Three-peat?

In sports, a three-peat is winning three consecutive championships. In college football, no team has ever won three straight titles in the AP poll, the coaches’ poll, the Bowl Championship Series or the College Football Playoff. After winning the National Championship game for the second year in a row, the University of Georgia football team will attempt to be the first team to win three championships in row. Both Alabama and USC have come close, but couldn’t win that third championship game in a row. As I walked out of SoFi stadium on January 10th to the chants of “Go Dawgs” following the UGA win over TCU, I thought about that New Year’s Day back in 1981 when we beat Notre Dame for the 1980 National Championship. As an 18 year old freshman, I didn’t think it would take another 41 years to win it again. So, when we finally beat Alabama last year to earn that top spot in the nation, I felt a great sense of relief.

There’s no doubt UGA is currently on a roll, finishing this year 15-0. The Bulldogs have more national championships (2) than losses (1) over the past two seasons. Our Editorial Director seems to think this has something to do with OC Todd Monken being a product of the Falcon football program under Coach Jim Rexilius at her alma mater, Wheaton North High School. There’s no question Kirby Smart knows how to pick the right people to get the job done. St. Simons Island’s own Jack Podlesny also made some important contributions to get the team where they are today. In any case, they have been an exciting team to watch! Next year, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to play for a three-peat. That is something not even the most rabid UGA fans would have ever dared to imagine! Unbelievable!

GO DAWGS!

PUBLISHER

David Butler

ART DIRECTOR

Beth Rowen

EDITORIAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Kathi Williams 912.399.8797

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Terry McCarthy 912.399.3699

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ADVERTISING SALES

Yolanda O’Hern

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

George Ingram

Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

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ON THE COVER:

Peeking through the resurrection fern is a tranquil, bird’s-eye view of Christ Church, Frederica. This issue commemorates the 70th year of their Tour of Homes.

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RESOLUTION #1: GET OUTSIDE!

According to the American Psychological Association, research proves that being nurtured by nature has huge benefits for humans’ physical and mental health. Since most of us spend at least 10 hours a day staring at screens, “just a few moments of green can perk up a tired brain.” Studies also show that being outdoors helps to improve cognition and memory, relieve stress and trauma, and enhance overall wellbeing. One famous study even found that simply having a VIEW of nature helped to shorten post-operative stays in the hospital compared to patients who looked out on parking lots or buildings. “Nature might also make us nicer,” according to one researcher, “to other people as well as to the planet.” fter a three year hiatus, the Christ Church Tour of Homes will return on March 18. For this 70th anniversary of the tour, for the first time ever, all of the homes featured are on Sea Island. There will also be a special focus on the church and its history. Docents in and around the church will present historic narratives highlighting many individuals who have made important contributions to the church and our community since 1736.

So when you review your New Year’s Resolutions, make sure that getting outdoors is at the top of the list! We’re here to help.

To remind yourself of all the great places to enjoy being in nature, order your 2023 Land Trust Calendar online. Quantities are limited.

This casually elegant oceanfront cottage was designed for entertaining with modern and classic architectural styles inspired by Mediterranean and European travels. Flanked by two 17th century carved lions, the entry loggia beckons your eye straight to the sea. Inside the home, arched-frame hallways give way to breathtaking views of the ocean and garden. Fleur-de-lis features are incorporated throughout the home as a symbol of the Trinity. Plaster walls, arches, reclaimed beams, pocket doors, mosaic tile, and a dynamic lighting control system that incorporates restored European chandeliers are among many unique design elements. The dining table in the salon was crafted using 100-year old wood from the family’s farm. Other highlights you won’t want to miss are the bespoke hand-painted powder room mural adjacent to the chef’s kitchen and the Tree of Life in the chapel. This room was inspired by visits to Israel, including Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. It was the Berkeley Blue Bar in Knightsbridge, London that influenced the décor of the game room. Ornate stairwells on each end of the home lead to five master bedrooms, each with en suite and a view of the beach. When you see the master closet in the owner’s suite, you’ll think you’re in a chic department store salon. The outdoor kitchen area is an entertainment hub with both gas and wood-fired grills, hanging swings, a heated and cooled pool with jacuzzi, outdoor powder room and shower. Open and covered balconies offer ideal options for enjoying the ocean breezes with morning coffee or evening cocktails.

This three-story guest abode offers you a vista from the tops of tall palm trees to ocean waves and open skies! When you enter the main floor, a spacious downstairs guest room with en suite awaits. Its French doors lead onto a patio and private turf-grass putting green where you can perfect your game. A blue marble, penny-tiled, full bathroom is conveniently located adjacent to the mudroom with built-in storage and room to stow beach bags. Climb the open shaft, wrap-around staircase or step into the marble mosaic-enveloped elevator and be whisked up to the treetops on the second level. The entirely open floor spans a kitchen, large dining and sitting area with fireplace. A cool, light-as-air feeling is invoked with white walls, light oak flooring, sleek European cabinetry, counter height stone island, and wraparound walls of tall casement windows that let in the sea breeze and smell of ginger lilies beyond the copper roofline. The clever ICF construction of the home maximizes cooling and heating efficiency to enable green living. The architectural style is also unique, incorporating a stucco base with traditional-inspired board and batten siding to complement the primary residence. On the top level, a private balcony offers unobstructed ocean views beyond glass railings. A fireplace, heating system, and outdoor TV allow for yearround enjoyment. Dormer design elements define a cozy primary suite extending front to back with a stone fireplace. The luxurious primary bath and hidden laundry complete this well-appointed guesthouse.