A World Away in the
North Georgia Mountains
The bucolic Persimmon Valley is located in Georgia’s most northeastern county, Rabun, near Lake Burton - an area which was deemed “the Hamptons of Atlanta” by the New York Times. Considered to be as lovely an area as there could possibly be, residents and visitors alike revel in the natural tranquility and beauty of this hamlet which is also surrounded by National Forestry Service land.
Nestled in the northern end of the valley is the 87.86 acre property known as Persimmon Creek Vineyards. Lovingly planted, carefully constructed, the land offers unlimited possibilities for a discerning buyer.
The wines from the vineyard have been served at some of our nation’s most pre-
eminent restaurants including The Cloister at Sea Island, Little Nell in Aspen, and all three Ritz-Carlton hotels in Georgia. Also, the vineyard was chosen by Wine Business Monthly out of Sonoma as a national “Hot Top 10 Small Brand” for 2010.
From the gated entrance, visitors are welcomed by the scent of the lavender allee along the graveled drive and the gurgling of the creek that falls into a pond beside the main house. Grapevines climb the hill sides on both sides of the drive; and if one didn’t know better, it would be easy to think you were transported to Tuscany.
The Vineyard House Just down on the left sits the main house. Originally built as a barn, the building was remodeled in 2001 into a spacious dwelling with vaulted ceilings and picture windows all around. Wide decks surround the living areas and overlook the flower and kitchen gardens just below. The main level boasts three bedrooms, two large baths, a gourmet kitchen that allows the cook to interact with family and friends, large dining area, and a comfortable sitting room with stone fireplace. Downstairs is a full terrace level featuring drive-in accessibility through garage doors and another finished room with half bath. This room was used originally as the ‘tasting room’ for the winery and the wine was made in the terrace level just outside the door to the tasting room.
There are twelve acres of vines currently producing four Vitis vinifera varietals: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Seyval Blanc which is a French/ American hybrid. Additional acreage could be planted to increase grape production if desired.
Persimmon Creek flows boldly through the property toward Lake Burton to the south. The creek banks have been cleaned and in the past, the pastures have been planted with sunflowers. A charming stone bridge spans the creek and allows entry to the woodlands and pastures that lie on the other side.
The Cottages
The graveled drive curves through the forest and winds up toward three precious cottages that rest like jewels on the top of a crown. Originally built to serve as overnight accommodations for visitors to the vineyard and to the area in general, Hickory, Sassafras and Fiddlehead cottages, named for natural elements found on the Persimmon Creek Vineyards property, have distinctive personalities established by supremely stylish and comfortable interior design and architecture. Constructed with unparalleled quality and attention to detail in architecture, materials, craftsmanship and interior design, the custom-designed, furnished cottages offer a level of luxury that is a welcome surprise to every guest. Tremendous attention to detail is present in the design and craftsmanship of the three cottages; particular emphasis has been placed on the use of natural and regional materials. Each cottage has the added convenience of efficiency laundry closets with a washer/dryer combination.
Hickory Cottage With two bedrooms and two and a half baths, the Hickory cottage
features
clean,
sophisticated interior design reminiscent of an historic farmhouse. The main-level bedroom has a king size bed and oversized bath boasting copper Waterworks fixtures and two large sink basins. A porcelain bathtub with wood accents is centered in a bay window and surrounded by sheers to create a romantic, spa-like ambience.
The upper-level bedroom has a queen bed and an earth-inspired, yet modern, design. The bathroom features a large, double shower and hand-laid stone floor with fossilized natural materials and a glass mosaic pattern. The Hickory cottage great room is the epitome of a stylish retreat. High ceilings accommodate a large, stone fireplace with a dual opening to the outdoor patio and furnishings such as a chaise lounge provides guests with the ultimate in comfort.
Sassafras Cottage The cool tones and traditional design of Sassafras cottage create a light, inviting feel. Contrasts
of
painted
and
stained wood surfaces have a dramatic effect within the two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath guest home. Furnishings are relaxed and comfortable, often featuring out-of-the-ordinary and contemporary twists on the traditional. A cozy reading nook entices guests to curl up with a good book.
The first-level bedroom is a retreat with a water-inspired ambience featuring white painted wood walls, a powder blue ceiling and garden terrace. The adjacent bathroom features Carrera marble on floors and walls, along with a custom brick pattern in the exquisite shower. `The whimsical design of the second level bedroom has a sitting alcove and king size bed outfitted in a natural, serene color palette. The spacious bathroom is accented by an old-fashioned style tub as the centerpiece of the room, surrounded by beautiful marble with glazed tile accents. Wainscoting and simple pattern accents give texture to the large shower and double sink vanities.
Fiddlehead Cottage
With dĂŠcor inspired by the surrounding mountain setting, the design of Fiddlehead cottage conveys a strong sense of rustic elegance. The one bedroom, one bath cottage is especially romantic in its accommodation for two guests on one level. The interior accents and rich, textured fabrics. The living room features a circular curtain rod around all windows, to allow guests the option of enveloping themselves in utter privacy. A large veranda and outdoor patio, with wood-burning fireplace and comfortable seating, encourages guests to enjoy the beauty of the mountain vineyard setting. The kitchen boasts wood countertops and a large copper sink reminiscent of an historic farmhouse.
The bedroom features a king size bed and a color scheme of earth tones complemented by shades of persimmon, terra cotta and kiwi green. The spacious bathroom is truly the focal point of the cottage with its two large copper bathtubs placed in a deep three-sided bay window for views of the Persimmon Creek Vineyards valley. Walls are wrapped with wood paneling and the stone floor has a delicate herringbone and inset “rug� pattern. The cottages ring a large garden filled with flowering plants that delight throughout spring, summer and fall. Each cottage has its own separate entrance into the garden where guests can relax under the arbor, use the communal grill area or stroll from one end to the other simply delighting in the colors and the fragrances.
If one owned this magnificent property and wished to use it as a home base for relaxation, gardening, wine production, as a haven for horses and riding — the list is endless — but wanted the option of venturing out for the odd adventure, where would one go? Area attractions and activities are numerous including, but not limited to the following: Black Rock Mountain State Park Aesthetic Water Releases at Tallulah River Tallulah Gorge State Park Lakes Burton, Seed and Rabun Hillside Orchard Park The Foxfire Museum Moccasin Creek State Park Whitewater Rafting Hiking – many options, but the Appalachian Trail is nearby Fishing – both in the lakes and in the trout streams Golf - at nearby Lake Burton Club, Brasstown Valley, Kingwood, The Orchard, Clayton Hunting – most anywhere! Boating – Anchorage Marina on Lake Burton is about a ten minute drive Antique Shopping and Art Galleries
The property is located approximately twelve miles from historic downtown Clayton, Georgia. Driving distance is approximately 1 ¾ hours from Atlanta, approximately 50 minutes from Highlands, North Carolina, approximately 1 ¾ hours from Greenville, South Carolina and approximately 1 ½ hours from Asheville, North Carolina. The nearest airport, Heaven’s Landing, which accommodates private aircraft, is approximately seven minutes from the property. How can the property best be utilized? In order to once again be used as a productive winery that allowed a reasonable return of investment, more acreage might be planted in grape vines. There are approximately 12 acres of cleared land on the hillsides and beside Persimmon Creek that could be planted. Another use might be for a horse farm. The land lies well and the cleared acreage could easily be turned into pastures. There are endless possibilities for the use of the remaining acreage. Usage is limited only by the imagination or requirements of the owners. The surrounding area consists of large parcels of privately owned land on which estate homes have been constructed and forested land that is owned for the most part by the National Forest Service thus restricting any further growth in the immediate area.
For a private tour of this amazing property or to ask questions pertaining to this property, please contact Lynda Hester at 770-480-5161 or lynda.hester@prudentialgeorgia.com.
LYNDA H EST ER 85 Nor th Office direct: 770-480-5161 office: 706-654-2086 email: l y nda@l y ndahester.com website: l y ndahester.com Š2013 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.Ž Equal Housing Opportunity.