9 KNOWAtlanta Spring 2006

A Way of Life in Atlanta

By Michelle Bourg

It used to be that a drive through an upscale neighborhood was a tour through a land of oversized, faceless mini-fortresses-"McMansions" remarkable only for sheer square footage. Impressive, yes, but not memorable.

But things have changed. More young, single entrepreneurs and women are buying, and the Internet and mass media have produced savvy customers who know the options available to them. While they still want plenty of room, they're equally interested in quality and attention to detail, and they want homes that reflect their personal style. Increasingly, these sophisticated and diverse luxury homebuyers are finding just what they need right here in Atlanta.

Despite the diversity in the current market, certain items show up on many wish lists. According to Pam Gebhardt, Realtor with REIMAX Greater Atlanta , buyers are looking for large main-floor master suites with sitting rooms, paneled studies and media rooms. Gourmet kitchens are in high demand, featuring granite counters, custom cabinets, and name-brand appliances such as Thermador cooktops and Sub-Zero commercial

KNOWAtlanta Spring 2006 93

A luxury property from Paces Ferry Realty

refrigerators . Finishing touches include heavy trim, built-in shelving, and high­tech wiring for security and entertainment systems. Popular exterior elements include

three-car garages , and rustic elevations showcasing cedar shake siding, slate roof­ing and copper gutters.

~=-L../'et:J.et:><v.n an exclusive new neighborhood

of perfectly secluded elegance- THE ENCLAVE AT OAK

GROVE. It's an intimate community crafted to exceed

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offering spacious homes filled with exquisite custom

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centers, recreational opportunities and much more .

All these desired features are possible in

a variety of packages. Older in town homes are often extensively renovated to bring them in step with modern tastes, while retaining the graceful and established feel of their older neighborhoods. More recently built suburban homes are often found in gated communities designed around amenities such as golf, tennis, or swimming. Younger buyers may opt for a condo unit in a high rise near downtown, close to the hum of the city's dining and nightlife.

According to Cheri Riley, president and managing broker with Paces Ferry Realty, the high ·rises often seek to differentiate themselves on the basis of services offered, such as fitness facilities, valet parking or nightly happy hours, complete with a bartender.

Whatever form it takes , a luxury home is much more than the sum of its parts. Laura Solari , marketing manager for Laurel River Homes, feels that in addition to the appointments and amenities , a key aspect of the luxury home is the customer service provided during the sale.

"It's the attention paid to the customer by the Realtor, builder and others during

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94 KNOWAtlanta Spring 2006

.the purchasing process, says Solari. "It's an all-encompassing package." These homes are also the centerpiece of their owners' vision of their lives . "People are gravitating to lifestyles," says Riley. "Besides appoint­ments and finishes, they're looking for a home that affords access to their chosen lifestyle, whether its culture, recreational activities, or having land. It's a very per­sonal thing."

Luxury home prices in Atlanta vary widely and start lower than you may think. Homes in suburban areas will range from $500,000 up to $2 million or more, while

96 KNOWAtlanta Spring 2006

intown homes and condos start at about three-quarters of a million. However, it's possible to find a high-end townhome in the $300s and $400s. Of course, what's important is value, and Atlanta offers lots of bang for the buck when compared to other major cities like New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles. 'There's really no comparison-relocators are surprised by what they can afford here ," says Solari.

Atlanta boasts one of the strongest lux­ury home markets in the country, and experts agree that it will remain so for the foreseeable future. Builders and develop­ers are offering a. wide range of elegant and beautiful options to meet a high level of demand, making the city a leader in upscale housing. Whatever your personal style, you're sure to find the home of your dreams in Atlanta. •

Luxury Home Resources

Donny Brook Homes (678) 354-6233

Governor's Preserve (770) 380-4096

R & M Homes· Jenny Pruitt (770) 696-0000

Laurel River Properties (770) 993-1993

Hedgewood Homes (770) 887-0531

Homes by Williamscraft (770) 594-70 17

The Key at St. Lucia (770) 785-2587