Judi & Jerry Barnes

After spending 36 years in Wisconsin, the desire to be closer to our young grandson is what ultimately led us to look at cities along the east coast. Though North Carolina proved beautiful and very appealing, we found very few properties that allowed easy access to a lake, where we would naturally want to dock our boat. Discovering Smith Mountain Lake in a magazine and its proximity to Roanoke, where Judi’s best childhood girlfriend lives, led us to investigate areas around the lake and to the 14-acre Franklin County property that today we happily call home. Nestled among trees, streams and wildlife, the idea of having space to hike, garden, build and entertain family and friends fit us well. Having been in the area for almost two years now, we enjoy volunteering for local organizations such as the Rescue Mission and the Presbyterian Community Center, as well as taking advantage of local activities such as the Salem Avalanche games, and of course, watching the leaves change colors from our back deck.