RUFFNER’S
RIDGE
STORY

Wooden deck with patio furniture and grill, surrounded by trees and a blue sky.

Lester and Betty Ruffner retired from farming in 1985 and soon after purchased the 19 acres on Opal Road where Ruffner’s Ridge sits. A gifted carpenter, Lester bought the plans for their retirement home from Southern Living and began the planning process to complete the construction himself. 

Spacious living room with wooden vaulted ceiling, skylights, and large windows, furnished with sofas, an armchair, a wooden coffee table, and a colorful area rug, decorated with animal-themed artwork.

After picking the site to build the house, the couple set up 3 tents: one for cooking, one for sleeping, and one for living. Each month when Lester received a retirement check, he would go to the lumber store and purchase what was needed in the next step of construction, and in 1987, the construction was finally complete.

Although most of the house has been renovated, the beautiful woodwork on the ceiling is original and speaks to Lester’s incredible woodworking skills. It has been a privilege to breathe life back into this family jewel and watch Les and Betty’s great-grandchildren be an active part of the process.

Interested in renting the property? Feel free to contact us for more information or book directly.