A slice of vintage heaven exists in Floyd, thanks to the persistence of Bruce Geops. Bruce met his wife, Gwen, at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Having previously worked in real estate, Bruce and Gwen still visit Emerald Isle, but love their home in Floyd. In 2019, they purchased their current property, but their connection to Floyd dates back to 1999 when they acquired an 1880s farmhouse.
After Bruce left Telluride, Colorado, and spent some time living in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, he felt a renewed longing for the mountains. Though living by the ocean in a beautiful spot like Emerald Isle was wonderful, the crisp mountain air, rugged terrain, and mountain communities proved irresistible to him. On a friend’s suggestion, Bruce visited a small, out-of-the-way town, that place was Floyd, and it quickly felt like home.
Settling into the farmhouse just outside of town made it easy for Bruce and his family to become part of Floyd’s warm, welcoming community. The town provided “everything needed and nothing that wasn’t,” offering the peaceful simplicity Bruce valued.
One feature of the town that caught Bruce’s eye was a 16-acre tract of land near the town limits. Part of the land was within town, while most of it bordered the outskirts. The land was a beautiful mix of open, gently sloping fields, a pond, and groves of majestic hardwoods. Despite its appeal, the land wasn’t for sale, and many had tried unsuccessfully to purchase it. Yet, Bruce’s determination and persistence kept hope alive for nearly twelve years.
During this period, Bruce encountered many setbacks, with doors metaphorically slammed shut and the word “no” heard often. Bruce even commissioned a detailed, two-foot-square model of the property, which a realtor presented to the landowner. The owner was so impressed by the model that they invited their spouse to see it. However, this wasn’t enough to persuade them to sell at the time.
A month after the model presentation, and just when Bruce was considering giving up, the realtor called with unexpected news—the owner had decided to sell the property. That moment brought immense relief for Bruce. After years of waiting, stepping onto the land for the first time felt extraordinary, as if he had been entrusted with a beautiful slice of heaven.
Once the property was secured, Bruce began planning for its future. Initially, the vision was to dedicate the land to affordable housing. However, economic factors made that goal unattainable. The focus then shifted to sustainable and creative projects to fund further development. These efforts resulted in the creation of a community recreation area, featuring swimming, pickleball, open spaces, art installations, camps, and live music.
Around the same time, Bruce was battling Lyme disease, which had taken a significant toll on his health. Nearly disabled, Bruce adapted by building a detailed structure on an old RV frame—a project that became a passion when his health allowed for it. This small venture sparked Bruce’s appreciation for vintage RVs, which eventually expanded to include old trains and cars, further inspiring the creation of what is now known as Green Acres.
Today, Green Acres boasts seven restored vintage trailers, along with an 1890s wagon that has been converted into a cozy sleeping space. The vehicles date from the 1930s to the 1960s. Anyone looking for a unique lodging experience on a beautiful property will find it here at Green Acres. Looking ahead, Bruce plans to build tree houses and complete the restoration of another six or seven vehicles. Additionally, the pond has been dredged, docks installed, and sand added, transforming it into a space where the public can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding. A bathhouse with luxurious showers and a firepit with grilling stations have also been added.
Green Acres has become a gathering place where his sons and their families can visit, and where the public can enjoy the outdoors, experience a bit of history, and connect with a unique environment nestled in the mountains of Floyd—thanks to Bruce’s persistence and vision.