Growing Roots
Greenbrier County, nestled in the heart of West Virginia, is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil lifestyle. For Michael and Nicole Argento, it was the perfect place to raise their children and cultivate a new, sustainable way of living. Greenbrier Valley Quarterly sat down with them to uncover the journey behind their move and the creation of their unique retreat, The Riverstead.
During the pandemic, Michael and Nicole Argento began to feel the pull of the mountains—a calling back home to West Virginia. They had built a successful business in Charlotte over the last decade, but as their two young sons began to get a little older, a yearning for a simpler lifestyle began to take hold. For Michael, a native of Montgomery, WV, the business he had built for years was ready to push to the next level. But, Michael had other designs and began to look for a buyer. Within a year, the couple sold their business and properties and moved to a tranquil spot along the Greenbrier River just downstream from Fort Spring.
“We were seeking a slower pace of life to raise our kids and grow our own food,” shares Nicole. “The beauty of the landscape drew us in.”
The couple had visited Michael’s brother’s cabin on the Greenbrier River for years, making them familiar with the area’s charm. As a native West Virginian, Michael was eager to return to his roots, and Nicole, who grew up in Proctorville, OH, just across the river from Huntignton, looked forward to returning to the mountains.
“We don’t know how it could have gone much better,” exclaims Nicole. “We feel like the community welcomed us with open arms. Having kids certainly helped us make new friends, too, because of all the activities they are involved in. The culture here is very different than what we experienced the last 20 years in Charlotte. The pace is slower and the community is smaller and more connected.”
The search for their dream property was serendipitous. “We were surprised when it appeared in one of our real estate searches,” says Michael. Initial impressions of the house were modest, as the main floor was gutted down to the studs. However, the 5-acre property, with fields for orchards and gardens, space for chickens and honeybees, and over 300 feet of river frontage, was everything they had envisioned. “It was a dream come true,” Nicole beams.
“Our ethos was to simplify life,” Nicole explains. “We wanted to nurture the earth’s soil and our own spirituality, learning together with our children and teaching them self-sufficiency.” This philosophy guided their transition to a rural lifestyle, emphasizing a close connection with nature and a hands-on approach to living.
The couple worked for almost two years renovating the house and prepping the property for the large garden.
Food is a major component of The Riverstead ethos. “Good, nutrient-dense food takes effort and practice,” Michael emphasizes. “We use 100% organic methods, making our own compost, rotating crops, and moving towards a no-till garden style. The small apiary also aids in pollination.”
“Our goal is to grow our own food for our family,” Nicole states. This philosophy extends to The Riverstead, where guests can enjoy the family’s favorite food items. “We love to teach and inspire others to grow their own food, so garden tours and conversations are available,” Michael adds.
“We’ve been gardening together for 15 years, and we still have a lot to learn,” laughs Nicole.
Once the house was ready, and the garden producing, the Argento’s turned their focus to their first rental—a geodesic dome along the river. The idea of building a geodesic dome came from some previous experience in the short-term rental business in Charlotte, with a small AirBnB.
“We researched many options and landed on a geodesic dome for its cost, efficiency, and ease of building,” Michael notes.
The Argentos wanted something distinct, and the dome was the perfect fit. Constructing the dome was not only an adventure, but a coming together of friends old and new, along with family.
“We built a circular platform for the dome and had a ‘barn raising’ with friends to erect it,” Michael recalls. Over one weekend, with the help of friends, they assembled the structure and installed the cover. Nicole’s renovation experience and Michael’s newfound carpentry skills came together to create a cozy and functional space.
“In a rural area, you often learn to do things yourself,” Nicole adds with a smile.
The spherical dome, with over 700 square feet of living space and 15-foot high ceilings in the middle, is nestled within the tranquil Appalachian scenery. The epitome of unique accommodation, it features plush bedding and stylish furnishings that ensure a cozy and elegant retreat. Panoramic windows offer stunning views out to the Greenbrier River below, allowing guests to feel fully immersed in nature while enjoying all the comforts of luxury retreat.
“We positioned the dome to provide direct connection with the natural world,” says Michael. “Guests can fall asleep under a canopy of stars and wake to the gentle sounds of the river and forest outside.”
Guests at The Riverstead can expect the very best of West Virginia. It’s a true glamping experience and escape from the usual fast-paced world that we live in. Guests will enjoy all the modern conveniences as well as connecting with mother nature on different levels.
“Wildlife is abundant in this valley,” says Michael. “We designed the dome with privacy as a priority so if guests are looking for quiet, reflective, spiritual time, then that experience is here. Hopefully in the future we can integrate our family recipes into the dome by offering guests a menu of food items from products grown & crafted on our homestead. Our goal is to provide them with our very own Appalachian-Italian victuals.”
“We hope to share the beauty of the Greenbrier Valley and our accomplishments from a food perspective,” adds Nicole.
From fresh vegetables and herbs to homemade breads and family recipes, guests will enjoy the bounty of their homestead, as The Riverstead is more than a place to stay—it’s an invitation to experience a way of life rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and connection with nature.
Learn more about The Riverstead and make bookings on their website at www.theriverstead.com.
