Discover Smith Mountain Lake
SUMMER 2015
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BY KATE HOFSTETTER
Savenac Farm represents a huge piece of history. The old 5,000 square foot manor
home sits astride 130 acres in Bedford County. This grand old dame boasts a litany
of owners over the years, who have been just as varied, interesting and imposing as
herself. She has withstood the ravages of a civil war, at least one earthquake, a 100-
year storm or two, numerous births and deaths, and even a murder.
The old Georgian Colonial style edifice is said to have been built by Abner Fuqua
in 1821. It started out being “L” shaped, and sat on approximately 300 acres,
which were probably carved off from the original family estate. The Fuquas were
landowners in Bedford County, dating as far back as 1770. According to local lore,
they originally owned some 4000 acres. In fact, Joseph Fuqua was one of two men,
each of whom donated half of the land that became town of Liberty, which is known
today as Bedford. The other donor was William Downey.
Family historians believe that the original house dates back even further than 1821.
According to the 1806 will of Thomas Fuqua, his estate, which included a house, was
to go to his son, Caleb, father of Abner. Therefore, they are thinking that perhaps
Savenac initially belonged to Thomas. Genealogists and historians may continue to
debate about Savenac’s true age, but whatever that may be, she has weathered the
years very nicely, thank you!
The manor sits exactly three tenths of a mile off Route 43, southeast of Bedford. The
Savenac Farm
Has Weathered Well
