Timeless Southern Porches
Posted by thunsicker in Featured Homes for Sale, Home Amenities, Living, Uncategorized on July 26, 2016
There are few things that say “Southern charm” like a comfortable, shady porch. There is something really special about enjoying an iced tea or a glass of wine, having a relaxed weekend meal, or relaxing with a book outdoors on the porch. They say “welcome to my home” and create a timeless first impression.
A twilight welcome at 2741 Vinings Orchard Circle
Although our summers can be hot, living in Atlanta means we get at least three seasons of use out of our porches.
photo credit: sunbrella.com
As a realtor, I’m seeing the screened in porch as a big draw for potential buyers as well. Not only does a porch keep some of the harsh sunlight and heat out of your home, but a screened porch adds a lot of usable indoor/outdoor living space for a fraction of the cost of a home addition.
photo credit: Ontheporch.com
Southern porches can be as simple as a covered patio on the front of the house to a screened room with luxurious furnishings and a fireplace, surround sound, and entertainment center.
Fantastic vaulted porch with fireplace at 2727 Lansdowne Lane
Furnishings are usually casual with comfort in mind. Rocking chairs are always welcome and it’s hard to go wrong with a porch swing.
Senoia, Ga Idea House front porch swing// photo credit: southernliving.com
Adding a ceiling fan can really enhance the comfort level and screening in a porch keeps out pests and makes outdoor dining a breeze. What could be better than summer entertaining with an outdoor kitchen and dining area on a porch?
My listing at 2741 Vinings Orchard Circle has incredible porches on every level of the home
There is a style of porch for every architectural style too, from rustic to neoclassical, low country to modern. Even pool houses and walk-out basement entrances are getting the screened porch treatment.
photo credit: styleblueprint.com
Adding shutters is a classic touch that also creates more privacy on a porch (and is a great place for kids to camp out during sleepovers).
photo credit: styleblueprint.com
Architectural and style trends may come and go, but a classic southern element like a great porch is timeless.
New Owner of Tyler Perry Estate Revealed
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Famous People in Atlanta, Under Contract and Sold Homes on July 12, 2016
The identity of the out-of-state mystery buyer for Tyler Perry’s Buckhead estate has been revealed: Evangelist David Turner’s purchase of the 17 acre estate made history as the most expensive real estate transaction in Atlanta history at $17.5 million in May 2016. According to the Buckhead Patch , Turner, a former businessman made his fortune in the specialty food business before becoming an evangelist and starting David Turner International Ministries. He purchased the Tyler Perry estate after feeling that “God told him to come here and buy the house” according to Buckhead.com.
An evangelist purchasing an expensive home isn’t new news around the South. Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria purchased a $10.5M home in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston Texas in 2010 according to Houston.CultureMap.com.
Joel Osteen’s River Oaks home // photo credit houston.culturemap.com
Atlanta.Curbed.comAtlanta.Curbed.com reports that Atlanta pastor Creflo Dollar lives on a sprawling 183 acre estate in Fayette County Georgia. The home was originally built in 1996 but has been renovated and expanded in recent years to include multiple wings and over 17,000 square feet. Dollar is also said to own an apartment in NYC valued at $2.4 million dollars.
Steven Furtick’s Waxhaw, NC home //photo credit: worshipideas.com
On a slightly less grand scale is Charlotte, NC pastor Steven Furtick who built a 16,000 square foot gated estate in Waxhaw, NC. One of the largest homes in the metro area with 5 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, it has a tax value of $1.6 million and sits on 19 wooded acres. The 33 year old pastor lives in the home that he has described as “a gift from God” with his wife Holly.
T.D. Jakes Texas-sized estate // photo credit info celebrityhomes.com
In Dallas, Bishop T.D. Jakes lives in a 15,000 square foot home in Ft Worth Texas, purchased in 2004 for $5.575 million. The property features a private lake, swimming pool and tennis court. Founder of The Potter’s House Ministry, Jakes is an author has also been involved in the Christian film industry as a producer, actor, and writer. In an interesting connection, Tyler Perry directed and adaptation of one of T.D. Jake’s books- small world!
SOLD: 1362 Battleview Drive
Posted by thunsicker in New Listing, Uncategorized on June 7, 2016
Private and serene on a wonderful family-friendly cul-de-sac, this mostly new construction in the desirable Morris Brandon school district is a bargain at under a million. 
With a tidewater feel to the home’s design and an interior flooded with natural light gives this home the feel of a coastal getaway while still within the city. The “beach house” feel continues in the interior where lighting, large windows and french doors, and an open living floor plan were designed to create a comfortable, breezy space.
The kitchen features gorgeous marble countertops, a large island with seating, and a great stainless appliance package. Once again, windows flood the room with natural light.
Living, dining and kitchen spaces flow together with a neutral color palette and large windows. Dark hardwoods anchor the rooms and continue throughout the home’s two levels. 
The master bath is a dreamy white-on-white design. With marble counters, a walk in shower and a beautiful soaking tub, it has the feel of a luxury spa.
The new spacious and airy master bedroom suite is on the main level of the home; it features french doors and oval window details to keep the room light and airy. There is also a large bedroom suite on the second floor that could also be used as a master suite.
No flood insurance is required because the home’s elevation was raised to meet regulations. This leaves the entire lower level open for garage parking for 4 + vehicles.
A spacious deck off the main level steps down to an even larger patio for ample outdoor entertaining space.
Swim and tennis memberships are available at the Hanover West club visible just across the creek at the rear of the property.
You can check out the full listing on my website for more details and photos; please reach out with any questions or to set up a time to view this unique property.
1362 Battleview Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30327
Overview: 5 bedrooms; 3 bathrooms; 4+ car garage; Hanover West pool/swim membership available; adjoining lot available
Schools: Brandon / Sutton / North Atlanta
Listing Price: $974.900
Sold: 3429 Habersham Road NW
Posted by thunsicker in Under Contract and Sold Homes on June 3, 2016
3429 Habersham Road NW Atlanta, GA 30305
Overview: 7,814 sq. ft.; 6 bedroom; 6 bathroom; 3 car garage; .73 acre lot
Schools: Jackson – Atlanta; Sutton; North Atlanta
List Price: $1,895,000
This gorgeous Tuxedo Park home located on one of the most prestigious streets in Atlanta was a great find for one of my clients! This 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom home with luxury finishes is on a large lot with an indoor/outdoor flow perfect for entertaining.
I knew that they were in the market for a really exceptional property and when I discovered that that this home would be available for sale, I wanted to get them in to see it as soon as possible. We were thrilled to be able to see this one just before it hit the market and my client was quick enough to snag it right away.
This is a great example of why working with an experienced realtor can really make a difference; you may be able to find your dream home even if it hasn’t hit the market yet!
As always, feel free to reach out to me to set up a time to talk about the kind of home you are looking for. The Atlanta market has really been heating up lately and I’d love to help you find exactly what you want in a home. And please let me know if you’re even thinking about buying or selling your Atlanta area home! While you hear me talking about Buckhead and Vinings real estate all the time, I have lots of experience throughout metro Atlanta including Smyrna, “Smynings”, Mableton, Sandy Springs, Ansley Park, Midtown and now even Towne Lake!.
SOLD: 4214 Barnes Meadow Road SW
Posted by thunsicker in Uncategorized on June 1, 2016
This charming Craftsman-style home with shingle and stacked stone exterior in the popular Barnes Mill swim/tennis neighborhood is move-in ready just in time for summer! Its cottage-like feel opens into a spacious floorpan, with plenty of square footage to spread out and relax.
Gleaming hardwoods with coffered ceilings, lots of moulding detail, and quality built-ins in the living areas make a cozy but elegant first impression. One of the home’s two fireplaces is a focal point of the living rooms.
Rich wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and quality finishes (including double ovens and a custom range hood) in the kitchen make this a cook’s dream.
Beautifully landscaped and hardscaped with manicured plantings and two outdoor living areas, you can step down from the deck off the kitchen and living rooms to an outdoor fireplace on the lower level patio with seating and pergola for privacy.
This home has tremendous closet space including two oversized walk-in closets, one of which is spacious enough to be customized into a luxe dressing room.
Tray ceiling and fireplace in the spacious Master suite make it a luxurious retreat. Each of the three additional upstairs bedroom have their own private bath, and an office space in the loft provides a quiet spot to work or do homework.
The home’s walk-out basement is unfinished but ready to be customized into the rec room, media lounge, or guest suite of your dreams.
For more details, photos, or information, check the full listing on my website. And as always, please reach out with any questions or to set up a viewing of this lovely home.
4214 Barnes Meadow Road SW Smyrna, Georgia 30082
Overview: 3,589 sq.ft plus unfinished basement.; 4 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms; 2 car garage; swim/tennis community
Schools: Russell-Cobb / Floyd / South Cobb
SOLD: Tyler Perry’s Atlanta Estate
Posted by thunsicker in Famous People in Atlanta on May 3, 2016
photo credit: buzz.blog.ajc.com
Tyler Perry’s estate at 4110 Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta has sold! This is great news after only being on the public market for a year. It is by far the most expensive home sold in Atlanta in over a year. In the past year, the second place went to 2000 Garraux Road which sold at $6M in August of 2015 , also located by the rear gate of Tyler Perry’s estate.
The home sits majestically overlooking the Chattahoochee River on 17 acres and is 35,000 sq ft. including 7 bedrooms, 11.5 bathrooms, swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, beautifully landscaped grounds, and underground ballroom. You can see it and its parking garage from across the river on Paces Ferry Drive in Vinings (across from Canoe Restaurant).
4110 Paces Ferry was quietly marketed at a higher price point prior to hitting the public market, but entered the Multiple Listing Service a year ago at $25 million. It just closed a few days ago for $17.5 million. Quite a deal for that volume of land in the most prestigious zip code in Atlanta – 30327! The land alone sold for $9M back in 2005 when Perry bought it. A two acre lot in this area is now selling for about $1.5M and a one acre lot is selling for right around a million. So this land alone could be broken up and sold for over $12M.
View of the home from the back photo credit: buzz.blog.ajc.com
The publicity a home like this generates for a realtor is national and phenomenal and every real estate agent’s dream. I was able to experience that when I listed Jane Fonda’s loft back in 2004. From what I’ve heard, this sale was to an out of state buyer and I’m sure that type of publicity surrounding this listing is what helps in generating leads for buyers of this magnitude in Atlanta’s luxury real estate market.
As has been reported publicly, Tyler will be building his new home on 1,000 acres he purchased in Douglas County, Georgia, near where the Tyler Perry Studios campus is located. Congratulations to his agents Josh Reeves and Chase Mizell on a job well done.
New Listing: 5615 Vinings Place Trail SE
Posted by thunsicker in Featured Homes for Sale, Uncategorized on April 29, 2016
This new listing is a spacious 4 bedroom family home located in a desirable swim/tennis community just a short drive to Whitfield Academy. The stacked stone entry opens into an airy first floor living area and vaulted family room.
The home features an open floor plan with a lovely staircase in the entry but still provides distinct living and dining areas.
A fresh, bright eat-in kitchen opens onto the family room with views of the fireplace and has french doors to the deck. The modern hood and solid countertops give the kitchen a streamlined look.
Just up the stairs, the master bedroom is spacious, with distinctive coffered ceiling details but is close to secondary bedrooms for easy access.
The crisp white master bathroom features a generous soaking tub and separate shower and dual sinks.
This home is located at the back of the community with views of the trees (instead of the neighbors!) Two decks, one off the kitchen and one at the back of the yard, and a patio just off the walk-out basement provide a relaxing spot to grill or add a fire pit.
With a finished walk-out basement (with a third garage door for workshop access) this home has tons of storage!
Please take a look at the full listing here for many more details and photos of this home and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or to set up a viewing. Open House: Sunday, 5/1 from 2-4 pm
5616 Vinings Place Trail Mableton, GA 30126
Overview: 3,946 sq.ft.; 4 bedrooms; 3.5 bathrooms; 2 car garage; swim/tennis community
Schools: Harmony-Leland/Lindley/Pebblebrook
Listing Price: $378,000
SOLD: 2741 Vinings Orchard Circle SE
Posted by thunsicker in Featured Homes for Sale on April 29, 2016
Old-world details and timeless finishes provide an atmosphere of rustic elegance in this custom architect designed home. Beautiful stonework and a cool veranda make a gracious first impression.
Arched doorways, beamed ceilings, and rich hardwoods continue the look of casual elegance into the open kitchen and living areas. The fireplace in the family room is framed by french doors leading to one of the home’s outdoor living areas.
No detail was overlooked in this airy eat-in kitchen complete with two-tone custom cabinetry, light stone countertops, a generous center island, and top of the line appliances. 
Step out into one of the home’s outdoor living areas to the beautifully landscaped pool and backyard, with a full outdoor kitchen and fireplace and two generous covered porches. 
The easy flow outdoor from the home’s living areas and kitchen makes this work for a summer afternoon with the kids but transitions beautifully to an elegant evening setting for parties and entertaining. The beautiful landscaping provides privacy and creates a soothing outdoor oasis.
More intimate living areas center around the home’s second fireplace, creating a cosy spot to read or enjoy a quiet conversation. Crown moulding and millwork details continue throughout all of the living areas.
The master suite features 10 foot ceilings, thermal windows, and hardwood floors. His and hers bathrooms and huge closets complete the tranquil space.
Although this home is conveniently located in Vinings, it has the feel of a mountain retreat, your perfect getaway in the city.
This is a really unique and lovely property in a quiet walkable neighborhood. Please see the full listing here for more details and photos. And as always, please contact me with any questions about this great home or to set up a time to view it. Open House Sunday 5/1 from 2-4 pm.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices April Real Estate Video Update for Vinings
Posted by thunsicker in Vinings on April 12, 2016
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has released its video market update for Vinings real estate in April.
What I notice most is that things that have been sitting on the market are finally moving as prices have dropped to accommodate what buyers are willing to pay. New listings coming on the market (if priced correctly) are selling immediately. Buyers that have been sitting out there waiting for something to come on the market this spring, are finally buying. I think you’ll see a big uptick in these numbers come May for closings. The dramatic drops you’re seeing are due to lack of new inventory entering the market.
UPDATE: Time to register for Atlanta Summer Camps
Posted by thunsicker in Atlanta Kids, Atlanta Summer Camps, Living on March 22, 2016
I have some great updates for that Atlanta summer camps post I did a couple of months ago!
photo credit: Josh Powell Summer Camp
Much to the dismay of many families, Josh Powell Camp announced that they had closed their doors last year. Then today I read an article that they are open again! It is available for boys and girls who are rising 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. But since they were closed last year, this year only, they are taking rising 4th graders as well to allow children the full 3 year camp experience. Chase went all 3 years and has aged out now, but it truly is an camp experience he enjoyed. It still has many openings and I think that is due to the belief that it closed down, but here is the weblink to hurry and register your child; they are frequently updating their Facebook page as well for more details. They pick up at West Paces and Northside and drive the kids out to the country. They get muddy and hot, but I know nature boys and girls love it!
I also heard about a few more camps that I want to tell you about for those of you who haven’t finalized your summer camp plans yet. The original post has all the updated information is available in one place, but here are some new camp options I wanted to highlight:
- Club SciKidz is a science and technology camp for boys and girls ages 4-15. They have locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. Currently registering for camps beginning June 6.
- CampMODA: a Design Thinking Camp is being presented by the Museum of Design Atlanta at 4 locations: MODA’s Midtown campus, The Lovett School, GA Tech’s College of Architecture, and First Presbyterian Preschool on Peachtree. Programs are available for children ages 5-14 are are now registering for summer sessions. Check out Field Trips With Sue‘s write up for more details on the camp (and great ideas for kids activities in general).
- GA Tech Lacrosse Camps focuses on older children looking to really polish their lacrosse skills but has both day and overnight camps for boys and girls ages 8-18
Neighborhood Info
Click here for an interactive map-based search of some of metro Atlanta's neighborhoods.
See my Zillow
Real Vinings | Buckhead 