Couple find dream house

By C.W. Cameron

For the AJC

Woodstock residents Diane and Mark Degler had been looking for river property in North Georgia for more than a year. They wanted a place that could be a second home for them, and a full-time residence for Diane’s parents, Maurine and Sandy Trent.

A visit to the Blue Ridge area after seeing an article in the AJC’s Homefinder introduced them to Rachel Callihan of Harry Norman Realtors and in September 2008, they bought a lot that is bordered by the Toccoa River on one side and a tributary on the other. They designed and built their home and moved in last January.

What sold them on the lot: The developer was willing to cut a great deal and the lot was exactly what they wanted. There’s a 60-year-old barn on the property that was a picturesque accent for the beautiful setting.

“The developer made us an offer we couldn’t refuse,” said Mark Degler, and the families went on to build a showplace home for the development, as it’s the first home you see when you drive into the area.

A dream home on a dream lot: “We adore it,” Diane Degler said with a laugh when asked how much she’s enjoying the new place. She got the kitchen of her dreams with granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances and two pantries. The house is well used by family and friends, who come to enjoy sharing time together.

A welcoming community: One of the things about the Blue Ridge area that has really enchanted the Deglers and Trents is the friendliness of the neighbors.

“The neighbors are outstanding. We probably know everybody for a mile around us,” Diane Degler said. “They bring us fresh vegetables and have really welcomed us. They’re just salt of the earth people.”

Taming the outdoors: The Trents have turned the trout in the creek into pets, going out twice each day to feed them. Fishing, which the families really enjoy, is restricted to the river.

So much to do: The Appalachian Trail is five miles from the house, and the Deglers enjoy day hiking there. Since their property is on the Toccoa River, they can walk down and launch a raft and float their way downstream. Four-wheel driving is popular in the area and there are several hundred acres where they can enjoy the mountain terrain. Still, what they enjoy most is just getting away from the hustle and bustle of home in Atlanta. “Our only regret,” said Mark Degler, “is that we couldn’t buy more lots.”

Away but not remote: Mark Degler added that despite being so far out in the country, they have high- speed Internet and satellite TV, so they can stay connected without having to be in the city. They’re 30 minutes from Blairsville or the city of Blue Ridge, and small country stores nearby provide all the necessities when they don’t want to drive into town.

At a glance

The Degler’s 3,200-square- foot Cape Cod-style home sits on just under 2 acres. The house was built with four bedrooms and three baths. There are two master suites on the main level as well as a den, great room, kitchen and laundry room. Upstairs are two more bedrooms and a full bath. The daylight basement is unfinished but heated and has workshop space where tools, garden and fishing equipment are stored.

Community overview

The Blue Ridge area is booming despite the economy, perhaps because Atlantans have decided that an easy trip up I-575 is a great way to get away without breaking the budget. The area has long been known for its fishing, golf and the train ride through the mountains, but Rachel Callihan of Harry Norman Realtors highlights some of the attractions in the city of Blue Ridge. “New shops are continuing to open and you can find the best tomato soup at Serenity Cafe or designer jewelry and clothing at Humanity. And Blue Ridge Brewer is fixing to open up.”

Info

For more information, www.buyinthenorthgeorgiamountains.com or 706-258-8067.

Getting there

From downtown Atlanta: Take I-75 North to Exit 268 (I-575/Ga. 5 North). It’s about 70 miles to Blue Ridge from this point.

For sale

$199,000: 577 Blackberry Drive, Blue Ridge. A level 1.73-acre lot on the Toccoa River below the dam, a premier trout fishing area. Wooded lot has been hand cleared to save the big trees and has 150 feet of river frontage. Approved for up to a three-bedroom home.

$1,750,000: 591 Toccoa Camp Trail. One-year-old four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath EarthCraft TM certified home in gated development. Lot has frontage on both Hot House Creek and Toccoa River. High-end appliances, spa baths and poplar and stacked stone exterior.

Recent sale

$85,000: Lot 4, Upper Shallowford Road, Blue Ridge. Just under .4 acres on the Upper Toccoa River, ready to build on with septic and well in place. Permitted to build 50 feet off the river.