The Shadow
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (VR) – In the heart of downtown White Sulphur Springs, Barnwood Living has been giving new life to old wood and the community it surrounds.
Founded by local entrepreneur and TV personality Mark Bowe, Barnwood Living showcases reclaimed-wood furniture, rustic décor and locally inspired merchandise. The business opened its storefront at 574 Main St. W. in 2016 and has since become a tourist draw for fans of the hit TV series “Barnwood Builders” and locals alike.
Mark Bowe learned about hard work at a young age. His father worked multiple jobs simultaneously and Bowe was often found working right alongside him. He became the first in his family to attend college and to make that happen, he worked long hours underground in coal mines. He saved enough for his first year’s tuition then returned to the mines to fund each following year. He continued this cycle until he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University.
The shop evolved out of Bowe’s first business, Antique Cabins and Barns, which he launched in 1995 to salvage and restore pioneer-era structures. The showroom now features hand-crafted dining tables, lighting fixtures, candles, kitchenware and branded apparel, which are all rooted in the same “work hard, be kind, take pride” philosophy that has guided him from the start.
At Barnwood Living, kindness is more than a slogan. The team believes its success stems from strong community support and loyal fans. The store regularly gives back through partnerships, local events and outreach. Bowe says building genuine relationships is at the heart of any successful endeavor.
“If you don’t take pride in it, what’s the sense of doing it?” Bowe often says. To him, pride means staying connected to family, working hard and showing resilience. He proudly calls himself a “hillbilly” not as an insult, but as a badge of honor reflecting his rural roots and connection to a simpler way of life.
The business also acts as a community hub. Barnwood Living hosts live music, seasonal events and meet-and-greets with the Barnwood Builders crew, who gained national recognition for transforming historic barns and cabins into modern homes.
In recent years, Barnwood Living has expanded its mission into hospitality with Barnwood Village, a cluster of short-term vacation rentals located near downtown White Sulphur Springs. The cottages, available on Airbnb, include the Spa City Cottage, Big Draft Timberframe and Dry Creek Cabin. Each 400-square-foot unit features reclaimed-wood touches, cozy furnishings, modern amenities like smart TVs and Wi-Fi and rustic details that reflect the company’s dedication to Appalachian craftsmanship.
The cottages offer guests an authentic Barnwood Living experience, combining comfort and local history for visitors looking to explore Greenbrier County and the surrounding mountains.
Barnwood Living is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit barnwoodliving.com.
