Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005

 

Designed for adults with changing lifestyles

Recently remarried after being single for 25 years, Fran Ivey made the dramatic move from a 35-acre farm in the northeast Georgia Mountains to a 2,000 sq. ft. courtyard home and patio garden at The Cottages at Heron Bay in Henry and Spalding Counties and couldn't be happier about the downsizing and the change in her lifestyle.

"I go back to the mountains every week to see my children and grandchildren," she said. “Plus, we have a condominium in Panama City. Thanks to the design, security and low maintenance features of The Cottages, we can lock the doors behind us and never have a moment's worry. At the farm there was always something to take care of."

Once high school sweethearts — "he was the first boy I ever kissed" — the former Fran Bruce and Bill Ivey rekindled their teenage romance as a result of a consolidated class reunion at Atlanta's Sylvan High, where Fran graduated in the class of 1959 and Bill graduated in the class of '56. A divorcee, Fran had raised four children, now 29 to 40, by herself and Bill's wife had passed away two years before.

Over the two years that the couple dated, they spent much of their time together looking at houses. "We knew that getting married and moving in together was going to be a tremendous lifestyle change," Fran said. "Bill had lived in the same house in Riverdale for 38 years."

"We looked at everything from big ol' three-story houses in McDonough to townhomes. When we visited The Cottages at Heron Bay and saw the design of the first homes that were built, we knew we had found the right place for us."

The Cottages at Heron Bay are a creation of Windsong Properties, a partnership between Mark Carruth and Steve Romeyn who between them have over 50 years of experience in the Atlanta residential real estate market. Romeyn, who has a degree in architectural history from Harvard University, sees a definite housing trend being caused by changing American demographics. "Baby boomers are retiring, becoming empty nesters and rethinking their lifestyles," he said. "As a result, they have different needs and desires as far as their housing is concerned."

"Windsong's mission," Romeyn said, "is to create active adult neighborhoods where active adults living in well-crafted homes, placed in the right setting and energized by friendly neighbors can enjoy the Windsong lifestyle."

With The Cottages at Heron Bay, Windsong has created an open, airy living space constructed around an outdoor living room or patio and filled with light. While the designs vary slightly on different plans, the Ivey's home contains a great room with a dining area, a master suit with bath, a second bedroom and bath, a kitchen and breakfast area, a sunroom, a patio, breezeway, foyer, two-car garage and an innovative Windsong architectural feature called a "casita," or "little house." The casita is uniquely constructed to be free standing, although it is connected to the main house by the roof and heated and cooled by the same air conditioning system. The "little house" includes a separate bath and walk-in closet and can be used as a guesthouse, office or studio, or simply as a tranquil retreat. "It's so private and quiet that it’s the equivalent of having a separate guest house," Fran said.

The entire structure, including the casita, breezeway and patio, is enclosed by attractive vinyl fencing and a wrought iron gate that guarantees privacy and security without compromising The Cottages' unique feeling of openness and light.

Throughout the homes, low thresholds, wide doorways and halls, and other features are designed to accommodate all stages of life. Homes in The Cottages have received certification from the EasyLiving Home Coalition. This is a voluntary certification developed by a coalition of public and private organizations to encourage the inclusion of key features that make a home cost effective, accessible, and convenient for everyone, no matter their age, size, or physical ability.  

"What I like most about our new home," said Fran Ivey, "is that we have 2,000 easy-to-maintain square feet on one level, but the innovative design around the central courtyard gives you the feeling that you are in a much larger space."

Home prices begin at $179,900 for the standard Windstar model and $189,900 for the standard Walden model, which includes the casita. Prices are higher for the 33 homes on the 18th fairway of the development's Canongate golf course.

A key ingredient in the overall concept and design of The Cottages is the 1,900 sq. ft. clubhouse overlooking the 18th green of the golf course. For the exclusive use of Windsong homeowners in Heron Bay, it provides a large, pleasant venue for neighbors to meet for big screen TV watching, exploring the Internet, cards, dance lessons and other activities that connect people and promote a sense of neighborliness and community.

The Cottages is located in the 1,150-acre resort-styled Heron Bay Golf and Country Club where residents enjoy a wide range of amenities, including an 18-hole championship Canongate golf course, lighted tennis courts, a community aquatic center, boating on the 1,100 acre Cole Reservoir and a 5,000 sq. ft. lodge with a fitness center, among others.

"When the grandchildren come to visit," said Fran, "we turn them loose on the Heron Bay sports and recreational facilities. There's more for them to do here than there is in the mountains."

Of the 67 home sites in The Cottages community, 15 homes are sold and occupied, 16 homes are under way for buyers, seven spec homes are under construction and available and 10 sites are reserved.

Other features that Fran appreciates in her new home are the 10-ft. ceilings in the great room and master bedroom, the gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar, the spacious maple cabinets with 36-in. wall cabinets and the elegantly appointed bathrooms.

Low maintenance features that Bill Ivey said provide him with the carefree lifestyle he wants at this stage of his life include Hardiplank low-maintenance siding and trim, 30-yr. fiberglass roof shingles, and maintenance-free vinyl fence and gate.

Both Fran and Bill are pleased with The Cottages' many energy saving features including efficient gas heating and electric central air conditioning, double pane vinyl low E glass windows, quick recovery 40-gal. gas water heater and energy saving insulation.

In addition to The Cottages at Heron Bay, Windsong Properties is completing Montclair Villas at Ridgewalk in Woodstock and is starting Blackberry Run at Seven Hills in Paulding County, another active adult neighborhood community similar to The Cottages.

Located on Ga. Highway 155, approximately five miles from Exit 216 of Interstate 75 and just 30 minutes southeast of downtown Atlanta, Heron Bay is situated along the eastern shoreline of the Cole Reservoir.

For additional information on The Cottages at Heron Bay, contact sales manager Georgia Wright at 770-898-1042.