Real Estate

When Rick Baggenstoss spied the Craftsman-style bungalow on Holderness Street in Atlanta’s historic West End, he claims it was love at first sight. Although the abode, built in 1911, was long vacant and in disrepair, the real estate developer immediately saw its potential. “The house had great bones, lots of charm, and an ideal location within walking distance of area shops, restaurants, and the BeltLine,” he said.

This 2,100-acre gated community, an 18-mile drive from Cashiers, North Carolina, is built around a 500-acre reservoir that was created in the 1950s when the Tuckasegee River was dammed to generate hydroelectric power.

“It’s really about intentional living, intentional community, less space, more life,” says Will Johnston, 36, founder and executive director of Tiny House Atlanta, an education and advocacy group, and a consultant to the developer Tiny South. “Less footprint, less stuff.”

With its unconventional angles and assortment of exterior finishes, the towering four-story contemporary home at 2496 Oostanaula Drive in Brookhaven stands out among its neighbors—but it won’t for long.

Atlanta has often been dubbed a car-dependent city. However, our region ranks high for future walkability, indicating a demand for greater density both intown and in the suburbs.

The club has a lake, so it offers boating and fishing, as well as hiking and a top-ranked golf course. Most unique is the Arts Loft, a staffed studio that serves both professionals and novices—offering classes, shows, dinners, and wine events.

It’s no secret that midcentury-modern furniture is back in vogue. But now, the era’s ranch-style and split-level homes are selling better than ever, according to Vanessa Reilly of Atlanta boutique real estate firm DOMO Realty. Although midcentury modern homes can be found throughout Atlanta, she notes that the majority are close to I-285, with the highest concentrations in the neighborhoods of Amberwood, Collier Heights, Northcrest, and Northwoods.

When John Portman was a student at Georgia Tech, the now-nonagenarian was assigned the job of escorting Frank Lloyd Wright around Atlanta. According to John’s son Jarel, Wright told the aspiring architect, “You seem to be a seeker. Go seek Emerson.”

Increasingly, young professionals and empty nesters are opting for luxury townhomes with city views and access to restaurants and parks. For the 12 months ending with June of this year, national townhome starts had risen by 25 percent over the same period ending in 2015.