Second home’s for a family on the move

By C. W. Cameron

For the AJC

Last year, Becky and Kristofer Gifford bought a cabin in Sautee-Nacoochee just six miles from Becky’s parents in Clarksville in the north Georgia mountains.

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Family One of the things the Gifford family really likes about their Sautee-Nacoochee cabin is the green exterior, which they find charming and different.

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Family Christmas 2008 found the Gifford gathered around the hearth in their Rhode Island home. The Air Force has since transferred them to California.

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Kristofer is in the Air Force, and the family is constantly on the move. They wanted to find a place close to family that could serve as a second home.

“We love north Georgia and especially the mountains, which are beautiful, cool in the summer and full of wonderful things to see and do. And we really appreciate how friendly everyone is,” Kristofer said.

Deciding to buy: The Giffords had been thinking about buying something in the area for about four years. Last summer, Becky and the couple’s two children went to stay at her parents, and that was when they found just the right cabin. It was sold furnished, so all the family had to do was to add a few touches, including a hot tub. When the family isn’t using the house, they have it available for rent.

Finding a new passion: The Giffords were surprised by how quickly the hot tub became a favorite spot to relax.

“We never thought of ourselves as hot tub people,” said Kristofer with a laugh, “but we love having it out there on the deck. It’s so peaceful and relaxing to sit there and watch the sun set.”

A great floor plan: Becky Gifford says the bathrooms and the kitchen were two features that sold them on the cabin. Unlike many other in the area, this one was built with two large bathrooms and a full-size kitchen that works well for family gatherings. The loft area upstairs works well with two beds for the children, and since it’s partially open, it’s easy for the parents to keep tabs on everyone.

What to do in the area: Becky said that no matter what you enjoy, you can find it nearby. “If you’re into fishing, you can do it. If you want to go shopping in Helen, it’s there. If you want to sit on the front porch and rock, you can sit there and do that, too.”

The cabin is about 3 miles from Unicoi State Park, where there’s a restaurant and lots of boating activities available.

At a glance

The Giffords’ cabin has two bedrooms and two baths. The eye-catching green exterior is complemented by the wooden interior. Their cabin came furnished, and they enjoy the way the whole environment works together to remind them that they’re miles away from the distractions of the city.

Community information

Sautee-Nacoochee is about 3 miles from Helen, the little alpine village in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. Harriet Carter of North Georgia Mountain Realty says that while the town hasn’t forgotten its links to the Cherokee Indians and settlers who arrived in the early 1900s to log the area’s hardwoods for the lumber industry, the town really owes its current success to several local businessmen who met in 1968 to dream up a way to revitalize their town.

A few sketches of Bavarian architecture, a little gingerbread trim, and soon all the downtown stores were turned into replicas of quaint German buildings. The unique street scene and the activities in the area attract nearly 2 million visitors each year.

For more information: www.GetGeorgiaMtns.com, 706-219-0096.

Getting there

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

For sale

$169,900: 271 Eagles Nest, Sautee. A fully-furnished 2-bedroom 2-bath mountain cabin with a rental history. Large kitchen with eating area, screened porch and hot tub.

$289,900: 113 Raccoon Road, Sautee-Nacoochee. Two 1-bedroom 1-bath cabins on just under 3 acres adjoining Chattahoochee National Forest. Cathedral beamed ceilings, pine floors, jetted bathtubs and sold with furniture and decorations.

Recent sale

$217,000: 315 Howell Mill Drive, Sautee. A two-year-old 4-bedroom 2-bath log-sided home with soaring wall of windows, hardwood floors, granite countertops in kitchen and bath, finished lower level with game area and outside fire pit.