‘Golf in the mountains has... new dimension’

By C.W. Cameron

For the AJC

It takes 13 1/2 hours to get from Madison, Ohio, to Georgia’s Bavarian-style town of Helen, but it’s worth the drive for Michael and Meg D’Amico. The D’Amicos first visited Helen as part of an investment group. They’d already bought a home in Navarre, Fla., and were looking for mountain property. Traveling in a golf cart up and down the hills of Innsbruck Resort and Golf Club, they found a steep mountainside lot with the views they wanted. They bought the property, and three years later built a home that they visit twice a year and rent out the rest of the time.

A place to retire to: The D’Amicos know they don’t want to retire to their Florida home where hurricanes can be a constant worry. The mountain lifestyle suits them, and they put a lot of sweat equity into their home, building an extended deck for the hot tub themselves.

“It took a crane to get the hot tub up there,” Michael recalled, “but it was worth it. Sitting out there under the stars, that’s just something we can’t do in Ohio.”

Golf is different in the mountains: Michael is the golfer, and Meg drives the cart. Their property at Innsbruck comes with unlimited golf for homeowners. “Golf in the mountains has a whole new dimension,” Michael said with a laugh. “When you hit the ball, you have no idea where it’s going to go.”

Helen holds many attractions: The D’Amicos get a kick out of the shops in Helen, especially Fred’s Peanuts, where life-size marionettes can be manipulated to surprise the unsuspecting shopper. One of the first things they did in Helen was to take a horse and carriage ride, and they still recommend it as a great way to see the town.

A great getaway: “It’s just so romantic there,” Meg said. “The mountains are beautiful and the restaurants are great. We go to Paul’s Steakhouse and look out on the Chattahoochee River. It’s great to be there any time of year, and we’re so proud of our house. I never worked so hard on anything in my life.” The couple even added a marble surround to their fireplace, which matches the one they installed in their Ohio home.

Sharing the house: The D’Amicos rent the house when they’re not able to stay there, and it was Meg’s idea to have a journal for their guests to record thoughts about their stay. She loves learning what others have enjoyed about Helen.

Community information

Barbara Hatcher of The Norton Agency has been selling real estate in the Helen area for 14 years. She said that while the second-home market overall has not been great, bank foreclosures — particularly those under $250,000 — are really selling. “You can find some great deals if you’re looking for a new 2,000- to 3,000-square- foot home with three or four bedrooms,” Hatcher said. “And we just sold a 2,600-square-foot home for $150,000, so there are bargains to be had.” The market is competitive with bidding situations not uncommon.

Lots are available as well. “We just sold a lot in Innsbruck Resort and Golf Club to a man who just wanted it so he could take advantage of the unlimited golf for property owners. There are no covenants requiring him to build on the lot,” she said. Innsbruck is the only golf community in the area although there are other developments with amenities like the Skylake community in the Sautee area.

For more information, www.homesinnorthga.com, 770-530-2342.

Getting there

From downtown Atlanta: Take I-85 north to I-985 north to Exit 24 (Ga. 369) and turn left. Turn right on U.S. 129. Go 22 miles, then turn right on Ga. 75. This will take you into downtown Helen.

For sale

$196,800: 129 Dach Brucke Gasse, Helen. A three-bedroom two-bath custom-built chalet overlooking the ninth fairway in Innsbruck Resort and Golf Club. Vaulted ceilings, granite counter tops in baths and kitchen, hardwood floors, upper and lower decks. Includes full golf membership.

$339,900: 274 Starlight Drive, Sautee. A three-bedroom three-bath home with mountain views. Great room features tongue and groove ceilings, stone fireplace and pine floors. Fully finished basement includes a game room.

Recent sale

$90,000: 40B Kuvasv, Helen. A four-bedroom three-bath two-story condo with a two-car garage. The condo is within walking distance of downtown Helen and easy access to the Chattahoochee River. Partially finished basement. Whirlpool tub in master suite. A foreclosure, this closed in November 2009.