabin on a Trans-Atlantic ocean liner whilst enjoying complimentary sherry. A richly carved huntboard houses novels of yesteryear and historical information of Bluefield and its remnants. Relax on a rich Chesterfield leather sofa while reading a newspaper, magazine or novels written about famous Bluefield natives. Play a game of chess or deck of cards or simply experience the ambiance as songs of old are being played.

A conjoining solarium allures you with an old massive brass street lantern welcoming you to view the gardens through the massive wavy glass panes. 

An adjoining sunroom breakfast parlor gives light through stain glass windows and cobalt wine bottles on ledge.  A 3 tier Blue Delpht Chandelier highlights tables with ballroom Chivari chairs which await your presence to savor a full gourmet breakfast. Admire scenes of yesteryear on toile wall treatments and glance at the collection of blue willow while sipping a cup of tea, hot cocoa or cider.

Take a stroll through the lush gardens at morn or at dusk under Corinthian columned trellises. Enjoy aromas of fresh heirloom and exotic flowers in bloom. Delight in the unique design of corkscrew junipers groomed to perfection.

On the wide expansive verandah one senses what life was like in simpler times when the handcrafted easy chairs got lots of use and rocking chairs swayed in the breeze - that invite you now as does the brick paved pergola with the tinkling fountain saying "Sit a spell," that's what hospitality is all about...

                                    ... so is The Dian-Lee House

             Contact us today to return to the wonders of yesteryear.