Only A Few Weeks Remain For Southern Living Idea House

Where Holiday Ideas Come to Life

Due to the tremendous success of the 2009 Southern Living® Idea House, Achasta is pleased to announce that the house will continue to welcome visitors through December 20th.

Donning a new look of splendor by nationally-acclaimed florist Charles Carithers of Atlanta, Ga. and the delightfully unique design of Southern Living® Idea House Interior Designer, Mallory Mathison, the Idea House provides yet another reason to visit during this favorite time of year. The extended home tour dates will add an extra spark to the Dahlonega Old-Fashioned Christmas festival. The month-long celebration kicks off November 27, 2009, with the Lighting of the Square. Festive holiday events continue almost daily throughout December until after the New Year with caroling, wine tasting, entertainment and live theatre Christmas events.

COOKBOOK OFFER: Due to the overwhelming demand, we can no longer accept additional reservations for the complimentary cookbook offer.

HOURS: Enjoy extended hours for the holidays, October 24 – December 20. Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 per person (a portion of each $5 admission goes to support the local Holly Theatre and the arts in Dahlonega)

DIRECTIONS: Please click here for directions to Achasta

For a look at the Southern Living® Idea House decorated for the holidays, please click here.

The show home’s wooded, mountain-top setting is so inviting that the added holiday decorations are merely the icing on the cake. And with fall foliage ablaze and the Dahlonega festival season in full swing, an hour’s drive from Atlanta never revealed so much excitement for the holiday season. “I love how Hemlock Springs (Southern Living® Idea House) is sited to take advantage of the gorgeous North Georgia mountains,” said Eleanor Griffin, editor in chief of Southern Living®. “What a wonderful vista to watch the southern seasons change.” (view photos)

"The meticulous detail is evident from the exterior of the residence, with its large, gracious overhangs that are complex to build. When you approach the home, its rustic facade creates an inviting feeling through the use of hefty exposed rafter tails and natural finishes that suit the Achasta community perfectly. Then, you walk inside and you discover a charming and inviting space that is truly livable." The floor plan of the Southern Living® Idea House was crafted to integrate outdoor spaces that are truly useful. The focal point of the home, according to Conway, is the "tower porch" with sweeping panoramic views that make it a destination in itself. For entertaining, however, the kitchen and grilling deck might be the most discussed elements. "The grilling deck off the kitchen has remote-controlled, sliding pocket doors," Conway explained. "The kitchen wall opens and slides into a pocket, allowing the homeowner to stand in their kitchen with no barrier between them, the grill deck and the woods. That's a spectacular feature." (view virtual tour)

Other features include an activity room on the upper level of the home that opens up to a terrace porch and overlooks the two-story family room. The home also boasts 1,500 square feet of covered porches and 900 feet of storage space on the lower level of the home. "The first showcase home we built at Achasta demonstrated the possibilities. We have had so many people walk through the Points North Signature Home, and simply fall in love with every aspect of the structure. It was a great first step for Linger Longer Homes and the Achasta community," Conway said. "We have challenged ourselves to raise the bar even higher with the Southern Living® Idea House."

Welcome to Achasta, a residential golf community located in historic Dahlonega, Ga. Brought to you by Reynolds Signature Communities, the creator of Reynolds Plantation and Reynolds Landing—award-winning communities on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Ga. Achasta brings the majesty of the North Georgia mountains home, with beautiful natural scenery, miles of walking trails, and amenities that embrace upscale living with a rustic, natural charm.

"Achasta" is derived from the Tsalagi (Cherokee) word for light. Exemplifying Reynolds Signature Communities' commitment to preserving the heritage of the land and the people who once inhabited it, Achasta is a tribute to the Cherokee people and the Chestatee River. Known as the "River of Running Lights," the Chestatee flows through the community, illustrating the light of new beginnings while leaving a legacy of its own throughout the beautiful mountain topography.

Near the start of the legendary Appalachian Trail, Achasta offers families a breathtaking setting offset with the rich traditions of historic Dahlonega. As the site of the first-ever American Gold Rush, Dahlonega is full of outdoor activities for all ages. Members can play 18 holes on the 6,995-yard, par-72 Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, go kayaking, tubing or fishing along the Chestatee River or stroll along historic Dahlonega's charming streets—host to the many and varied festivals that are part of Dahlonega's legacy.

Be certain to spend time in Dahlonega to see what all this charming mountain town has to pffer. Review our previous Blog Posts to learn about many of those local attractions.

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