For Les and Libby Robertson, moving to Savannah in early 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter; one filled with new experiences, new friendships and a welcome change of pace.

Libby is originally from San Diego, where she met Les, who grew up in Chicago. The couple married, settled in California and raised five children, now ages 25 to 30. After years of busy family life and careers, they were ready for something different.

“We relocated to Savannah in early 2024 and are enjoying the slower pace of this smaller, charming, southern city,” they say.

Since arriving, the Robertsons have embraced the Savannah lifestyle, filling their weekends with the things they enjoy most. When they aren't traveling to visit family scattered along the Eastern Seaboard from Washington, D.C., to Florida, they can often be found exploring the city.  “We like to try new local restaurants, visit the farmers market, attend live music events, and grab a morning coffee and walk along the riverfront with Archie.”

Archie, their Norfolk Terrier, is rarely far from their side. In fact, the couple jokes that Archie owns them, rather than the other way around.  Norfolk Terriers, or “Norfies,” are relatively uncommon in the United States, with many associated more with the show-dog circuit than with life as companion pets. Archie, however, has firmly established himself as a beloved member of the Robertson family. He may display all the classic terrier characteristics — “stubbornness, independence and feistiness” — but his personality has made him a favorite with everyone who knows him.  He has also become an unexpected social director for his new owners.

“Dogs make great conversation starters, so Archie has helped us meet many of our neighbors while out on our daily walks,” the Robertsons say. “If you see us out walking Archie, please come up and say hello.”

When they're not exploring Savannah with Archie, Les and Libby each have hobbies that reflect their individual personalities.

Libby is an avid home baker who especially enjoys bringing people together through food. One of her favorite traditions is hosting an annual holiday cookie-decorating party for friends. While in San Diego she was a volunteer baker for Cake4Kids, a nationwide nonprofit that provides custom baked and decorated birthday cakes for foster kids. Since moving to Savannah, she has also resumed practicing Pilates and recently picked up the creative hobby of needle felting.  Les is equally passionate about food, but his other great love is music. He has built a sizable vinyl collection featuring mostly ’70s classic rock, Chicago blues and ’80s new wave. Retirement has also given him more time to enjoy cooking and experimenting in the kitchen.  “Since retiring, I’ve been able to spend more time experimenting with new recipes and sourcing special ingredients from the local farmers and ethnic markets,” he says.

Travel is another shared passion. The Robertsons have visited more than 15 countries together, and they always seem to have another adventure in the works. Their most recent trip was a two-and-a-half-week journey through Sicily earlier this summer.

Family remains an important part of their lives, even with their five children now spread across the country. Over the past seven or eight years, the family has created a special Thanksgiving tradition of renting homes in beautiful waterfront locations including coastal Maine, St. Augustine and Folly Beach to bring everyone together for the holiday weekend.  This year, the tradition will take on a distinctly local flavor. The Robertsons will host Thanksgiving dinner at their Savannah home, while several family members will stay nearby in a short-term rental on Tybee Island.

The couple has also begun putting down roots in the Savannah community. Libby recently started volunteering in the NICU at Memorial Health, while Les is a member of Proof & Provision Whisky Club, a local bourbon club that meets monthly in downtown Savannah.

Professionally, Les is a retired lawyer who now works in arbitrations, mediations and expert consulting, specializing in insurance coverage and risk management. Libby works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for an AmLaw Top 20 law firm with more than 50 offices worldwide.

With family, travel, food, music and community woven into their lives, the Robertsons are making the most of this new season. And while Savannah may have offered them the slower pace they were seeking, Archie has ensured they aren't slowing down when it comes to meeting people.

For Les and Libby, settling into their new home seems to be less about putting down roots all at once and more about discovering the city one walk, meal, market, concert and neighborly conversation at a time.

Stroll Ardsley Park is about celebrating the people, places and local businesses that make Ardsley Park and Midtown Savannah such special places to call home. Through neighborhood stories, community connections and opportunities to discover local businesses, Stroll Ardsley helps Ardsley Park homeowners, residents and Savannah business owners get to know one another and the community around them. From historic homes and familiar neighborhood streets to the locally owned shops, restaurants and services that give Savannah its character, we believe that a strong community begins with people coming together. Our goal is to help neighbors connect, support local businesses and celebrate the unique spirit of Ardsley Park and Midtown Savannah, Georgia.