Those with only a passing knowledge of Georgia probably are most familiar with Atlanta and Savannah. But by limiting a home search to those well-known spots, prospective buyers could miss out on some unique venues around the state. After all, some of Georgia’s less-known areas, including Peachtree City and St. Simons Island, provide some remarkable residential options. 

 

Year-round resort living 

Peachtree City, for instance, delivers access to the jobs and cultural life of Atlanta. It’s situated less than one hour south of downtown. But, as Mike Robinson of RE/MAX Around Atlanta Results says, “Everyday, it feels like you’re coming home to a resort after work.” Robinson still sees properties selling and financing being offered, though he also acknowledges a softening and a slowing in the market. That means there are some attractive deals for buyers. “We didn’t enjoy those huge leaps in Peachtree City, so we also don’t get the huge hits when the market turns,” he observes. He’s been relying heavily on his appraisal knowledge and twenty-plus years in the real estate industry to help clients make wise, informed decisions. 

 

For buyers, one such decision could entail purchasing a 5,400-square-foot house in North Cove, an upscale enclave within Peachtree City whose neighborhood design emulates some of the elements and ambiance of historic Charleston, South Carolina. The property is being offered as a turnkey, meaning that the furnishings are included in the $3.95-million asking price. “The linens are on the beds, so someone really only needs to bring clothes and a toothbrush,” says Robinson. 

The property was custom-designed from top to bottom. The four-bedroom house includes an array of unusual touches, such as custom chandeliers in the front and back foyers, gold leaf highlights on the ceiling, Alder wood interior doors, and a hand-painted domed ceiling. Outside sits a full outdoor kitchen overlooking the pool and spa, and a separate two-story house can serve as a guest cottage or housing for a nanny or caretaker. A sunroom features views of Lake Kedron. Among the additional highlights of the home are an elevator, a custom closet with a built-in safe, and a posh master bathroom with limestone floors and stone sinks. “Everything in this house was designed and done to perfection,” observes Robinson. 

 

Beyond the confines of the house sits a larger community and its array of amenities. Peachtree City, itself, is actually a master-planned city spread across 15,000 acres. It’s known for its network of golf paths—more than ninety miles of them—that wind around the community through wooded areas, lakes, and green space. The series of paths means that residents can abandon their cars and get to school, work, and shopping via golf cart. The paths also serve the needs of bikers, runners, and in-line skaters. In addition, a membership to one of Peachtree City’s golf courses gives golfers access to a total of twenty-three courses. Additional recreational options include tennis, swimming, and boating. Such amenities are likely the reasons residents have the sense that they’re living in a year-round resort. 

Three times, a charm

Susan Hardwick has gotten used to people’s disbelief when they discover there are coastal areas of Georgia set on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s just the first of many happy surprises for those who visit St. Simons Island for the first time. Hardwick is a broker with Sea Palms Realty Company, St. Simons Island.

St. Simons Island is situated halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, and both cities are within about sixty miles. St. Simons is one of a trio of picturesque islands that includes Sea Island and Jekyll Island. “Our own airport and the proximity to Jacksonville make the island easily accessible for those who want to discover someplace different,” she says.  

And different the environment is. “We have live oaks, no billboards and it’s green year-round,” comments Hardwick. “Moreover, it’s quaint and steeped in the deepest of history.” Among its historic sites are the St. Simons Lighthouse and Fort Frederica, established in 1736. 

Hardwick observes that it usually requires a mere three visits to St. Simons before people take the leap to buy. That’s fine by her. The first two visits involve getting to know the place and becoming enamored. On the third visit, they stop by her real estate office. 

Typically people fall in love with the pristine nature, an ambiance of southern charm, and a vast array of recreation, including fishing, golfing, kayaking, and hiking. The island also delivers on the cultural front with artists, galleries, and theater space. Relative affordability is a further draw, and home prices in the luxury tier range from approximately $800,000 to over $2 million. 

One property is situated on a marsh, which, says Hardwick, “Changes colors with the season.” The $899,000 house, built in 2001, consists of two stories. One, a 2,200-square-foot main house, is perched high on the lot, and below is a five-car garage and two extremely large storage areas that make up approximately the same size as the main living area. According to Hardwick, such a vast amount of storage space is highly desirable. 

The focal point of the five-bedroom property is its forty-one-foot-long porch that offers sweeping views to Sea Island on one side and to sandy dunes and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Of equal beauty is a great room that connects to the grand porch, notes Hardwick. 

Another appealing aspect of the island is that the population includes a dynamic mix of residents, sixty percent of whom are full-timers. “We get a nice cross section of people from various professions, and it’s a nice melting pot.”  Moreover, the island is quite welcoming to new people. For instance, there are several active newcomers’ clubs and many residents have made lifelong friendships that stem from participation in such groups. 

St. Simons really provides an ideal escape from the chaos of conventional life. “If you like the big city but want a getaway, this island provides for that,” Hardwick comments. “You can enjoy the city and then find quiet on your island.” 

 

If seeing is believing, there can be no doubt that Suzanne Perkins is Santa Barbara’s preeminent real estate professional. Her record is unparalleled; her Top Agent awards and accolades unmatched. Representing some of the globe's most distinguished clientele, Suzanne's phenomenal success in the Santa Barbara market has reached historical proportions. Suzanne Perkins is ranked #1 agent worldwide for Sotheby's International Realty. In addition, Suzanne is the #1 Real Estate Agent in Santa Barbara County for 2007 as well as the top agent in Santa Barbara County for the entire Multiple Listing Service. In January 2007, Suzanne represented the sellers in the largest non-commercial transaction in California history, consisting of the El Cojo and Jalama Ranches, which were listed at a combined $155 million. In February 2007, she represented both Seller and Buyer in the highest value residential oceanfront transaction in Santa Barbara history. Commanding panoramic coastline and mountain views create a dramatic building site for a world class estate on this rare "on the beach" 3.5+ acre ocean front property located on Montecito's renowned Fernald Point Lane. The entry parcel offers a 3 bedroom remodeled beach cottage that could be used for living quarters during the construction of a spectacular primary residence on the ocean front parcel which opens to 300+/- feet of ocean frontage. There are Construction Drawings, active Building Plans and Permits for a luxurious one of a kind Mediterranean home with approximately 12,000 sq ft. of living space. The large and expansive public rooms open to beautiful beachfront terraces and loggia with expansive views of sandy beaches and treetop vistas of the mountains which define this exclusive seaside community on the Southern California coastline. With privacy and miles of pristine beaches to stroll on, this estate site of two parcels will never be found again and offers an opportunity to build an unparalleled beach estate. Live on the beach in a way few others ever will with privacy, acres of gated gardens, a three bedroom country cottage, and rooms which open to the drama of the seashore in front of your special beachfront residence. $47,000,000

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The word “Estate” has become trivialized in today’s vernacular of custom homes. Fifteen minutes from DFW by car and 5 minutes from the roof of “The W” by helicopter, this hidden jewel conjures images of Biltmore residing in Texas. Each room of this 19,337 sqft grand estate holds spectacular details. The French country kitchen is outfitted with an Aga stove and a cooper hood, a walk-in refrigerator and freezer hidden by a custom-made Gothic panel door, cabinets made from antique artifacts, and a backsplash inlaid with antique wooden chocolate molds. The formal living room suggests a tranquil chapel, with its stained-glass windows, and immense hand carved stone fireplace. Whether it’s the Sultan’s Tent themed media room, walnut-inlaid marble floors, a herringbone bricked arched ceilings, a masculine billiard room bedecked with shoe-shine chairs, or the stunning tree of life tile work that punctuates the secondary pool, such unique details of this home belie the belief that large spaces are always impersonal ones. This property is listed by Vanessa Van Trease from Chateau Realty, LLC.

The Ultimate Hidden Hills compound estate! A world class private resort like no other. Every amenity desired and expected is in this equestrian masterpiece designed to perfection. A water world multi-million dollar, 200,000 gallon pool with cascading waterfalls, 80' slide, tremendous grotto, and MUCH more. A true entertainer’s fantasy! Other exterior amenities include a North/South tennis court, 5 stall horse facilities with riding arena, sand volleyball court, commercial bathrooms, mechanical bull, viewing pavilions and more. The interior appointments are second to none boasting unparalleled quality for the most discriminating buyer. 24 seat theater, game room, spa/massage room, master with his and hers bathrooms, and the most spectacular wine cellar/tasting room you have ever seen. This is the most unique awe inspiring equestrian estate on the market! This property is listed by Jordan Cohen from RE/MAX Olson & Associates, Inc.

 

 

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The Cliffs at Glassy Mountain - Greenville, South Carolina Gorgeous French Country home sits atop of Glassy Mountain and offers breath taking views of the 6th and 7th fairways with an unobstructed long range view of Spartanburg Valley. Expansive windows bring the outdoors into each room and provide natural light and an airy atmosphere throughout. The exterior and interior was repainted and stoned in 2005. A slate floor entry welcomes you into the foyer with vaulted and beamed ceilings.. A two story stacked stoned fireplace is just one of the many attractive features of this home… The kitchen features all Kitchen Aid appliances, an island, customcabinetry, a built-in desk, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen opensinto the hearth room that features a wet bar, wine refrigerator and 2 chandeliers and stoned fireplace.. This room has French doors that lead to the screened in porch and deck. Offered to you by Ken Burnside... for $1,350,000 It's all yours at

Beautiful luxury home in Coral Gables, Florida offered to you by the Zeder Team. It's a 6 bedroom 5.1 bath home located in the beautiful community of Coco Plum, a private waterfront community in the heart of Coral Gables. The 10,009 sq. ft home was built in 1995 and has been meticulously updated and cared for. Large gracious rooms, high ceilings, superior details and a magnificent winding staircase are a few of the homes features. The home has large entertaining areas both inside and out with covered terraces that lead to a gorgeous pool, patio and summer kitchen. The oversized 26,449 ft. lot has a fabulous water view of the wide channel, with one bridge to bay. The beautiful dock can accommodate a 45 ft boat. The home is walking distance from the resident’s clubhouse which offers an additional swimming pool, lighted tennis courts and a children’s playground. This dream home is one of a kind.

and all yours for $10,500,000

If you’ve ever got yourself wondering where the most expensive hotels, the largest construction locations, or tallest buildings are; your answer will probably be Dubai. A place that would make King Midas jealous, Dubai is known to be over the top. Currently, it has the largest construction sites, the largest man-made islands, the tallest indoor ski slope, the most luxurious and expensive hotels (Burj Al Arab Royal Suites costs $6,850 per night) , and the richest horse race in the world.

Dubai is a business and destination paradise. In order to attract more investors, the government “set up series of free trade zones, promising no taxes, minimal regulation, and special incentives to corporations willing to locate to the emirate.”¹ For tourists, Dubai offers the most exotic hotels and resorts, amazing indoor ski parks, desert safaris, and unique dinning experience.

In addition, Dubai’s luxurious real estate it is beyond spectacular.  It features an exceptional mixture of traditional Middle Eastern construction, modern architecture, and luxurious style.  It starts with the land layout; buyers can chose proprieties from the infamous palm tree islands to buying their own island from the newest “the world”. The latest, are man-made islands that were positioned in order to imitate the world’s map.

¹ Steve Kroft CBS News.

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Meet Mara and Michael Davis. Their home renovation has been featured on the HGTV channel show “My Big Amazing Renovation”. Located on the heart of Chicago, IL, this family had an initial budget of $ 800,000 and twelve months to finish an ambitious project to turn four sky risers’ apartments into a luxurious one.

 The new 3300 square feet home features include exotic Brazilian wood floor with an African wood detailing, unique marble counter tops, bathrooms, and floating illuminated sink on power room. Renovations on high riser are a huge challenge for construction because windows cannot be open, hiding wiring and plumbing is different from a regular house, and materials transportation must be carefully calculated. Besides the “usual” problems that a renovation can bring, the Davis had to deal with suppliers’ delays and bankruptcy.

 After six months over the deadline and $ 200,000 over budget, the apartment was finally finished. Mara says: “This is my sanctuary in the sky.” The results are truly amazing. Now, do you think you could handle a renovation like this?