Pamplin is a large rural community that originated as a booming railroad town
The rural community of Pamplin, located between the cities of Farmville and Appomattox, is primarily residential, consisting mostly of farms and country estates connected by winding backroads and outstretched highways. This area dates to the 1700s and was once named after local shoe shop. That changed after local landowner Nicholas Calvin Pamplin donated large tracts of land to the railroad in the mid-1800s. "It's a nice little in-between point," says local Realtor Ben Manis of Re/Max Advantage Plus. He's sold homes across the region for a few years and lives in Farmville. He says this area, home to fewer than 200 people, offers a slower pace while still being relatively close to Appomattox, Farmville or even Lynchburg. "It's a nice breathing area," Manis says.
Historic farmhouses and mid-century ranch-style homes
Much of the draw to Pamplin is in its large, densely wooded lots. Many of Pamplin's late 19th and early 20th-century farmhouses still stand. They sit between historic cottages in the town center and on sizable lots across the community. Housing development, while minimal, continued throughout the 20th century, predominantly including ranch-style homes. The median sale price in Pamplin is $200,000, lower than the national median. Manis says the land in Pamplin is great for buyers "ready for a laid-back farm life."
Fishing and hunting in the state forest
Pamplin has minimal public green space, but according to Manis, most residents have sizable lots where they enjoy outdoor activities. He says residents hunt and fish on their properties or head to Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. The state forest sprawls across more than 19,000 acres, about 15 miles north of Pamplin and also offers miles of multi-use trails popular for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. It's also home to Holliday Lake State Park, where anglers reel in largemouth bass and bluegill. The lake has a designated swimming area, a small dock for boat launches and a snack bar. Camping is popular near the water. Pamplin is the westernmost point of the High Bridge Trail, a 32.2-mile trek named for the iconic High Bridge. Residents enjoy cycling and walking the trail.
Dinner at MiPa's and shopping in Appomattox
Pamplin's commercial infrastructure is limited to a few small businesses around the town center. MiPa's Table, the community's only restaurant, occupies one of Main Street's red-brick buildings. It sources ingredients from local farms and businesses, including meat from J-Mar Farm in Cullen and parsley from the Pamplin Community Farmer's Market. The farmer's market also has baked goods, pastured chicken, eggs and cheeses. Pamplin is also home to Tolley's Market, a small gas station with snacks and drinks, and Dollar General. Locals often head to Walmart or Kroger in Appomattox for big grocery hauls. "They're working toward getting the old storefronts back up and running," Manis says.
Appomattox County Public Schools earn high remarks on Niche
Two school districts serve Pamplin: Appomattox County Public Schools to the west and Prince Edward County Public Schools to the east. Appomattox County Public Schools scores an overall B-plus on Niche. Prince Edward County Public Schools rates a C-minus.
Hopping on U.S. Route 460
Pamplin is a car-dependent community, removed from busy towns and cities. U.S. Route 460 cuts through the area, running 10 miles west to Appomattox and 17 miles east to Farmville. Lynchburg is about 31 miles away. Centra Southside Community Hospital is one of the nearest medical facilities, located about 17 miles away, and the Lynchburg Regional Airport offers domestic flights to and from Charlotte, around 31 miles east.
Written By
Brennen Martin
