Our Story
“Everyone has a story, but ours is my favorite.”
The Overlook at Belle Vista Farm was cultivated out of our family’s desire to share our picturesque backdrop for your special events. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, we have beautiful views of surrounding mountains and rolling pastures. On a clear day, if you look northward, you’ll see Signal Knob in Mount Jackson and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east.
This farm has been in our family for over half a century now, and it continues to be a working farm. It was referred to as "The Belle Place" by Eric’s grandfather. William (Bill) and Phyllis Simmons bought the farm in 1965. Since his grandparents grew up during the Great Depression, a deep appreciation for hard work was instilled in them. This work ethic was required to clear the densely growing cedar trees from the farm to create pasture. Granddaddy Bill and Grandma Phyllis would spend many evenings clearing cedars after granddaddy had worked a full day at a local tractor dealership. During the process of clearing the land, Eric’s grandparents enjoyed exceptional views from our hills too.
Eric’s parents, Ronnie and Teresa Simmons, built the dairy in 1995, and Eric manages it. Simmons Sport Horses LLC relocated to the family farm in May 2019 and is managed by Jared Simmons (grandson of Bill & Phyllis).
