Date Archives: January 2022

This year, we are happy to celebrate our 60th anniversary and mark a milestone in our commitment to servicing our local community. Join in on the celebration and discover more about our 60 years and plans for the future below.

60 Years of History

In 1962 Clyde Pugh founded Old Dominion Realty in the building that is now the Crimson Inn in Bridgewater, VA. In the early days, Clyde shared an office with the town police. He recounted that when the town policeman was out on a call, he would answer the phone for the police. He received some entertaining calls in those days. In the same spirit of cooperation, the town policeman would answer Clyde's real estate calls when he was out of the office on appointment. 

Old Dominion was founded on Clyde's integrity, spirit of cooperation, and love for the local community. In the '60s and '70s, Clyde and Old Dominion were deeply involved in the growth and development of the Town of Bridgewater. Clyde was on the town council and was a part of the committee that built Ashby Pool. He was a Director for First Virginia Bank and was on the James Madison Foundation. He was a part of developing Windsor Estates, Northshore, Sanston Sites, Holly Hill Subdivision, Fletcher Pope Subdivision, and much of the western part of the town of Bridgewater and Reherd Acres in Harrisonburg.

In 1973 Clyde Pugh suffered a heart attack and his son, Michael Pugh, 19 at the time was suddenly cast in the role of Managing Broker for Old Dominion Realty at a very young age. Clyde's community stepped up to help in a huge way. Clyde's friends and competing brokers came together to help Mike keep the business running. Clyde's close friend Paige Gordon, a broker at Homeland Realty at the time provided almost daily support for Mike and Old Dominion Realty to continue to operate. 

Mike Pugh continued in the broker role after Clyde's recovery and never looked back. Mike's talents and contributions to the local community are innumerable. He has been a part of numerous commercial and residential projects and developments. Some of his work includes Old Mill Landing, Oak Meadows, and Millview Estates in Bridgewater, Saddlebrook Plantation in Mount Crawford, The Springs at Osceola and Wingate Meadows in Rockingham County, Broadway Plaza, the Wal-Mart in Timberville, and Crossroads Plaza in Penn Laird. His vision and ability to draw talented staff and agents to Old Dominion and train and provide support in everyday operations is truly amazing.

Mike has been a leader in the community his entire career. In addition to being Principal Broker for Old Dominion, he is also a Certified General Appraiser and was one of the founding members of Colonial Appraisal Service, Inc. He now serves as Chairman of the Board of F&M Bank and is Vice-Chair on the Board at Sunnyside. He is a past member of the board for Bridgewater Retirement Community, served on the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is a current board member for Valley Southern Title, Bankers Title, and F&M Mortgage. He currently serves as Chairman of F&M Bankcorp. He was voted businessperson of the year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

Truly a family operation Barry Pugh, Mike's brother has been with Old Dominion Realty for over 40 years as a real estate sales agent. He has also served as a Certified General Appraiser along with his wife Susan Pugh in the past. Prior to real estate both Barry and Susan served the Town of Bridgewater by being deeply involved in the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company.

Mike's daughter Micah and son-in-law Chad Branson are both involved with the family business. Micah is an Associate Broker and Chad runs Old Dominion Realty Property Management in addition to sales. Micah is a Certified Residential Appraiser. Son John Pugh provides landscaping, snow removal, and general maintenance support through his business, Pugh Landscaping. Clyde, Mike, and Micah are all past presidents of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of Realtors.

In 2005, Old Dominion joined Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. LeadingRE is an invitation only network of the world's market-leading independent real estate brokerages. From 2006 through 2007 Old Dominion experienced steady growth, opening offices in Franklin, WV; Moorefield, WV and Penn Laird, VA. In December of 2010 an opportunity arose for Old Dominion to open a real estate office in Augusta County under the leadership of Cathy Ward, who also became a partner in the firm. The Augusta office started with seven agents and quickly grew creating the need for more office space. In 2018, the Old Dominion Augusta Office moved to Myers Corner, where it remains today, and is home to 33 agents and 2 staff members. In recent years, Cathy has passed the leadership torch to her daughter, Natalie Campbell, who is now the Managing Broker for that office. Natalie shared her thoughts on the tremendous growth over 11 years stating, "The key to our success has been the hard work of every ODR member and we hope to continue serving our local communities for many years to come." 

Our ODR team has grown to support a sales force and staff of over 100 people. Still family-owned and operated by a talented team who value community and the family culture. With 5 offices in Virginia and West Virginia, our footprint covers the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

For more information on our history, be sure to check out this video detailing our full history.

Our Present and Future

Today our real estate agents are happy to serve our community with support for residential, land, commercial, agricultural and recreational sellers and buyers in Virginia and West Virginia. Additionally, we offer or have partnering services in property management, appraisal, and auction services. We are a proud partner with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Which gives our agents the tools to refer clients to qualified agents throughout the United States and Internationally. Ready to work with a real estate team that has the experience you need to accomplish your goals? Contact us today. 

Our real estate agents know many people are excited about all the things 2022 has in store. For some, that means exploring the best Augusta County homes for sale. Others will be taking big steps in different ways. If wedding bells are ringing, Augusta County has plenty of options for you.

With its combination of natural beauty and historic buildings, Augusta County offers a stunning selection of wedding venues in rural, suburban, and city settings. No matter what your vision is for your gathering, there is something here for you. You can create memories that will last a lifetime.

Virginia stands out for its tradition of big weddings! Many couples select a venue out in the countryside where they can get away from it all. Surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, you can have the best of both worlds: Unbelievable historic locales backed by some of the best luxury amenities in the state.

Let's look at some popular options for your special day in Augusta County:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Red August Farm (@redaugustfarm)

• Red August Farm – 1171 Hermitage Road, Waynesboro, VA 22980
  With a beautiful Shenandoah Valley location, Red August Farm sits nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing for incomparable views. For your event, you have the opportunity to fully customize the 15-acre property according to your desires. Parties of up to 300 guests are welcome. Other special events and photoshoots are also held throughout the year near Waynesboro homes for sale.
• Cana Barn – 339 Walnut Hills Road, Staunton, VA 24401
  Billing itself as the place "Where we never run out," Cana Barn was originally a historic bank barn just under a century old. It was painstakingly disassembled and reassembled to its current location near Staunton homes for sale, which allows it to combine the authenticity of the original structure with all-new modern amenities. One advantage is that the entire venue is now ADA accessible for all of your guests.
  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hotel 24 South (@hotel24south)

• Hotel 24 South – 24 South Market Street, Staunton, VA 24401
  Hotel 24 South is known for a variety of things, among them being one of the oldest surviving hotels in vibrant downtown Staunton. Built in 1924, it was restored in 2005 and renovated in 2018. Replete with historic charm and character, its principal wedding venue is the Colonnade Ballroom, featuring majestic columns and sweeping ceilings. The much larger Shenandoah Ballroom is also available.
  
  
• Fairfax Hall – 1101 Reservoir Street, Waynesboro, VA, 22980
  Fairfax Hall will dazzle you with one of the oldest and most storied historic wedding venues anywhere in Virginia. It was built in 1890 and was originally known as the Brandon Hotel. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it perches on a pristine hillside that overlooks Waynesboro. In addition to weddings, it's been known to host banquets, civic events, and large parties of all different kinds.
  
  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Event Center at Turk Mountain (@tmeventcenter)

• The Event Center at Turk Mountain – 1358 East Side Highway, Waynesboro, VA 22980
  The Event Center at Turk Mountain is one of the best places to consider if you need to welcome many hundreds of guests. The astonishing 9,000-square foot space can be transformed to suit almost any kind of need. Wedding packages come complete with a two-day venue rental, and the space is available from 8 a.m. through 11 p.m. – including a catering kitchen, easels, sound system, and outdoor space.
  
  
• American Shakespeare Center – 10 South Market Street, Staunton, VA 24401
  For a unique experience, American Shakespeare Center is not to be missed. Of course, the ASC provides the community with performances and special insights into the work of "the Great Bard," William Shakespeare. But you can also rent the Blackfriars Playhouse – a recreation of the English playhouse where many of Shakespeare's works were first seen. Open since 2001, it has a 300-seat capacity.
  
  
• The Club at Ironwood – 62 Country Club Circle, Staunton, VA 24401
  For golf lovers of all backgrounds and skill levels, The Club at Ironwood is sure to please. This full-service golf course introduces 18 splendid holes with a range of different challenges. Choose to hold your wedding here and you will enjoy sumptuous dining at the beloved 19th Hole Restaurant located in the exclusive clubhouse. Tennis and aquatics at the pool are also available for you and all of those celebrating.

Ready to learn more about life in Augusta County? Contact us today to find out more about Augusta County real estate.