Magazine feature: "Luxury Living" A look at trends in luxury housing for professionals relocating to Atlanta

1. 9 KNOWAtlanta Spring 2006

2. AWay of Life
in Atlanta
By Michelle Bourg
I
t 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

3. A luxury property from Paces Ferry Realty
refrigerators. Finishing touches include
heavy trim, built-in shelving, and high-
tech wiring for security and entertainment
systems. Popular exterior elements include
three-car garages, and rustic elevations
showcasing cedar shake siding, slate roof-
ing 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
the expectations of the most discriminating buyer-
offering spacious homes filled with exquisite custom
detail in a peaceful, natural setting. Our large wooded
sites offer all the privacy you desire, a true retreat from
a hectic world. THE ENCLAVE is located within the
luxurious OAK GROVE community, and offers the finest
West Cobb has to offer with excellent schools and
convenient access to restaurants, shopping. business
centers, recreational opportunities and much more.
All these desired features are possible in
a variety of packages. Older intown 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

4. .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 appoint-
ments 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 per-
sonal 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 lux-
ury home markets in the country, and
experts agree that it will remain so for the
foreseeable future. Builders and develop-
ers 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