Grab This Piece of History While You Can

Grab This Piece of History While You Can By John Shivers

Some 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 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.

And speaking of hosting large house parties, thanks again to those porches, there’s plenty of dining space suitable to four-season use, as well as during the prime summer months, when everyone wants to come to the mountains and the lakes. The heart of the home is the porches! There is room for the entire family to enjoy multiple dining and seating areas on the wide, covered porches and the outdoor spaces. Enjoy the hot tub and the hammock in the Grotto or the conversation area on the starlit deck. It’s lovely in every season and every time of day. This home is convenient to Tallulah Gorge State Park, Lake Rabun, and Clayton, and has an excellent rental history with a following of repeat guests.

Inside, two large living areas were made to accommodate family and friends. The century-old wood floors and paneling, combined with the native stone fireplaces in the two living areas ,offer a feeling of warmth to the rooms, and make folks want to stay a while. Four bedrooms, including a private sleeping loft that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the kids, allow many heads to bed down for the night. The cherry on the sundae here are the sleeping porches attached to the bedrooms that offer up opportunities for catching a restful afternoon nap, or sleeping in the great outdoors with all the comforts of home. Poss Realty Agent and Rabun County native Lorie Thompson declares this historic lodge to be one of her favorite homes in the county. She’s certain you’ll agree, and invites you to contact her to see MLS #20033319. You can reach her at 706-490-1820 or at the office at 706-782-2121.