Mountain Homes
Grab This Piece of History While You Can By John Shivers
S
ome opportunities just sorta come along. Others stand up and wave at you. The classic, historic home at 59 Carter Lane outside the storied village of Lakemont, in the southern end of Rabun County, is one of those special opportunities: a home that’s as much a part of the past as it is the future. This home is a distinct design style inherent to the lake living architecture so synonymous with Lake Rabun. Fortunately, this 82± year old country rustic cottage style dwelling has been modernized for 21st Century living, with minute detail paid to preserving the original charm and integrity. Nestled among the trees, accessed by a winding, picturesque country lane, this property is definitely one to consider. It was in 1940 when the former Mountain Laurel Inn first became a destination for travelers on the Tallulah Falls Railroad. The train brought visitors from all over the southeast into the northeast Georgia mountains, and helped establish the 1,872± square foot
62 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - June 2022
structure’s reputation as a place to escape to the famous mountain breezes . Situated now on five wooded, rolling acres adjacent to U.S. Forest lands, this private home or vacation rental is known as Wiley Mountain Lodge, and has been lovingly restored from the ground up. With central heat and air, a drilled deep well, and rebuilt foundations, and other updates, it’s viability and livability is assured for another century. Designed for fun, with whimsical touches throughout, livability is the buzzword. It’s bones may be aged, but the lifestyle possibilities of the property itself are both varied and ageless. Whether you’re inside or out, the opportunities to make yourself at home are overwhelming. There are porches and patios on all three levels, in addition to an outdoor partially-covered pavilion just steps away from the house. An outdoor shower and toilet area in addition to a detached full bathroom facility seriously ramp up the ability to host a large number of people.
