CHRISTIANSBURG — Located in an authentic country home built in the 1800s, The Farmhouse Restaurant has a wide range of dining experiences: intimate booths, a banquet hall, a lounge with live music and even a genuine train caboose.

The first owner, Gene Thomas, opened the restaurant with cozy booths complete with red checkered tablecloths, lantern lights, rough wood and local country art in the original house.

Today, the intimate setting remains much the same, complete with the red booths, but The Farmhouse itself has expanded.

When the restaurant opened in 1963, it could seat 75 people, recalls Barbara Wade, general manager of the restaurant.

Today, the booth and banquet seating can accommodate more than 650 people on two floors.None of the authenticity of the house has been compromised, however. Each booth is set into its own space and made to look like it has always been part of the house.

Christina O'Connor | The Roanoke Times

First-time karaoke singer Michael Griffith performs Kid Rock’s “Only God Knows Why” at The Farmhouse in Christiansburg.

A banquet hall has been added to the original house to provide a more formal space for large parties, receptions and business meetings. The lounge has been renovated into a more modern space to have a beverage, watch the game or perform karaoke.

When the restaurant first opened, there was an ordinance against serving liquor in Christiansburg, Wade said.

Wine and beer were available, but it wasn’t until about 15 years later that mixed drinks were finally allowed.

One of the unique aspects of The Farmhouse, aside from the eclectic collection of local art and antiques, is the train caboose available for smaller groups.

It was added to the house in the 1970s and is one of the most popular areas to eat, Wade said. It was originally redecorated but has been restored to its original rough, wood-paneled look.

“It is such a great environment,” said Ron Gibbons, a research scientist for the Smart Road and longtime patron of The Farmhouse.

“The caboose gets a 10 — it’s so intimate and relaxed we can be as loud as we want back here and no one knows it,” he said of his party of eight friends and colleagues.

“We’re here in a group now, but we have been here for a romantic dinner, too,” said Cyndy Gibbons, his wife.

“The food is great and dessert was wonderful. We even brought two people from out of town because we knew it would be a good place to eat.”

The Farmhouse has been featured in books about the restaurant business, including “Small Town Restaurants in Virginia” and “A Taste of Virginia History,” for its mix of good food and interesting decor.

“I enjoy meeting people, and there is something different each day. We have great, loyal customers,” Wade said of her 43 years at The Farmhouse.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

The Farmhouse Restaurant

Opened: February 1963

Built: 1800s; originally part of the Ridinger estate

Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday

Dinner: 5 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Sunday: Noon to 8:45 p.m.

Lounge: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 8:45 p.m. Sunday

Phone: 382-4253

Banquet facilities: 382-3965

On the Web: www.g3.com/farmhouse/