Welcome to the boyhood home of Earl Hamner, Jr., creator of the popular 1970’s television series The Waltons and the house that served as a model for the show. Built in 1915, as a company house, by the local soapstone company. The Hamners bought the home in 1929 when Earl Sr. worked as a machinist for The Alberene Stone Company.

Come join us! Stay in one of the Depression era rooms at John & Olivia's Bed & Breakfast.

Please be aware that most cell phones do not have reception in the Schuyler area, especially AT&T. For overnight guests, we provide WI-FI that can be connected to cell phones and other electronic devices. The password is provided in the information binder you receive upon arrival.

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Earl Hamner Jr.

the real John-Boy Walton

Portraying the heart of America.

For more than a decade, one of America’s favorite award winning family shows, “The Waltons” aired on TV.  Come, visit the ‘real’ home of it’s creator, author Earl Hamner Jr., the ‘real’ John-Boy Walton.

People have been asking for more than four decades if "the family is real" and "is there a 'real' Walton's Mountain?"  The answer is yes. Though the names might be different Earl Hamner based the show on his memories of growing up in rural Virginia with his family during the depression. He wrote what he knew...and from the heart. It's for those reasons that his home and family has left a legacy of inspiration for many who wish they grew up...like the Waltons.

Best known for creating the TV shows 'Falcon Crest' and 'The Waltons', Earl wrote his entire life, creating many stories, scripts and novels.

Drive through the meandering country roads south of Charlottesville, east of the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll come to the sleepy town of Schuyler, Virginia. Just down from the schoolhouse and up from the Baptist church stands the childhood home of Earl Hamner Jr., the writer-creator of the much loved television show ‘The Waltons’.

You have arrived at the ‘Real’ Walton’s Mountain. Come, sit on the porch and stay awhile.

Country Charm & Family Values

Discover Earl’s enduring legacy through replicas from ‘The Waltons’ Hollywood set and antiques from the Hamner and Giannini homes. Step back to a gentler time...

Other Area Attractions

In front of the house is the original shed that Earl would use at times to write in to get some peace from other member’s of his family. This became well known as the garden shed and home to John-Boy’s office for the “Blue Ridge Chronicle” on the TV show. It is now home to the “Walton’s Mountain Country Store” and carries many fine gifts, crafts and items related to the show. Sometimes you can even find some hard to find authentic memorabilia for sale as well. The store also runs a B&B as well.

Just up the road from the house is Earl’s old high school that is now home to the Walton’s Mountain Museum and the Schuyler Community Center. Recreations of the Walton's kitchen, living room and John-Boy’s bedroom plus much memorabilia, as well as a recreation of the front porch and the original “Pony Cart” as seen in 2 episodes of the show “The Pony Cart” and “The Ordeal” can be experienced.  As well, the Godsey’s Mercantile gift shop carries many excellent souvenirs, books and videos related to “The Waltons” TV Show.

While in town make sure to see the Baptist Church that Doris attended with her children and Earl Sr. avoided in favor of fishing in the Rockfish River. The Alberene Soapstone Company is the Quarry where Earl Sr. made his living providing for his family of 10. In fact the Hamner home was a company house built by the quarry for it's workers.

A new attraction for the community is The Quarry Gardens. Opened in 2017 the quarries were actively mined between the 1950s and 1970s.  Visitors can now enjoy private gardens, exhibits on native plants, local ecosystems, and the history of the soapstone industry in Schuyler. Plans are to build out native plant communities in 14 ecozones and 7 conservation areas immediately surrounding the quarry pools.

A 5.5 mile walking and biking trail RAILS-TO-TRAILS: ESMONT-ALBERENE QUARRY LINE TRAIL from the town of Esmont to the Alberene Soapstone Quarry is available to be explored just east of Schuyler.

There are many more things to see, do and discover in the region, wine tours are quite popular, visit one of the many caverns, a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must and be sure to visit The Natural Bridge.