Real Estate
 |
| photo by Neal
DuPre |
Highgrove:
Historical Architecture
with Large, Livable Porches
In 1995, Scott and Jennifer Barnett decided
to take a risk and put their energy into their passion - creating
beautiful homes and neighborhoods.
After giving up their 9 to 5 jobs, the
Barnetts started Kingston Hill Development Company, LLC. "We
borrowed the name from the small township of Kingston Hill,
located just outside of London, that Jennifer and I once visited,"
says Scott.
Scott's extreme interest in historical
architecture, coupled with his past career in lending money
for residential development, lead them to building communities.
Kingston Hill's first development, Highgrove on Whitewater
Creek, is on 650 acres located across from Whitewater Creek
Country Club on Redwine Road.
"The concept of Highgrove is to emulate
beautiful American neighborhoods with an emphasis on historical
architecture," says Scott.
Sidewalks, parks, street trees and nature
trails are important aspects of the community. A clubhouse,
swim and tennis facilities and golf cart accessibility are
also included in the plan.
The most important feature historical
architecture includes homes in Southern vernacular
architecture derived from Greek Revival, Georgian, Victorian,
Creole (Coastal) Cottage, Italianate, Shingle and even Tudor.
The Barnett's attribute their inspiration
in land planning and especially in architecture to Jim Strickland
of Historical Concepts in Peachtree City. "You can easily
identify Jim's historically inspired homes," Scott says. "His
homes and neighborhoods have stood the test of time and are
still highly sought after."
The relationship of the porch to the
sidewalk is extremely important. "Homes are strategically
located within conversation distance to the sidewalks, so
that passing neighbors can visit with homeowners relaxing
on their front porches."
In front of each home, open flamed gas
lanterns emit a low glow and add to the old-world feel. Where
possible, walkways lead from the front door to the sidewalk.
Each home is adorned with workable shutters and wide moldings.
In many Highgrove homes, there are back porches where residents
enjoy private outdoor living.
Street trees are carefully chosen and
placed so that, as they grow, they will create a tunneled
vista of pleasantly filtered sunlight on every street. Garages
are located on the sides or rears of the homes so the streetscape
of porches and trees provides
a welcoming entrance for neighbors.
The careful planning of Highgrove also
included the selection of custom builders. "We owe a great
part of Highgrove's success to the creative Highgrove builders,"
Scott says. "They all share our interests in historical homes
and quality materials."
In fact, many of the Highgrove builders
enjoy reproducing specific historical homes in Highgrove.
As a testament of Highgrove's success,
Scott, Jennifer and their three daughters moved into the neighborhood
in 2000. In fact, six of the nine Highgrove Builders have
also made Highgrove their home.
"After meeting so many wonderful families
moving into Highgrove, we just had to be a part of it. We
wanted our children to grow up in a true community," says
Jennifer.
"A community should possess a sense of
permanence," she says. Highgrove achieves that sense of permanence
by combining timeless and honored architecture with the thoughtful
placement of each house, sidewalk and tree. 
