Achasta was honored in to have been selected as one of only two locations in 2009 to host a Southern Living® Idea House. The home became one of the most-visited in the program’s 30 year history. “I love how the Hemlock Springs plan is sited to take advantage of the gorgeous North Georgia mountains,” said Eleanor Griffin, editor in chief of Southern Living®. “What a wonderful vista to watch the southern seasons change.” (view photos)
"The meticulous detail is evident from the exterior of the residence, with its large, gracious overhangs that are complex to build. When you approach the home, its rustic facade creates an inviting feeling through the use of hefty exposed rafter tails and natural finishes that suit the Achasta community perfectly. Then, you walk inside and you discover a charming and inviting space that is truly livable." The floor plan of the Southern Living® Idea House was crafted to integrate outdoor spaces that are truly useful. The focal point of the home is the "tower porch" with sweeping panoramic views that make it a destination in itself. For entertaining, however, the kitchen and grilling deck might be the most discussed elements. Located directly off the kitchen, the deck is accessed through remote-controlled, sliding pocket doors. The kitchen wall opens and slides into a pocket, allowing the homeowner to stand in their kitchen with no barrier between them, the grill deck and the woods. (view virtual tour)
Other features include an activity room on the upper level of the home that opens up to a terrace porch and overlooks the two-story family room. The home also boasts 1,500 square feet of covered porches and 900 feet of storage space on the lower level of the home. "The first showcase home we built at Achasta demonstrated the possibilities,” noted Ron Larson, Managing Director of Achasta. “We had so many people visit the 2008 Points North Signature Home, and simply fall in love with every aspect of the structure. We challenged ourselves to raise the bar even higher with the Southern Living® Idea House."