Elk Lick House, a beautiful example of Carpenter Gothic architecture, was the first building moved on-site in Sharon Woods. It looks so snug and warm, like a place you could go home to and meet family and friends. Over the years, Elk Lick House has reigned serenely as the focal point in the Village.

It was originally located in the Elk Lick Valley of Clermont County; the east fork of the Little Miami River formed the valley. Chosen for its architecture, the home, icehouse, smokehouse, and unique three-seat outhouse were saved from demolition when Harsha Lake was created in East Fork State Park. The Miami Purchase Association for Historic Preservation rescued the home and outbuildings by purchasing them from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1969. They were relocated to Heritage Village and opened to the public in 1971. All outbuildings, except the chicken coop, are original to the Elk Lick property. The association rebuilt the house on a plot near the park stream, similar to its original site along the East Fork. Elk Lick House was the final home of Ohio and U.S. senator Thomas Morris.

Elk Lick House has two distinct sections. The original two-room 1818 cottage in the back had simple federal lines on the outside and basic woodwork on the inside. The more ornate front section was added around 1840. The Carpenter Gothic details speak of mild affluence. The term ‘Carpenter Gothic’ refers to the fact that the gingerbread details on the house were created by hand. Elements of the style include steep-roofed gables, paired and pointed arch windows, cut-out porch roof and pillar trim, and elaborate interior woodwork.

Today, guests may tour the entire house and glimpse into what life may have been like for the 19th century homeowners. The house is fully furnished with period furniture and accessories. Recently, the front portion of the house was redecorated in the fashion of the middle-class 1800s lifestyle.