Goochland County Chamber of Commerce

Posts Tagged ‘Vernell Burton’

Vernell Mills Burton, lifetime resident, of Goochland County, shares some of her favorite childhood memories growing up in “God’s Country”, as her father Arnold called it. Vernell grew up on her family’s farm near the Henrico County line, with three sisters and a brother. As a child she would often pack a lunch and spend the day exploring the countryside with her cousin Charles (Valentine) on their ponies. Vernell remembers climbing the fire tower across from her Uncle John’s farm and looking out over the treetops for miles.

Today, rooftops have replaced many of the trees, as her Uncle John’s farm is now in the center of bustling Short Pump. Vernell watched as her own family’s farm and property were developed with new homes, as well.

“Goochland is growing, and changing as new families and friends enter the community”. This is an exciting time for Vernell, as she welcomes the opportunity to share her vast knowledge of Goochland County with clients interested in purchasing homes, farms, and land and with friends and family selling theirs. 45 years of experience in the Goochland real estate market give Vernell the experience clients count on when making difficult real estate decisions. Though we are in a tough market, Vernell remembers when mortgage rates climbed to 16 and 18%. “People couldn’t afford to buy at those rates”, she says.

Vernell became a realtor in 1964, a difficult time for women entering the profession. Vernell says, “When I began as a realtor we had to be sponsored by a broker. Being a woman made it hard to find a sponsor”.  Vernell was fortunate to have the opportunity to work for the Weinstein family for nine years, then for Morton Thalhimer.  In 1974 Vernell and two associates formed Triangle Realty, located first in Henrico County’s Koger Executive Center, then western Henrico County, in the Tuckahoe Village Offices.

After enjoying many years of success as a Real Estate broker and agent, Vernell decided to move her business closer to home. The growth in Goochland County allowed her the opportunity to use her lifetime knowledge to assist clients in her own community. 

Today, Goochland Realty, located in Manakin-Sabot, is conveniently located at the intersection on Broad Street and Hockett Road at 1601 Hockett Road. This location was originally home to Centerville Market, one of the first grocery stores in Goochland County.  Old timers remember the market fondly as the community center of Centerville. The once bustling grocery store, owned and operated by William Burton, Vernell’s husband, downsized to a convenience store in the late 80’s.  With this change to selling mostly prepared foods, Vernell became a pastry and dessert chef along with her real estate career. Since cooking is one of her many talents it seemed only natural when Vernell opened The Countryside Gourmet Restaurant. She enjoyed the restaurant business, but found her vision of imported gourmet foods and wines ahead of its time.

The experience was a lot of fun and hard work, nothing new for Vernell. After juggling her responsibilities in the community, her family, and business, Vernell decided to commit more time to her real estate career. She now shares the building with The Sunset Grill Restaurant. This allows her more time to attend events in the Goochland community.

Vernell joined The Goochland Chamber of Commerce when it was formed, and attends networking events whenever possible. She speaks highly of Doris Elderman; Executive Director of the Chamber. Vernell feels the Chamber is an invaluable resource for Goochland businesses. Pamela and Randall, Vernell’s children, are business owners and members as well. Pamela is a graphic artist, and designer of the Goochland Chamber of Commerce logo. Randall has a heating and air conditioning company serving Goochland residents and businesses, as well.

In addition to real estate and her family, Vernell’s years of service to the Goochland community is extensive. She served in dozens of volunteer positions, including six years as Director and President of The Chamber of Commerce, nine years as Director of the Goochland Historical Society and Christmas Mother in the early 90’s.

When asked about her time away from work and the community Vernell offers fascinating details of her ventures pursuing personal interests. Vernell is an avid gardener. She and William spend time traveling extensively to tour gardens all over the world. She describes her home and gardens at Oakley; circa 1834. The gardens at Oakley contain over 200 varieties of daylilies, as well as an extensive collection of native plants. She and William restored Oakley in the mid 80’s, before buying and restoring the last standing Lockkeeper’s house in Virginia. The Lockkeeper’s house, located on Cedar Point Road, is an amazing historic remnant of the original James River Canal System. It was built in 1834, and was used for overnight guests traveling upriver.

Vernell is a wealth of information when it comes to talking about Goochland County’s history. Her passion for the community is exciting and interesting!