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Wednesday, December 11, 2002 Building a community to call home
In 1995, Scott and Jennifer Barnett gave up their 9-to-5 jobs to start a real estate development business called Kingston Hill Development Company, LLC. Like many people, beautiful homes and neighborhoods are the Barnetts' passion. Scott's extreme interest in historical architecture coupled with his past career in lending for residential development led them in the direction of building communities. The name Kingston Hill was borrowed from the small township of Kingston Hill, just outside of London, a place the couple had visited. Kingston Hill's first development, Highgrove on Whitewater Creek, was planned for the remaining 650 acres of land located in the Whitewater Creek planned unit development. Originally, the plan was to continue the Whitewater Creek Neighborhood by using the same name. However, the Barnetts wanted to develop a community that would include and reflect their interests, so the 650 acres was located across Redwine Road from Whitewater Creek to distinguish their new development. A new plan was created to emulate beautiful American neighborhoods of the past with an emphasis on historical architecture and they named their new neighborhood Highgrove. Southern architecture, derived from Greek revival, Georgian, Victorian, creole cottage, Italianate, shingle and even tudor influences were included in the plan. Because public spaces are so important to a community, in addition to the Jeffersonian Greek Revival Clubhouse, three additional public spaces are positioned throughout Highgrove including parks and Greek Revival pavilions that serve as shelter at each park and carry the community's landmark theme. Sidewalks, street trees, swim and tennis center, nature trails and golf cart accessibility were also included in the plan. The relationship of the porch to the sidewalk was extremely important to the Barnetts' plan for Highgrove. Homes are strategically located within "conversation" distance to the sidewalks, which are poured about 12 feet off the street curb on both sides of the streets, so that passing neighbors on foot and homeowners relaxing on the eight-ft. deep front porches have an opportunity to interact with each other. Not only does this bring the sidewalk closer to the home, it provides 12 ft. of green space for street trees. Each of these trees are planted in such a way that the landscape will create a tunneled vista on each street as the years go by. Street tree varieties have been chosen with a lower leaf density so that sunlight is pleasantly filtered and not completely shading. Back porches are also frequently added to Highgrove homes for private outdoor living. Open-flamed gas lanterns were introduced in front of each new home to add to the old-world feel. These lanterns emit a low glow that does not necessarily provide light but rather a torched marker to lead a walker down the sidewalks at night. Also, each home is adorned with workable shutters and wide moldings. When possible, front walks lead from the front door ot the sidewalk to provide a welcomed entrance to each home. Because Highgrove is a traditional walking neighborhood, it is important to introduce easy welcoming accessibility for the person on foot. The use of old brick and white or off white mortar helps create an aged historic look. The small detail of using satin paint instead of flat to the exterior clapboard adds an element of clean distinction. Brick homes are entirely brick, not just the front facade. Garage doors are embellished with woodwork and hinges to create the look of carriage doors. Garages are located to the side and rear of the homes so as not to detract from the streetscape of porches and street trees and to maintain a welcoming entrance for neighbors. A byproduct of the historical architecture and placement of each home, sidewalk and tree is a sense of permanence. Careful planning by the Barnetts is aimed at providing a valued neighborhood where the heritage and intrinsic value can be passed from generation to generation, or at least from home seller to home buyer. In 2000, the Barnetts and their three daughters moved into their new Highgrove home, a historical reproduction of a Greek revival Louisiana plantation home of 1847. "After meeting so many wonderful families moving into Highgrove, we just had to be part of it," Scott said. "It was the neighborhood we had always wanted, not just because of the beautiful surroundings but because of the wonderful and interesting people who live there." In fact, six of the nine Highgrove builders have also made the community their home. "We owe a great part of Highgrove's success to the creative builders," Barnett said. "They all share our interests in historical homes and quality materials." Chris Parrott of Chris Parrott Homes and Bill Gilmer of Simply Southern Traditional Homes have each reproduced historical homes as well. The Barnetts' inspiration in land planning and architecture is attributed to Jim Strickland of Historical Concepts in Peachtree City. "You can drive through 'late 20th century' Peachtree City and easily identify Jim's historically-inspired homes," Barnett said. "His homes and neighborhoods have stood the test of time and are still highly sought after in Peachtree City." Highgrove is a sidewalk community with more than 300 homes and 10 miles of sidewalks included in the final build-out. Presently, 200 lots have been developed and 175 custom homes are occupied. Sixty lots will be ready in February 2003 and another 50 lots are planned for 2004. Predicted build-out is 2006. During November and December Highgrove has had record house sales and received record contracts, according to the Barnetts, who plan to continue utilizing careful planning and providing a product of distinction. "If it's not done right, it's not worth doing." The sales center is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. For more information, call Brenda Matthews or Mary Ermer at 770-719-2939.
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