A River Literally Runs Through It

A River Literally Runs Through It By Deena C. Bouknight

An off the beaten path Clayton property has as its approach, its major feature, its view from multiple windows: the Tallulah River. It is a privileged property, in fact, that sits on the impressive river, which is 47.7-mile-long and runs through Georgia and North Carolina. But in North Georgia, the Tallulah River travels through Rabun County and ends in Habersham County, cutting through the Tallulah Dome rock formation to form the Tallulah Gorge and its several waterfalls. Said Graham Fowler, based in Atlanta, who has owned the property as a family and friend getaway for the past three years, “Just yesterday [June 13], I was sitting on the deck, which is 30 feet from the edge of the river, where the view is spectacular. But what I was enjoying most was the sound of the river. I just closed my eyes and listened.” Homes along the river, unlike area lakes, are minimal. Yet, a brick stunner on Garrett Branch Road is not only built on the acre-plus landscape incorporating the river, but rather into the landscape. In fact, the Tallulah River, which provides a spectacularly scenic introduction to the house during a five-minute approach, is what homeowners experience daily from a spacious, 1,000-square-footplus overhanging deck atop a giant white-rock boulder. The 250-foot water frontage property’s sensory experience is of water flowing over rocks, the seasonal changes in hardwood trees, and wildlife galore.

But just as remarkable as the natural surroundings is the home’s 2,600-square-foot interior. Central in the three bedroom, two and a half bath, two-story home is the massive and impressive kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. The kitchen space accommodates and is

And, for entertaining and everyday living purposes, the home’s design has the kitchen’s wide open space flowing into the equally airy, fireplace-apportioned great room. Light floods the expansive spaces due to the multitude of windows. And from the windows, of course, is a view of all the natural surroundings – most importantly, the river. “I like to walk down to the bridge and feed the fish,” said Fowler. “It takes only 10-15 seconds for them to show themselves. I’ve gotten to know them, in a way, and enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat.” The generous master bedroom has a fireplace for cozy winters, yet plenty of glass doors open to the deck during warmer seasons. The master bath marries a modern, glassed-in shower space with a stand-alone, claw-foot porcelain tub. The other full bath’s Jack and Jill design is ideal for couples and guests. Built-in bonuses upstairs are a coffee bar and intimate balcony. Plus, a new, 600-squarefoot vaulted-ceiling yoga room was added to provide flex space for various purposes, such as a striking home office, a practical bunkroom, a roomy workout area.

Both an attached and detached garage, and a parking pad, offer space for vehicles and recreational equipment. And the mudroom/laundry room sports a shower – ideal for cleaning up after fishing, swimming, gardening, and more in this nature-lover’s hideaway. Also, noted Fowler, Denton Branch Falls is a little over a mile’s walk (or drive to the trailhead and then a 15 minute walk), and about four miles drive dead ends at the entrance of Nantahala National Forest, with access to the Appalachian Trail and a hike to High Falls.

“This property might be an acre and some change,” he said, “but it is surrounded directly by national forest [Chattahoochee] and there is a whole lot of nature to access.” To learn more about this property or for a showing contact Tina Anzo at 404-9642363.