Opportunity: Grab this Well-Known Location

By John Shivers

t’s not often that a landmark property becomes available, and when that happens, it’s usually a deal you dare not let pass you by. There are times when opportunity knocks but once, which is the case with the almost one acre property, more or less, located at the intersection of Charlie Mountain Road and Highway 76 West in Rabun County.

You know you’re at the right place when your eyes feast on the Adirondack-inspired buildings clad in aged wooden shakes, accented by striking turquoise trim. Both buildings boast of many windows that have been gazing out on this wooded lot by the side of the road since 1975. Meandering through the site is Timpson Creek, named for John Timpson, the first Cherokee Indian in the area to be baptized into the Baptist faith, and the inspiration for the businesses that currently operate there.

Located at 7142 Highway 76 West, the two buildings total over 10,000 square feet of space. Space that offers so many possibilities. This property’s officially known by generations of full-time and parttime residents as Timpson Creek Gallery. But it’s also the base for Cecile Thompson’s home décor and gift emporium that specializes in a unique inventory from a variety of talented craftspeople and artists. Foremost in that extensive list of designers is Cecile’s husband, Dwayne, an artist in wood in his own right, who claims the land as his home, and gives his talents free reign in the second, two story building that houses Timpson Creek Millworks.

While this listing is for the property and the buildings, the owners are open to discussing the sale of the business and inventory, as well as their brand. Acquire just the property now or purchase the entire lot. Or contract for the property now, and acquire the balance down the road.

Given the reputation this location enjoys after almost half a century, both the buildings offer so very many possibilities for a visionary buyer. That’s opportunity with a capital O. Follow the burbling creek waters and you’ll soon find yourself at Lake Burton and Anchorage Boat Dock, only about two minutes away. A little farther afield, this property is less than ten minutes from the bustling town of Clayton. While the interior of the main building is divided into several rooms, the ceilings are high and resplendent with architectural detail. This versatile layout makes the space ideal for any number of commercial endeavors, and with its HB (Highway Business) zoning designation already in place, let the Muse be your guide. Expand the retail footprint currently in place, or create an art gallery, deli or fullservice dining, watercraft sales, furniture or boutique offerings, an entertainment space, or establish multiple businesses within the two buildings. It would be difficult to find a more flexible property in such an idyllic setting, which makes it possible to flow your businesses out onto the tree-shaded lawn with the miniature log cabin alongside the creek as needs dictate.

There’s also a studio apartment on the second level of the main building that lends itself to several different uses. In the second building, currently used as design and manufacturing space for the millworks, as well as an artists’ studio at times, the possibilities for this structure are as numerous as the square footage is spacious.

The landmark status is in place. Harry Norman, REALTORS® Luxury Lake and Mountain agents Julie Barnett, cell number 404-697-3860, or Sarah Gillespie, cell number 404-735-6157, have all the details on GMLS #20132517, and are waiting to show this truly one-of-a-kind listing. Or contact them at the Harry Norman office, 706-212-0228.