ORCHARDSIDE FAMILY

273 Raphine Road, Raphine, Virginia 24472

Once you arrive at Orchardside on Otts Creek, it is our sincere desire that you find this place to be as unique and comforting as we have found it to be through the years. Here you will find a tranquil, warm and friendly atmosphere; whether it be through your experience fingering yarns from all over the world, knitting around the table at the Yarn Shop, picking blackberries (when in season) on top of the hill, shopping for unusual and eclectic antiques, furnishings or textiles at Fanshawe Blaine, in the barn at Orchardside or simply walking and talking with the dogs and ducks! Whatever your pleasure, we welcome you to our Orchardside family.

What makes Orchardside on Otts Creek such an enchanting place, you ask? Well it is a uniquely different experience to each and every person who comes to visit and then, an altogether different feeling for those who reside and work at Orchardside. Truly, the list is endless, but just a few of the special characteristics and charms needing to be named would be the majestic, rolling country hills and overall beauty surrounding the property and the zestful, sweet personalities of the official greeters; farm dogs, Rusty and Emma, a miniature Poodle and Bichon Frise, looking as though they, themselves have been knit! And not to be forgotten is the history of how Orchardside came to be, where it is at present and what will come to pass in the future. The presence of family, both through bloodline and by all who cross the threshold of this incredible place creates a feeling of immeasurable peacefulness and warmth. It is amazing to think that one woman, Lottie Ruth Smyer, a woman before her time, started what has now become a legacy to many. Orchardside is a business owned and operated by women. While Carole Smyer, her daughter, Bryan Ferguson, and granddaughter, Audrey Hollingsworth, second, third and fourth generation knitters reside on the property; it is Carole and Bryan who take care of the day to day operations of Orchardside on Otts Creek. In addition to their ongoing desire to keep the familiarities of yesteryear’s Orchardside, Carole and Bryan continue to take great measures towards the ever evolving enhancement of the overall Orchardside experience. In April, 2009, they expanded the family circle welcoming cousin, Amanda Harman, Tory Brock and the complimentary addition of their new business, Fanshawe Blaine International Antiques, Furnishings & Textiles. Fanshawe Blaine is located in the newly, refurbished interior of the barn at Orchardside on Otts Creek.

Together, this family, these women; welcome and embrace all the wonder, beauty and warmth of Orchardside on Otts Creek and invite you to visit, experience and become a part of the Orchardside Family.