Justin and Lauren Roper’s careers may have brought them to the city, but their roots have always been in rural Tennessee. Their story began during childhood and, after starting their own family, they were ready to reconnect with their roots, find an escape and get closer to loved ones.
Justin and Lauren both grew up with a deep appreciation for the rural lifestyle. Justin, raised on a 100-acre farm, experienced firsthand the authenticity and community that country living offered. Lauren grew up in town but loved spending time with friends in the surrounding wilderness, something she and Justin originally bonded over. "There's something truly authentic about the rural lifestyle," Justin reflected. "Although you can find a sense of community in a city, it's just a bit easier to find in the country—I think that's special."
By trade, Lauren is a French teacher and Justin is a physicist, shaping radiation beams for cancer treatments. After spending their early careers in urban environments, they were eager to rediscover the peace and tranquility of their hometown in Sparta, Tennessee.
"Once you're in a city, you start to miss the peace that comes from the countryside," Lauren explained. When a tract of land came up for auction five years ago, it was an opportunity they couldn't pass up. This wasn't just any land; it held personal memories of their childhood experiences of four-wheeling, camping and even caving.
Though the land seemed untouched and overgrown, to them it was a hidden beauty overlooking the Caney Fork River and the Big Bottom floodplain, with the picturesque Scotts Gulf mountains in the background. The couple envisioned a cabin, a haven for weekend getaways, a place to share with their children, and a future home in their retirement.
Justin and Lauren knew exactly what they wanted: an orchard filled with apple, pear, persimmon and chestnut trees they could share with the community, space for wildlife and a cabin with a sprawling porch and stunning views. They found a lender and partner in Rural 1st and Senior Loan Officer Brandon Savage who understood their unique rural aspirations.
"I think it's incredibly important to work with someone who understands the goals we have in rural living," Justin emphasized. "A traditional lender may not appreciate some of the considerations that are important to us in a rural lifestyle."
With the help of a childhood friend-turned-builder and the Rural 1st team, their vision materialized on a napkin in a local diner early one morning. "The Big Bottom Bungalow," named with Lauren's love for alliteration, became their sanctuary. During the COVID-19 pandemic challenges, it became a lifeline. "COVID was a difficult time for everyone, but this land gave us the chance to create lasting and happy memories with our children," Lauren shared.
Today, the Ropers enjoy connecting with wildlife and nature and experiencing the changing seasons across their land. "Each time of year is such a different experience here," Justin described. "The sound of the rushing river dominates the landscape in the winter. It’s always interesting and different to sit here on the front porch sipping a cup of coffee, listening to all the sounds of our property.”
Even more, they enjoy the sense of community felt within their town. Lauren shared, “Even simple trips to the grocery store are filled with friendly faces and warm greetings.”
For Justin and Lauren, the Big Bottom Bungalow is more than just a cabin; it's a connection to their past, a sanctuary for their present and a legacy for their future. It's a place where they can get Closer to What Matters®. "Being out here tends to take that edge off. It’s easier to put down the phone or laptop and connect with family," Justin shared.
Interested in financing your rural escape? Connect with a Rural 1st loan officer today to learn more.
