Jill Wagner, best known for her roles in “Lioness” and various Hallmark and Great American Family movies, has embarked on a new chapter of her life away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. In an exclusive feature with PEOPLE, the actress opened up about her decision to leave L.A. and embrace a slower-paced lifestyle on a rural farm in Tennessee, reconnecting with her Southern roots.
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The journey began for Wagner and her husband, David Lemanowicz, when they stumbled upon the Scott Mansion in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, nine years ago. The century-old neoclassical farmhouse, sitting on 200 acres of picturesque rolling hills, had been left abandoned for a decade. Despite its dilapidated state, the couple saw the potential for a new life there and envisioned raising their future children in the tranquillity of the countryside.
Renovating the mansion was no small feat, taking 18 months to restore to its former glory. Wagner, originally hailing from North Carolina, felt a deep connection to the property and saw it as an opportunity to preserve a piece of history. The process also tested her relationship with Lemanowicz, marking a significant milestone in their journey together.
Having spent her twenties and thirties in L.A., pursuing her acting career, Wagner found solace in the familiarity of a small-town lifestyle. The farm in Tennessee reminded her of her upbringing, offering a sense of comfort and belonging that she had missed during her years in Los Angeles. The move to a town with a population of 800 people felt like a return to her roots rather than a loss.
The farmhouse’s restoration not only included preserving its original features but also incorporating modern elements to make it a functional family home. Wagner’s design aesthetic had to adapt to the historical context of the property, setting aside her preference for mid-century modern styles. The result is a blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort, reflecting both the mansion’s heritage and the family’s identity.
Beyond the physical transformation of the farmhouse, Wagner and Lemanowicz have cultivated a rich life on the farm, embracing a simpler way of living. Their daughters are homeschooled on the property, surrounded by nature and the farm’s gentle inhabitants, including a herd of cattle. The couple has also opened their land to the community, hosting events like the annual Patriotic Pick to benefit charitable causes.
For Wagner, the decision to leave Hollywood glamour behind in favour of a rural existence was a conscious choice to deepen connections with her family and her surroundings. The slower pace of life allows for meaningful interactions and a reconnection with nature, far removed from the fast-paced entertainment industry. The farm has become a sanctuary where the actress finds peace and fulfillment, living out her own version of a “Little House on the Prairie” life.
Ultimately, Wagner’s journey from L.A. to rural Tennessee encapsulates a profound shift in priorities and values, highlighting the beauty of simplicity and the importance of preserving history. Her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of embracing new beginnings and rediscovering one’s roots in unexpected places.