books while sitting in trees, and did as much boating as possible both as a kid and an adult. We both moved several times and always watched as trees, fields, farms, and views gave way to sprawl and/or congestion, and concrete.
We met in 1994, when we found ourselves both in Appomattox, Virginia. Joan had acquired 100 acres on the James River which she hoped to make available to inner city children for hiking and enjoying nature, and to artists who might be inspired by the beautiful setting. Hugh loved the idea of this. How to achieve it, though?
After we got married, we built a house on the 100 acres, and were unexpectedly and gradually able to purchase adjacent properties, thinking thereby to keep even more forest undeveloped. |
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In 2003, property came up for auction on our road which had a family house on it and was adjacent to our property, though 1/2 mile down the road. This house had a kitchen large enough for a group, we thought. Other bidders stood back on auction day, and we were able to purchase the house. We applied for a conditional use permit, then spent one and a half years remodeling the house so that it could accommodate guests who would enjoy the "retreat" we hoped to achieve.
Our mission is to preserve this property from development, retain as much contiguous forest as possible and provide a location for everyone to enjoy the quiet joys that can only be experienced by being in the woods. Read more about our recent forestry conservation easement here.
In January 2010 we became an official conservation easement for perpetuity registered with the Virginia Department of Forestry.
We have had an amazing assortment of wonderful guests and hope that you will soon come for a visit, too.
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