This Home is the Best of Two Eras

By John Shivers

“Poplar Leaf,” the home at 36 Austria Lane on Lake Burton in Rabun County, was constructed in 1980. Recently, it’s undergone an extensive remodel and upgrading inside and out. The end result is a 2,300± square foot home with quality bones, plus the latest in décor, design, and function. Talk about a win-win!

With an exterior paint color and accents that blend with the home’s wooded surroundings, it presents striking curb appeal. Mountain stone gate posts welcome you to the quirky, meandering steps that lead to the covered front entrance. The landscape has been left natural, meaning little yard work, but just wait until you see the mountain laurel in bloom, or gaze upon the autumn color-fest.

At the same time, this family-oriented destination quietly, and unobtrusively, becomes part of the backdrop for so many exciting, lake living opportunities. The complete renovation package reflects minute attention to thoughtful detail inside and out. Lake waters mere feet from the house, and the renovated two-level, two-stall boat house with shake roof and exquisite lake views equate to water front living that just doesn’t get much better.

Rustic yet elegant Craftsman architecture sets the tone for this lake lodge that is distinguished by the quality of the workmanship and materials incorporated into this total-house revamp. The exterior enhancements of the home and the boat house include Pella® Architectural Series casement windows and sliding doors, new cedar shake roof, copper gutters and downspouts, and beautiful Bevolo Cooper® lighting.

The monochromatic interior of primarily wood-paneled walls and ceilings with generous trim moldings takes its inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The result is a comfortable, neutral canvas that allows the architectural detail and the décor enhancements to pop with eye-catching pizzazz. Differing levels and interesting room shapes yield intriguing angles that only sweeten the appeal. But behind the color schemes and the architectural extras, you’ll find a four bedroom, three bath home that you’ll yearn to call yours. Three mountain stone wood burning fireplaces with gas starters, one in the main floor family area, a second on the daylight terrace level that features a second family area, and a third on the covered terrace level deck, enhance the quality of living.

Genuine hardwood oak floors run throughout the main level, while the terrace level is floored in slate. Visual Comfort® lighting has been employed throughout. Mechanical enhancements include a new HVAC system, water heater, foam insulation, and encapsulated basement with dehumidifier, upgraded new electrical panel, and new plumbing.

Mere steps away from the family room are the kitchen and dining area. Quality cabinets with butcher block tops house new, high end stainless appliances including Sub-zero refrigerators camouflaged as part of the cabinetry. An under-counter icemaker and dual fuel range with gas cook top and convection oven make this a chef’s dream work space. Fixtures are by Kohler and a farmhouse apron sink make the fantastic even better. An oversize walk-in pantry mere steps away also houses a laundry room with new washer and dryer.

Three bedrooms, including the master suite, complete the main level. The terrace level includes a second kitchen and laundry room with mudroom, and one bedroom and bath. All the bathrooms sport Kohler® fixtures, slate tile, and soapstone counters.

Outside, numerous open and covered deck areas expand the living footprint, and help to marry the setting to the lifestyle that awaits the new owner.

Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agent Molly Williams is ready to lead you on a tour of GMLS #20103947, and can answer your questions on how this fantastic home can be yours. You can reach her at (cell) 770-365-0816 or (office) 706-212-0228.