10/12/2026
Let's clear a few things up real fast. And don't skim through this one!
First things first—we have moved!
We have officially left Bristol, VA, and moved to Washington County, just outside Abingdon.
Part of the reason I wanted to come back to Abingdon is that I’m from Washington County, and this is just a few miles from where I grew up. Monica came to Abingdon when she was around 20, so this area has always held a special place in both of our hearts.
We wanted privacy, acreage, and a place where Rory could run free. Boy, do we have all of that!
This 1803 farm, with its old barns, rolling hayfields, and stream, feels like it was simply meant to be ours.
And if you've never seen the house, you're correct. It cannot be seen from the road. For that reason, I won't be sharing our exact location or address on social media. I will, however, be delighted to share projects, updates, and plenty of adventures as we begin restoring this old place and finding our way into farm life.
The property was never on the market, so you won't find it on any real estate website, either. Privacy was one of the things we wanted most, and we intend to keep it that way.
"Wait... so your office is in Knoxville, TN, but you live in Abingdon, and you still work all over Southwest Virginia?"
YES!
Let me clarify something. I do NOT live or work in Knoxville. I am affiliated with Wallace Real Estate, a Knoxville-based firm and the largest independent real estate company in East Tennessee.
Wallace's reputation, marketing, and long-standing presence in the region made it the perfect fit for me. And yes, I fully intend to open a Wallace office right here in our region!
I'm currently working through my broker's course at a comfortable pace so that my education doesn't interfere with what matters most—serving my clients as The Old House Agent®.
And speaking of that...
If your house is old, I'm your agent!
From the historic neighborhoods of Bristol, Virginia, and Tennessee, to the countryside of Greeneville, TN, and all the way up to Radford, VA, my work takes me across the region.
I'm not simply an Abingdon agent. I'm a regional agent serving Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
I list historic houses, share their stories, and celebrate the landmarks and communities that make this part of the country so special. That has always been my passion, and that isn't changing.
"You're so busy, I didn't want to bother you about listing my house."
Now, this one hits me right in the gut.
Yes, I'm busy. Very busy, actually. But here's the thing: you WANT an agent who is busy!
If everyone assumed I was too busy to list their home and never called, well... there wouldn't be an Old House Agent!
Thankfully, my phone rings every day, and I am incredibly grateful for that. But please don't ever mistake a full schedule for a lack of interest in your property.
I am never too busy to want your business.
Sometimes it may take me a day to return a call or message, but I WILL get back to you. Your property matters to me, whether it's a grand historic landmark or a humble old farmhouse at the end of a country road.
Now, here's how all of this ties together.
Every major change I've made recently has been intentional, and every one of them has been about building a better life for my family while becoming a better agent for my clients.
As we sell our Bristol properties and settle into country life, I'll actually have MORE time to devote to real estate.
I've stepped away from boards and committees, not because I don't care about our communities, but because I've realized that my time and energy are better spent focusing on my family, my clients, and the work I love.
Joining Wallace gives me the strength, resources, and reputation of an established firm while allowing me to continue doing what has made The Old House Agent special.
Working toward my broker's license is another investment in my knowledge, my future, and ultimately, the people who trust me with their homes.
It's not about doing less. It's about doing more of what matters.
The Old House Agent and Wallace Real Estate are a perfect pairing, and I'm excited about what's ahead.
So, yes, we've moved. Yes, I'm busy. Yes, I'm still selling houses across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. And YES, I would absolutely love to hear from you if you're thinking about selling yours!
After all, old houses aren't just my business.
They're my life.
Daniel Shew, The Old House Agent ®
Serving owners of Historic and Distinguished homes in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
Licensed in Virginia and Tennessee
Wallace Real Estate
625 S. Gay Street, Suite 205
Knoxville, TN 37902
Mobile: 276-274-5271
Office: 865-321-1111
