7 Outdoor Living Ideas for Your North Georgia Home

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There is no better place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life than North Georgia mountain retreats tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. With their rustic charm and natural beauty, these mountain homes provide the perfect backdrop for embracing the great outdoors. If you’re fortunate enough to own or rent a luxury mountain home in North Georgia, you’ll want to make the most of your outdoor space. In this blog, we’ll explore a range of outdoor living ideas that will help you create a paradise right outside your door.

Cozy Fire Pit Gatherings

North Georgia’s crisp evenings are perfect for gathering around a fire pit with friends and family. Fire Pits come in all shapes and sizes. Consider adding a stone or brick fire pit to your outdoor space, complete with comfortable seating like Adirondack chairs or a built-in bench. Features like glass stone or LED lighting add to the ambiance. Fire pits make the perfect gathering spot for roasting marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the warm glow of a crackling fire while stargazing in the clear mountain skies.

Expansive Decks and Porches

A well-crafted deck or porch can significantly enhance your luxury mountain retreat’s outdoor living potential. Whether you prefer a wrap-around porch or a multi-level deck, these spaces provide the ideal setting for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening cocktails. For year-round use, it is not uncommon to see a three season room or screened in area, equipped with radiant heating or an electric fireplace. When designing your outdoor space, make sure to include ample seating, rocking chairs, and even a porch swing for that quintessential mountain retreat experience.

Outdoor Kitchen and Dining

Elevate your outdoor living experience by installing an outdoor kitchen and other amenities. North Georgia’s abundant natural beauty deserves to be savored while enjoying a delicious meal. Consider a built-in grill, a smoker, a prep area, and even a mini-fridge. Pair this with a dining table and chairs, and you’ll have the perfect spot for hosting al fresco dinners and BBQ parties.

Lush Landscaping

Take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings by enhancing your outdoor space with native plants and flowers. Create colorful gardens and natural pathways that blend seamlessly with the forested landscape. A well-landscaped yard not only adds beauty but also attracts local wildlife, providing you with endless opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife observation.

Relaxing Hot Tub Retreats

After a day of hiking or exploring, there’s nothing like soaking in a hot tub beneath a starlit sky. Consider installing a hot tub on your expansive deck or patio for the ultimate relaxation experience. Surrounded by the sounds of nature and the cool mountain air, you’ll find serenity like never before.

Outdoor Games and Recreation

Transform your outdoor space into a recreational haven. Set up a horseshoe pit, a cornhole game, or even a small basketball court. These outdoor activities are perfect for bonding with family and friends, adding an element of fun to your mountain escape.

Hammocks and Reading Nooks

Create cozy nooks where you can unwind and lose yourself in a good book. Hang hammocks between trees, set up a hammock chair, or create a tucked-away reading corner with comfortable seating and soft cushions. These spots offer solitude and relaxation amidst the tranquility of the North Georgia custom mountains home.

Your North Georgia mountain retreat’s outdoor living space can be a haven of relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature. By incorporating these outdoor living ideas, you’ll make the most of your mountain home and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. Whether it’s a roaring fire pit, a picturesque porch, or a rejuvenating hot tub, the possibilities are endless in this enchanting part of the world. So, embrace the natural beauty of North Georgia and transform your mountain retreat’s outdoor space into a haven of outdoor living bliss. Contact WaterStone at Jonica Gap GA to help create your custom mountain dream home!

Balancing Modern Luxury with Natural Sustainability at Home

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Amidst the scenic vistas of Blue Ridge, Georgia, where lush nature meets the allure of modern living, potential homebuyers find themselves at a delightful crossroads. As you embark on the exciting journey of finding your dream custom-built home in this charming town, the key lies in striking the perfect balance between contemporary comfort and sustainable living.

Read along as we discover the art of blending modern luxury with natural sustainability, ensuring your home becomes a haven that embraces both the conveniences of today and the preservation of tomorrow.

Embracing Natural Elements and Sustainable Building Materials

One of the defining features of Blue Ridge is its breathtaking natural surroundings. As a potential homeowner, you can integrate these elements seamlessly into your living space. Large windows and doors that frame panoramic mountain views allow you to bask in the beauty of each season. Extra large windows bring in more light and heat, helping to lower energy consumption. In the summertime, the extra large open windows can allow a more fresh mountain breeze to flow through the home, replacing the need to run the AC.

Incorporating locally-sourced stone and wood materials enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. Newer materials, such as composite wood, are engineered to last longer. Their durability helps lower maintenance costs but, more importantly, waste from replacing weathered and damaged boards.

Choosing Efficient Energy Systems

Modern luxury doesn’t have to come at the cost of environmental sustainability. When considering potential homes, prioritize those equipped with energy-efficient appliances and systems. Look for features like solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and programmable thermostats. These reduce your carbon footprint and lead to significant cost savings over time, allowing you to enjoy the lap of luxury while remaining environmentally conscious.

Utilize Open Concept Living

The allure of contemporary living lies in open, spacious designs that encourage connectivity and flow between rooms. When exploring homes in Blue Ridge, opt for layouts that allow natural light to flood the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Choose lighting options that rely on LED bulbs as they are more energy-efficient. This seamless interaction between indoors and outdoors creates an inviting atmosphere and promotes a healthy, energy-efficient lifestyle.

Choose Native Landscaping

The exterior of your home plays a pivotal role in achieving the balance between luxury and sustainability. Choose landscaping designs that celebrate the native flora of Blue Ridge, minimizing water consumption and the need for excessive maintenance. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and require less irrigation, ultimately contributing to preserving the region’s natural ecosystem. Local landscapers and builders are a great source for helping you choose the right look for your needs.

Integrate Smart and Efficient Technology

A hallmark of modern luxury is its use of smart technology. Embrace this trend by incorporating home automation systems that enhance comfort while minimizing energy waste. Smart thermostats, lighting controls, and security systems add a touch of sophistication to your home and empower you to manage your energy consumption with precision.

Water Conservation

In a town known for its pristine waters, it’s essential to prioritize water conservation. When evaluating potential homes, consider those equipped with water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets and efficient irrigation systems. Tankless water heaters are a great way to reduce daily water use. Because tankless systems do not need a reservoir of water to heat up, it takes much less time to warm water, creating less waste. Alternatively, explore rainwater harvesting options that reduce your reliance on municipal water sources and provide an eco-friendly solution for your landscaping needs.

Finding the perfect balance between modern luxury and natural sustainability is an exciting endeavor that awaits potential homebuyers in Blue Ridge, GA. By weaving together the charms of contemporary living with a deep respect for the environment, you’re creating a harmonious space for yourself and contributing to preserving the town’s unique beauty. Learn more about how Waterstone GA can help create the modern sustainable home of your dreams.

7 Top Activities to Check Out When You’re In North Georgia

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In the southern Appalachian Mountains, Northern Georgia is a beautiful region to explore. Rich forests, flowing waterfalls, and rolling hills in this region, renowned for their magnificent natural beauty, draw both outdoor enthusiasts and environment lovers. Northern Georgia offers a beautiful fusion of Southern warmth and mountain appeal and is home to charming little towns and historical places. Visitors can hike through the Chattahoochee National Forest, experience the bustling arts and music scenes in cities like Athens, and the wineries of Blue Ridge, or sample the regional cuisine at farmers’ markets and charming restaurants. Northern Georgia is a fascinating place that captures the hearts of those who visit with its alluring scenery and rich cultural heritage.

When visiting or moving to North Georgia, check out these top 7 activities.

1. Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

North Georgia is a hiker’s paradise, with endless trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. The Appalachian Trail, one of the most iconic long-distance trails in the world, passes through this region, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.  Other notable trails include Amicalola Falls State Park, Tallulah Gorge State Park, and Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for in a hiking trail – waterfalls, mountaintop views, or serene forests – North Georgia has them all.

Fun Fact: at 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in North Georgia.

2. Water Activities

Take advantage of the region’s abundant water resources by trying one of the numerous water-based activities. The Toccoa River and the Ocoee River provide excellent kayaking, canoeing, and tubing opportunities. Lake Lanier and Lake Burton are ideal for boating, fishing, and leisurely lakeside picnics. For the more adventurous, white-water rafting on the Nantahala River promises an exhilarating experience.

If you want a relaxing yet exciting activity, North Georgia is home to over 4,000 miles of freshwater trout streams. Fly fishing in Blue Ridge is one of the most popular sports in the area. Anglers from all over the globe venture out to catch the infamous trout in the Wild Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge. Luckily, their season runs from late March to the end of October, so there is plenty of time to try it.

3. Scenic Drives

With its stunning vistas and winding roads, North Georgia offers unforgettable scenic drives. The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway takes you through the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway leads to Brasstown Bald, offering panoramic views of mountains and forests. In the fall, you can leaf-peep down the Blue Ridge Parkway as it transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.

4. Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours

Unwind and indulge in the burgeoning wine scene of North Georgia. The area is dotted with charming vineyards and wineries that produce various wines. Take a leisurely tour through the lush vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and savor delicious wines unique to the region. Some popular wineries include Bear Claw Vineyards, Serenberry Vineyards, and the newest winery to hit the scene, Roo Mountain Vineyards, each offering a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts.

Check out more great vineyards and wineries to explore.

5. Historic Towns and Cultural Heritage

North Georgia is steeped in history, and exploring its quaint towns is like stepping back in time. Dahlonega, known for its gold rush history, features picturesque streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant arts scene. Helen, a Bavarian-inspired town nestled in the mountains, offers a unique cultural experience with its charming architecture, specialty shops, and annual Oktoberfest celebration. Be sure to visit Blue Ridge, a haven for antique lovers, and the town of Ellijay, famous for its apple orchards and fall festivals.

Fun Fact: Christmastime is a big deal in North Georgia. There are many Christmas Towns that embrace the holiday spirit. From dazzling lights to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express, these towns know how to celebrate.

6. Farm Visits and Farmer’s Markets

Visit North Georgia’s farmer’s markets and farms to taste local culture and fresh produce. These markets are a treasure trove of authentic experiences, from organic fruits and vegetables to handcrafted goods. Some farms even allow visitors to pick their own fruits, providing a fun and rewarding activity for families.

7. Festivals and Events

Throughout the year, North Georgia hosts a variety of festivals and events celebrating the region’s unique culture and traditions. From music festivals and art fairs to holiday celebrations and food events, there’s always something happening in this lively and tight-knit community.

Here are some favorite events:

  • Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival – June
  • Spring & Fall Arts in the Park — May & Oct 
  • Trout Fest- End of April
  • Chattahoochee Mountain Fair – September
  • Georgia Apple Festival- Oct. 14th-15th and 21st-22n
  • Oktoberfest – September to the end of October

Visitors can customize their experience in North Georgia based on their interests and preferences due to its diverse array of activities. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural explorations, or a relaxing getaway, North Georgia is a destination that promises to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the wonders of North Georgia unfold before you. Happy exploring!

8 Things to Know Before Moving to Blue Ridge, Georgia

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Are you considering a move to Blue Ridge, Georgia? Blue Ridge is nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains and offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a touch of Southern hospitality. Before you pack your bags and are ready to move, research and familiarize yourself with some key aspects of the area. 

This blog will help make your decision easier. Check out these eight things to know before moving to Blue Ridge, GA.

Experience All Four Seasons

Blue Ridge experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. If you are used to extreme weather, you are in luck. This town has the best seasons, making it easy to acclimate. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for water activities and outdoor adventures. They can be humid, but the mountain breeze helps cool you off. Fall brings vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures, creating a stunning landscape. Winters can be cold and sometimes snowy, making it an excellent place for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring welcomes blooming flowers and a fresh burst of greenery, signaling the arrival of warmer days. 

Stunning Views Everywhere You Look

One of the biggest draws of Blue Ridge is its breathtaking natural beauty. The town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the serenity of Blue Ridge Lake. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience its true beauty is through exploration. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or simply immersing yourself in nature, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. If you want a more relaxed approach, The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway never gets old!

Affordable Cost of Living

While Georgia has a state income tax, it is still the fifth-lowest cost of living in the United States1. 

Low housing costs, affordable utilities and groceries, and other necessities help contribute to the low cost of living. Tourism also generates high revenue for areas like Blue Ridge, which helps keep prices low for residents. Working with a custom home builders can help you find the best location and work within your budget.

Family-Friendly

North Georgia is full of great fun for everyone. With endless opportunities for entertainment for all ages, Blue Ridge is considered an excellent place to raise a family. Blue Ridge has your choice of public and private schools if you have school-age children.

A Variety of Local Cuisine

When moving anywhere, finding local restaurants tops the list of things to know. This is one of the perks of living in the North Georgia Mountains! All-day breakfast joints, gourmet chocolate shops, riverside fine dining restaurants, and tons of delicious comfort food can be found here. If you want a more trendy vibe, over half a dozen local breweries and wineries offer tours and samplings. Some of the most popular local brews include lagers and porters. However, there is just about something for everyone to enjoy.

Community Events and Art Scene

Blue Ridge hosts various community events and festivals annually, celebrating local culture, traditions, and the region’s natural beauty. Something exciting always happens in town, from the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race to the Georgia Apple Festival. 

If you enjoy art, you’re in luck! The art scene took off over the last several years, thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association and Art Center and the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Both organizations continuously work hard to bring the community art, music, and entertainment. The quaint downtown galleries help showcase local artists. While the opportunities are endless. Memorial Day Weekend and the beginning of October bring together some of the best local art festivals.

Outdoor Adventure and Activities

If you are looking for things to do, Blue Ridge is the place for you. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or simply immersing yourself in nature, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Below are some of the most popular activities:

  • Fly Fishing: Fly fishing in Blue Ridge is a major sport. From late March to the end of October, Native Georgians and anglers from all over the globe venture out to try and catch the famous trout in The Wild Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge. It is no wonder Fannin County is known as the Trout Capital of Georgia since there are over 100 miles of trout streams.
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Blue Ridge is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer leisurely walks, you’ll find trails suitable for all skill levels. The famous Appalachian Trail passes near Blue Ridge, providing access to picturesque sections with stunning views. The Benton MacKaye Trail and the Aska Adventure Trail System are other popular choices, offering a variety of terrains and distances to explore.
  • Water Activities: Water activities are popular in the area, with Blue Ridge Lake and the Toccoa River nearby. There are plenty of freshwater fish to catch, including bass, trout, and other species. You can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to navigate the pristine lake or take a leisurely tubing trip down the Toccoa River. The serene surroundings and tranquil waters make for a perfect day out on the water.

Great investment opportunities

Real estate, tourism, hospitality, retail, artisan industries, outdoor adventure, and local farming are some of the sectors that offer investment opportunities in Blue Ridge, GA. The town’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and thriving tourism industry make it an appealing location for investors. Home prices are affordable, which contributes to the influx of new homes and mountain retreat construction. Georgia continues to grow statewide in new residents and tourists, especially in Blue Ridge. 

A move to Blue Ridge, GA, can be a rewarding experience for those seeking a peaceful and natural lifestyle. The town’s natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, and community spirit create a welcoming environment. By understanding what to expect, you can make a well-informed decision and embrace all that Blue Ridge offers. If you are ready to make the move, let WaterStone at Jonica Gap help build you the perfect custom home.

1https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series

What Style Makes a Modern Mountain Home?

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Long gone are the days of the log-cabin mountain home. The modern mountain home style has gained popularity among those seeking a balance between nature’s tranquility and contemporary aesthetics. Our design experts share tips that define the style of a modern mountain home, showcasing how it combines comfort, functionality, and sleek design. Check out what makes these homes more like a mountain retreat.

Local Materials

The design thought behind modern mountain homes is maintaining that deep connection with nature through natural materials. Wood, stone, and glass are commonly incorporated, echoing the elements found in the environment. Common choices include exposed wooden beams, wood and stone accents, and large picture windows. Many homeowners request these materials from local manufacturers and designers that source the materials from the mountains. It also makes for a great conversation piece when you can tell the story behind your home.

Large Windows and Doors

The Blue Ridge Mountain lining the sky, the lush greenery of the trees, and the sparkling lakes make mountain life so beautiful. Designers help homeowners make the most of their views by incorporating large windows and doors into the design. Larger glass windows and folding glass doors that completely open up help connect the inside with the outside, bringing homeowners closer to nature. 

Door framing choices are also a major design element. In addition to traditional wood, other popular choices include metals like aluminum. The “garage” door look adds a modern-manufactured look. 

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors help accent the natural materials found in modern mountain homes. Gray tones, blues, whites, and beiges are popular choices for both paint and decor. These colors complement most varieties of woods, like those used for accent walls and exposed beams, and cooler colors like blues help stone features pop and add that seamless connection from indoor to outdoor.

Open Concept Floor Plans

While the open floor plan concept is certainly not new, it is the most commonly requested design in mountain homes. By eliminating unnecessary walls and barriers, these designs create a sense of continuity and allow natural light to permeate the interior. Open living areas, dining spaces, and kitchens facilitate family gatherings and entertaining, enabling homeowners to enjoy the stunning mountain and nature views.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design

Mountain living comes with a level of environmental responsibility. There is an emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient designs in modern mountain homes. Features like energy-efficient appliances, sustainable materials, and insulation are incorporated to reduce the ecological footprint and ensure long-term sustainability. It is not uncommon for mountain homes to lack oversized HVAC equipment like air conditioners. Fresh mountain air and ceiling fans can offer a cool breeze even on a hot summer day. Modern mountain homes often blend modern technology with eco-conscious choices, creating an ideal balance between comfort and environmental responsibility.

Outdoor Features

The must-have connection to the outdoors includes the actual outdoor living space. Front and back covered porches span the home’s length adding extra entertaining and relaxation areas that feel more like your own mountain retreat. Outdoor spaces include fireplaces, eating areas, and electrical for TV or speakers. Thoughtful landscaping that is low maintenance further enhances the connection between the interior and exterior serenity of the mountains.

Waterstone will help you design and build your beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain home. Our custom home builders will work with you to incorporate these design elements into your perfect mountain oasis. Contact us to get started.

Pioneers of Posterity: Three Compelling Reasons to Join the WaterStone Founders Club

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As a vision takes shape, those earliest adopters and believers become an extraordinary part of its realization. That is particularly true of the up-and-coming gated community of WaterStone at Jonica Gap. The vision of seasoned developers with more than 50 years of experience to their credit, this one-of-a-kind 90-acre community will soon showcase a series of luxury custom homes boasting Mountain Modern designs, sprawling home sites of one to three acres, a network of trails that lead to an on-site stream and mountain ridge, gathering pavilion with fireplace, and so much more. 

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, WaterStone is defined by its gracefully rolling landscape, a mix of towering pines and age-old hardwoods, awe-inspiring vistas of mountain ranges in the distance, and passive greenspaces blanketed in mountain laurel, rhododendron, and wildflowers. It takes an exceptional person to see what is and imagine what could be. The Founders Club at WaterStone at Jonica Gap comprises exceptional people who see the promise, just as our developers did when they first discovered this fantastic spot just outside Mineral Bluff, Georgia. Whether building a vacation home for collecting memories or a forever home for creating a beautiful life against an equally beautiful backdrop, we invite you to become one of the first “pioneers of posterity” by joining the WaterStone Founders Club. Needless to say, being among the first comes with its own set of benefits…

  • Be Among the First to Select Your Home Site – as homesites are released, you will be one of the first to know so you can select the ideal home site to fit your vision. To accommodate homes ranging in size from 3,000 to 4,500+ square feet, with plenty of space to secure a sense of serenity, homesites inside the gates of WaterStone at Jonica Gap will vary between one to three acres. You may be among the lucky ones to benefit from stream frontage to add a charming water element to your landscape or have unspoiled views of the sun setting over a distant mountain range. Each home site offers its own degree of distinctiveness. 
  • Be Among the First to Meet with One of Our Featured Custom Home Builders – the developers of WaterStone at Jonica Gap have partnered with some of the South’s most talented custom homebuilders who specialize in Mountain Modern home designs. In the event that you opt to partner with your own custom homebuilder, we will fast-track a review of their home plans to ensure they are a perfect fit for your home site and our community. Of course, architectural plans will need to fit the definition of Mountain Modern, and architectural components must include a mix of natural elements, such as stone and timber with shake, slate, or metal roofing accents.
  • Receive VIP Invitations to Special Events and Experiences – To establish a sense of community in the earliest stages of development, the developers of WaterStone at Jonica Gap will play host to a series of special Founders Club events, to include a ground-breaking, mixers, interior design seminars, and more. 

Whether you’ve joined our Founders Club or are a homebuyer who found your way to WaterStone once word continues to spread, you can expect superlative, concierge-style service throughout the buying experience – particularly when you opt to take part in our featured builder program. The seasoned sales team at WaterStone at Jonica Gap will assist you all the way from contract to close. Then, once your purchase is complete, the concierge experience continues as we craft special experiential packages for you to enjoy, such as fly-fishing excursions, private guided hikes, wine tastings, and yoga under the stars – to name a few. To join the WaterStone Founders Club, please visit the Contact Page at www.WaterStoneGA.com and fill out our Founders Club online form. A sales team member will contact you shortly to welcome you to the Club and provide a timeline regarding when you can expect to start reaping the rewards of being part of our Founders Club. We thank you for accompanying us on this journey toward realizing an incredible vision. We hope you and your family find many years of happiness in your custom home inside WaterStone at Jonica Gap.