389 Summerville Road

A LETTER FROM THE SELLERS: When we bought Lawson Farms in 2015, we knew we were becoming part of something special. This historic Smiths Station home, once owned by local author Caroline Lawson Ivey, has a story as rich as its setting. Ivey, who wrote The Family in the Library, was a Lee County native educated at what is now Auburn University. She taught in local schools before turning to writing, and her quiet creativity still seems to linger within these walls. In honor of her legacy, the Caroline Ivey Memorial Foundation was later established to support aspiring teachers in the arts and education. Originally built as a four-room dogtrot in the 1890s, the home has grown gracefully through the decades. In the 1950s, a grand Southern staircase and second floor were added, followed in the 1970s by a downstairs bedroom with its own private porch and morning room. Many original features remain, including heart-pine floors, tall sash windows, and hand-carved crown molding. A charming dumbwaiter in the library once carried coal from the basement to one of the home's three fireplaces, and beneath what is now the enclosed porch lies the original well—a reminder of its self-sustaining roots. The property also holds a remarkable collection of historic outbuildings that speak to its working farm heritage. A traditional smokehouse, a 2,000-square-foot milking barn, a control shed with full electrical connections, and a lambing shed all remain in beautiful condition. A former farmworker's cottage, rich in character, still stands ready for restoration. Together, they create a timeless landscape that blends history, authenticity, and possibility. Lawson Farms is more than a home. It's a story waiting for its next chapter. Whether as a family estate, a serene bed and breakfast, or a breathtaking wedding venue, this property offers endless potential to continue its legacy in a meaningful and memorable way. Appraisal on file for $525,000!