High Museum: Salvador Dali Exhibit

Leslie Ransom, Buckhead Office, REALTOR ®

Recently while driving through Midtown Atlanta on Peachtree Street, I noticed a very large banner hanging from The High Museum announcing an upcoming exhibit of Salvador Dali’s late works. As a teenager I attended a wonderful exhibition of Dalí’s jewelry creations in the Birmingham Museum of Art, and was captivated by his eccentric and remarkable art. My husband’s birthday was coming soon and I had been deliberating about something fun and different to give him for his birthday, Dalí and Dinner with friends! Perfect!!

The High is to be the sole venue for the first exhibition to focus on Dalí’s art after 1940. The exhibition, featuring more than 100 works including 40 paintings and a related group of drawings, prints and other Dalí ephemera, explores the artist’s enduring fascination with science, optical effects and illusionism, and his surprising connections to artists of the 1960s and 1970s such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Willem de Kooning.  Many of Dali’s pieces during this time period were ruminations on his interest in Christianity, and several of the pieces depict events from varying periods in Biblical and Christian history including the crucifixion of Jesus, the assumption of Mary, and the spiritual visions of various saints. However, true to Dali’s eccentric nature and his surrealist roots, even his depictions of these once traditional subjects for the art world are filtered through his surrealist lens and provide a fresh look on the subject. Dali mixed his depictions of Christian themes with ideas and advancements in the realms of science and physics, subjects he was also increasingly fascinated by. As a result, many of the pieces he created during this time period he labeled as “nuclear mysticism” and they are truly as unique as this description suggests. These paintings are magnificent in their scope, beautiful in their compositions, and fantastic to be able to see in person, where one can truly be impressed with the sheer size of some of his canvases and, by extension, the size of his artistic vision.

Salvador Dalí’ (1904-1989) born in Figures, Spain, is one of the most famous and controversial artists of the 20^th century. He was prolific for more than 60 years, creating over 1,200 oil paintings, countless drawings, sculptures, jewelry, theatre and fashion designs, book illustrations and numerous writings.

This exhibit is a treat not to be missed. Take a friend and be sure to get the audio tour also. After seeing the Dalí’ exhibit we had a delicious dinner at Parish in Inman Park with our friends and lots of interesting discussion after seeing these very eccentric and thought provoking works!

My friend bought this replica of one of his jewelry pieces and I bought a book about Dalí.

Dalí: The Late Work is currently on display through January 9, 2011. Please visit high.org for ticket prices and additional information.

 

Home: Spacious Renovation in Brookwood Hills (Ransom Team)

324 Camden Road

Standing on the sidewalk in front of this charming Brookwood Hills home you will think you are about to step foot into the perfect little cottage.  324 Camden Road is perfect, but it is certainly not little.  Spacious and diligently renovated you will be speechless when you discover all the wonders of the 1964 home.

Step through the red front door and you will immediately realize the home is much bigger than it appeared.  To your left is a formal dining room and to your right a front living room with built-in bookshelves and a fireplace.  The room has two floor-to-ceiling windows on each end.  You can enjoy the openness the windows create as the natural light falls into the room.

Family Room

A back room that was most likely originally paneled in dark wood has been painted white with charming contrasting trim.  The room has built-in shelving and a new custom built wet bar.  The addition of the bar will make having an impromptu party a breeze.  Everything you need is right here in one place.  The current owners also use this space as a place to relax and watch TV. 

Kitchen

It is also easy to tell the person that remodeled this house likes to cook and entertain.  The kitchen is not only highly functional, it is extremely appealing.  Dark stained cabinets, granite countertops, tumbled tile up the walls and a lead glass window will tantalize your senses.  Viking appliances, including a double range with double ovens, might make you think you are in a top chef’s kitchen.  A separate beverage refrigerator will help make ample room for all of your masterpieces in your Sub-Zero refrigerator. This room may make a chef out of even the most challenged cook!

The master suite will accommodate a king size bed, dressers/chest of drawers and a sitting area.  The walk-in closet is tucked neatly into a corner on the way to the bath.  Separate sinks are encased in antiqued cabinetry with multiple drawers and cabinets.  There is a separate shower with frameless glass doors and a whirlpool tub.

Backyard

The first floor provides easy access to a bluestone tile patio covered by a trellis.  A built-in gas grill and cooking station make outdoor entertaining just as easy as indoor entertaining.  Access to the remaining yard can be reached by a few stairs connected to the grilling and dining area.

It is truly remarkable what has been done with this property.  So much has been added without taking away from the beauty of the original structure. 

 Offered at $924,900

324 Camden Road
Atlanta, GA 30309

Five Bedrooms, Four Full and One Half Baths

Please click here for more photos of this home

Bill and Leslie Ransom, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Leslie and Bill Ransom
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 678.640.3588
Office: 404.835.9600

Sustainable Homes No Longer Seen As Just A Fad

Carson Matthews, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

While Atlanta’s housing market remains stuck in low gear, the trend toward certified green or “sustainable” homes has been growing.

More builders are adopting sustainable practices and more buyers are weighing the economic benefit of paying a little extra up front for a house featuring environmentally sound design, construction standards and materials.

“Even if the economy had not gone sour, people are looking at sustainable practices and materials, not just for housing, but for the entire neighborhood,” said Sibet Freides, president of Idea Associates Inc., a marketing and consulting firm with a real estate development focus. Idea Associates clients include Reynolds Signature Communities, The Settings Development Companies LLC and Urban Land Institute.

“You might have some builders who have been in the industry for a long time who are thinking this is a passing fad, but people have bought into the concept of sustainability,” Freides said. “Younger buyers have now come to expect it and I don’t think the industry, as a whole, thinks it’s a fad anymore.”

According to a report by Carson Matthews, a Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, in the first quarter of 2010, green homes comprised 8.4 percent of the new homes on the market, which compares consistently with the 2009 total of 8.5 percent,

Matthews is a certified EcoBroker and the author of a blog, www.GreenToTheScene.com, which delivers news about green residential building in Atlanta.

In April, Matthews launched the Green MLS Toolkit, a resource that can be used by any Multiple Listing Service to track green activity.

In the first three months of 2010, Matthews reported that the median selling price of a certified green home was $494,000, which is 133.5 percent higher than a conventional new construction home; however, the report shows green homes are fetching more at closing.

“In the first quarter, green houses sold at 98 percent of list, whereas standard new construction homes sold at 92.5 percent,” Matthews said. “In the custom home market, that percentage is much higher.”

“Green building is here to stay,” said Les Stumpff, president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) and regional manager for Texas-based Standard Renewable Energy, which provides energy audits for homeowners, businesses and government entities.

“There is a growing awareness of how much energy and water and, therefore, money can be saved by owning a home built to some level of green-building standards,” Stumpff said.

Other benefits, such as better indoor air quality and overall comfort, will increasingly propel demand for green homes.

“The housing recession has made it more difficult to adopt building standards that increase new home prices, but builders who were building green in good times will continue to build green as housing starts return,” Stumpff said.

Although they cost a little more, the formula for building green houses is not very complicated, said Matt Hoots, founder and CEO of The Hoots Group Inc., a full-service green contractor, and co-chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council.

Together with the GAHBA, Hoots helped develop the EarthCraft House residential green-building program in partnership with Southface Energy Institute, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable homes.

“You start with a good design,” Hoots said. “You can save 30 [percent] to 40 percent in operating costs right there.”

Every aspect of the design is critical, from sighting the house on the lot to putting windows in the best location to ease the load on the HVAC system and limit the cost of blinds.

“If you only build to the standard energy-efficiency code, you’re almost building an EarthCraft-certified house,” Hoots said. “Unfortunately, a lot of builders build around the code or to barely meet code.”

As materials, utility and appliance manufacturers jump on the sustainable bandwagon, the expense gap between building green and building traditional housing is diminishing — resulting in more reasonable pricing for higher- performing homes, experts say.

Currently, Freides’ clients are building two new showcase green homes, one in The Settings of West Point Lake near LaGrange, and one at Achasta, a golf community near Dahlonega. Both houses are being built by Johnna Barrett of SUSTAIN house, the residential division of Atlanta-based architecture and interior design firm Barrett Design Inc.

“We started with a budget and we’re learning that it doesn’t have to cost that much more to build green,” Freides said.

Among other products, the green houses incorporate a radiant barrier sheathing that reportedly reduces monthly air conditioning bills by 17 percent, green bedding products, and tile and wood components made from recycled materials.

“A lot of this stuff is common sense and people need to be educated about the products and building practices that are available,” Freides said.
Read more: Sustainable homes no longer seen as just a fad – Atlanta Business Chronicle

Atlanta Escape – Montaluce (Andrea Cueny)

Andrea Cueny, REALTOR ®, North Atlanta Office 404.695.7040

Recently my husband and I decided to have a rare but special day just the two of us….. So we turned off our phones, gave the kids to their grandparents, and headed to the North Georgia Mountains for a mini escape.

We had been told by clients who recently purchased a home of this development called Montaluce. They raved to us about the spectacular views, winery, and restaurant. So we were excited to give it a try. 

Upon arrival, we were shocked to see the vineyards so lush and full of grapes…I had to ask myself if we were in GA or Napa? Of course, GA but the vineyard was really very beautiful. 

Inside the restaurant, the foyer and entrance were stunning.  The entrance to the tasting room complete with all of their wines on the back wall was held in this dark mahogany wine shelving. The ceiling throughout the tasting room had exposed ceiling beams and the dining room was totally open with a fireplace and glass windows overlooking the vineyard.  As real estate professionals, we appreciate all the architectural details such as the fireplace with these mosaic tiles.  The windows were floor to ceiling giving an open view of the vineyard from every table in the dining room – every detail in regards to the atmosphere is so well done.  We walked out to the balcony overlooking the vineyard and this was the most perfect view and ideal place for a glass of wine.

Lunch exceeded our expectations to say the least. The food is all organic and very fresh. Fresh to the point that when we ordered the sausage flat bread our server informed us that the pig just arrived and they had not prepared the sausage yet! Wow. Not your typical answer in an Atlanta Restaurant.  They have short ribs, duck, sandwiches, salads, a variety of choices each day and a very elaborate Sunday brunch. The menu changes regularly. 

I would highly recommend Montaluce if you are looking for a mini escape from Atlanta. It is located just outside of Dahlonega and is a wonderful place for you to visit for a gourmet lunch or dinner.

For more information about Montaluce please visit their website at www.montaluce.com or call 706.867.4060

Featured Home: Newly Renovated Home in East Cobb (Bonnie Johnston)

2035 Wenlok Trail

The home at 2035 Wenlok Trail is ready to be moved into.  It has a versatile open floor plan and additional living space in the finished basement.  The community of Stocktons Chase has a swim tennis club that will have you out meeting your new neighbors in no time!

Living Room

The main level has a connecting living and dining room that the current owners have expanded into a double living area.  The rooms are very open, wide and spacious. There is a raised stone hearth with wood mantle in the back half of the combined rooms.  The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and black appliances.  The adjacent breakfast room has a vaulted ceiling and large bay window that looks onto a spectacular back deck. 

Study Nook

Stairs to the second floor rise out of the breakfast nook.  A surprising extra is a work area tucked neatly under the stairs with built-in desk and shelving.  What a wonderful use of space!  Keep your daily life running smoothly with everything right at your fingertips, but not set out in the middle of the room like many kitchen desks!

The four bedrooms are all on the second floor.  The master suite has a tray ceiling and a private bath.  Separate sinks provide plenty of room for your morning routines.  A single step leads to a whirlpool tub that is separate from the master shower.  The room has neutral tile and will work with any décor.

Backyard

As mentioned earlier, the outdoor deck is wonderful.  It is large and covers the majority of the back first level of the home.  It is also wide, allowing for seating and dining areas.  Step down off the deck onto stone pavers in a fenced backyard with well-established landscaping.

Lots of opportunities inside and out to turn this home into your own!

Offered at $290,000

2035 Wenlok Trail
Marietta, GA 30066

Four Bedrooms, Two Full and One Half Baths

Please click here for more photos of the home

Bonnie Johnston, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Bonnie Johnston
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 404.784.2991
Office: 404.835.9600

Nancy House, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Nancy House
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 770.310.3445
Office: 404.835.9600

Featured Home: Stately Brick Home with Elegant Design (Betsy Akers)

Welome to 3633 Tuxedo Road

Built in 1990 by Bill Baker this stately brick home boasts an elegant designed and extraordinary craftsmanship. Nestled nicely on 1.32 acres in prestigious Tuxedo Park, you’ll find all that you could ever want inside and out.

Elegant Living Room

Lush lawns, majestic mature trees and shrubs greet you upon your arrival home. A double entry door and beautiful columns flanked by French doors welcome you in. The grand foyer features gleaming hardwood floors, flows nicely into a stunning living room offering a columned entry, fireplace with custom mantle and exquisite chandler lighting. A wall of French doors leading to the patio allow for ample natural light to fill this space, rendering a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.

A spacious dining room with hardwoods, crown molding, custom door casings and fireplace with mantle proves perfect for any dinning occasion large or small.  The family room showcases a light and bright space with fireplace, tiled floors, rustic wooded beamed ceiling, built in shelves and cabinets great for your entertainment components and dual sets of French doors. Gathering here with family and friends will be a must.

Gourmet Kitchen

A renovated kitchen opens from the family room and is separated by a lovely breakfast bar. The kitchen hosts marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances, work station, cooktop island with stainless hood and walk-in pantry. The same tile that graces the great room flows seamlessly into the kitchen. This area is sure to be the entertaining hub of the home with its open and airy layout. The breakfast area will take your breath away with its three walls of windows overlooking the yard. Sit here and enjoy breakfast with the family or relax while drinking your morning coffee.

Romantic Master Suite

When the day is done, a master suite fit for a king or queen waits on the main level. Here style and elegance combine with neutral wall tones, crown molding and excellent lighting. Relish in direct outdoor access through French doors and a sumptuous spa like master bath with double vanity and soothing soaking tub.

This home also offers an indoor sport court, exercise room, media room, Ping-Pong room that opens to the pool and wine cellar all for your enjoyment. The main texture is an indoor sports court.

Gorgeous Backyard with In-Ground Pool

Out back a sparkling in ground pool and spa surrounded by cherry blossom trees and wooded backdrop sets a captivating scene. The covered patio overlooks the pool and provides plenty of entertaining space.

Don’t miss your opportunity to call this exquisite home yours. Call today to schedule your private viewing!

Offered at $4,450,000

3633 Tuxedo Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

Five Bedrooms, Eight Full Baths and Two Half Baths
Please click here for more photos of this incredible estate 

 

 

 

Betsy Akers, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Betsy Akers
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 404.372.8144
Office: 404.835.9600

Spacious living in the heart of Decatur (Mary Jo Spence)

2470 Vivian Circle

How would you like to live in a house that is immaculate and spacious enough for you to delight in being home, but close enough that you could walk to city centre of Decatur to enjoy the renowned shopping, night life and art galleries?  All this and more is found at 2470 Vivian Circle, nestled in a charming gated community.

Dining Room

Upon entering the French door entry, the home features a foyer that is a greeting space for guests and provides privacy for the main living areas.  The two front rooms of the house, the Dining room and the Living room, are flanked by majestic and bright floor to ceiling arched windows that fill the house with sunlight.  The Dining room, sized to entertain twelve or more guests, features grand windows wainscot to distinguish the room with a formal touch.  The Living room is cheerful and versatile which could lend itself to a wonderful home office or additional media space.

Living Room

The Den area has gleaming hardwood floors, cozy stack stone fireplace with gas logs, overhead ceiling fan and a door leading to the outside deck.  The Kitchen features stainless steel appliances and clean contemporary lines and as a bonus, overlooks the family living area so entertaining is made more enjoyable as the host doesn’t have to miss a bit of the conversation when preparing for guests.  Food preparation is made simple with an island featuring a sink and fresh Corian countertops. Just off the kitchen there is a bright separate breakfast area that also leads to a full laundry room. 

Master Bedroom

You won’t feel a bit cramped in this home- the wide stairwell has a mid-stairwell landing between the main and upper floor affording space for a conversation nook!  The upstairs Master is a true in-town retreat, larger than most, and features a dramatic trey ceiling and two large walk-in closets- one located in the bath area.  The bath features a double vanity and a separate spa soaking tub.  The secondary bedrooms on the upper level all feature hardwood floors, trey ceilings and full closets. 

On the terrace level, there are two additional bedrooms.  At present, one is being used as an office and the other an exercise room, but both have full closets and share a full hall bath.  These rooms would work well as a roommate floor plan.

The outside deck has a screen for privacy.  From the deck, you can access the yard and the two full separate garage bays.  As a welcomed addition, the driveway can accommodate extra cars-a sought after feature for in-town living!

Offered at $425,000 

Five bedrooms, three full and one half baths.

Click here to view more pictures of this home.

2470 Vivian Circle
Decatur, GA 30030

Mary Jo Spence, North Atlanta Office, REALTOR®

Mary Jo Spence
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Cell:678.232.1641
Office:770.422.7300

Featured Home: Wonderful Townhome in Midtown (Amy Santrock)

Undoubtedly you have seen the building on 10^th Street between State and Tumlin Streets.  The location is an ideal one, within walking distance to Georgia Tech, Atlantic Station and so much else that Midtown has to offer.  You most likely have no idea the quality and beauty that you will find inside the building that was built in 2003.

Kitchen

A corner unit has become available and it is nothing short of fabulous.  Three levels with a drive under garage below the main floor.  Impeccably decorated and appointed with upgraded finishes.  Gorgeous color accents throughout showcase this well-planned layout.  On the main level you have a large family room with fireplace and built-in cabinetry on one end.  The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, modern cabinetry and a bar area.  The bar almost appears to be floating, supported on one end by a half column.  The design and geometrical lines keep the area open and unencumbered.

Living Room

Beautiful hardwoods provide continuity throughout the majority of the home, while color is used to accentuate room division on the main level.  The two full baths both have tile flooring.  The half bath has a stunning tiled wall behind the clear glass sink basin.  Soft contemporary  touches like this can be found throughout.

Master Bedroom

Also, you get to enjoy three levels of outdoor living. There are two balconies and a magnificent rooftop terrace!  See sweeping views of the Atlanta skyline as you have a casual dinner party or just sit down for a moment of calm as you take in one of the many reasons you love Atlanta.

Offered at $315,000

401 10^th Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Two Bedrooms, Two Full and One Half Baths

Please click here for more photos of this townhome

Amy Santrock, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Amy Santrock
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 404.427.6301
Office: 404.835.9600

Carman Pope, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Carmen Pope
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 404.625.4134
Office: 404.835.9600

St. Regis will host Celebrity Chef tour

Join Celebrity Chefs Kelly Liken, Kenny Gilbert and Chef Host Johnathan Jerusalmy in September for a premiere evening at the St. Regis’ Paces 88 American Bistro. The evening will include a reception, dinner prepared by the chefs and a unique opportunity to interact with the chefs.

In the heart of Atlanta’s prestigious Buckhead community, Eighty-Eighty West Paces Ferry undeniably leads the list of the city’s most exclusive addresses The Residences at The St. Regis Atlanta, located on the top fifteen floors of the building, inspires a luxury lifestyle that is inspired by the magnificent views and extraordinary standards of urban living that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

For information on the Residences at St. Regis please contact:
Ansley Fetz
Marketing Specialist, Atlanta Fine Homes
Tel: 404.580.4950
Email: ansley@atlantafinehomes.com

Ticket info: 720.201.1853 or go online: www.celebritycheftour.com

Luxury Gated Townhomes – Phase One Closeout Sale

Turnberry Gates Luxury Gated Townhomes

Turnbury Gates is a stunning, private, gated enclave of 82 luxurious residences and select homes with golf course views that is currently in the Phase One Closeout Sale with units reduced up to $100,000. Boasting a beautifully landscaped pool, spectacular pavilion, stone fireplace and exclusive open-air entertaining area, Turnbury Gates was developed with an intimate yet captivating site plan in mind. This exclusive location affords easy access to it all; shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife in Buckhead and Brookhaven; Lenox, Phipps and Perimeter Malls; Emory University and premier medical facilities including Northside Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Outdoor Fireplace

Inspiring architecture truly creates a charming feel throughout Turnbury Gates. Beautiful covered porches with standing seam metal roofs pepper the community’s board and batten siding, cedar shingle and brick exteriors for a darling atmosphere.

Kitchen

Each unit’s custom interior imparts the best of the best. Coffered and wainscoting ceilings are featured in the Great Rooms along with cozy stone surround fireplaces. Wide plank hardwood floors gleam throughout the main levels. Designer carpet selections cover both the terrace level and each bedroom. Ten foot ceilings on both the main and upper levels are complete with detailed trim for a rich ambience. The Chef’s kitchen is sweeping with must have items such as granite countertops with under mount sinks, under cabinet lighting, custom cabinetry throughout and stainless appliances.

Master Bedroom

Featuring a large walk-in closet, spa inspired master bath with walk-in shower and soaking tub with stone deck and granite or travertine vanity counters, the master suite is a perfectly luxurious retreat. The custom interiors are finished with Delta plumbing fixtures in oil rubbed bronze finish and designer paint colors throughout.

Living Room

With two and three bedroom plans now available starting at $269,000, Turnbury Gates is certainly the place to be for all things luxury and charming in Atlanta. These units will not last at the greatly reduced prices.

Debbie Pille and Charles Gerrick

Charles Gerrick & Debbie Pille

#1 Agents Companywide 2009, Small Team

Debbie Cell: 404.668.3465
Charles Cell: 404.218.8993
Office: 404.237.5000