We asked leaders in the luxury real estate market where we should invest our time and money when it comes to second homes. With the fluctuating market and new locales coming into popularity, it can feel like information overload. These listings will give you a good scope on where to go and how much time you’ll want to commit to get there.
Meghann Brackett, photo courtesy of Meghann Brackett
Photo by Rush Photography
“The Northeast Georgia mountain lakes region has been unofficially dubbed ‘the Lake Tahoe of the South,’” says Meghann Brackett with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “We think it is the perfect second-home market with excellent accessibility from Atlanta. Not to mention the incredible lake, mountain and river lifestyle options and a thriving cultural and social scene.” When looking for a second property, proximity is so important—after factoring in Atlanta traffic—the closer, the better. The best thing about Northeast Georgia is it is a whole different beat than the speed of Atlanta. Listing: 132 Summit Ridge Drive, Clarkesville, new-construction four-bedroom, four-bath contemporary mountain retreat with detached three-car garage and one-bedroom, one-bath apartment. Located at Lake Burton only 90 miles from Atlanta, $1,099,000; 706.968.1870, meghannbrackett.com
Kim Knutzen, photo by Crystal Pittman
When Kim Knutzen with Ansley Real Estate and her family were looking to own their second home, they settled in Blue Ridge. Soon the second home became their first, moving there full time in 2003 and becoming a founding member of Ansley Atlanta’s new Mountain & Lake office. “We quickly discovered how much we loved the slower pace, peaceful mornings, diverse culture and overall improved quality of life [in Blue Ridge],” says Knutzen. “We decided this is where we wanted to be every day, not just on holidays and long weekends.” Listing: 750 Chief Whitetails Road, Ellijay, four bedrooms, four baths, one partial bath, 2.69-acre lot with mountain views and natural elements, $1.75 million; 706.613.4663, ansleyre.com
Riezl and Ted Baker, photo courtesy of Riezl and Ted Baker
Photo by We Are Home Atlanta
“The pandemic has fueled the second-home market. ‘Drive-to’ destinations have become increasingly popular for second homes because of the desire to have a getaway place to invest in family time and a place for future refuge,” says Realtor and founding principal Riezl Baker of Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group. Being the “realtors who know the lake community by heart,” a lot of Riezl and husband Ted Baker’s clients are those looking for a second place of residence for escape and long-weekend happiness as well as primary residences. Says Ted, the group’s managing broker and founding principal, “We are seeing more and more customized pools. This is the biggest trend right now for families who want a staycation spot.” Listing: 1041 Broadview Point, Greensboro, four-bedroom, 4 ½-bath, three-year-old custom-built lake home located in horseshoe bend section of Reynolds Lake Oconee, $3.1 million; 706.347.2625, luxurylakeoconee.com
