The Parker family in Avery Park - Photo by Rob Felt

Outstanding Yards

By Pat Cooper

Part of the pleasure of receiving a gift is often not just what the present holds, it's the way it's wrapped. Many homeowners in the Fayette/Coweta area believe the same holds true for their homes and take special care that the outside is as inviting and charming as the warmth of their family rooms and kitchens.

SummerGrove residents Gabe and Eve Long, newcomers to the area, are proud of the gently textured green of their property, dotted with white crepe myrtles and evergreens covering the east slope of their land. There's a bank of azaleas flanking wooden stairs to two terraces in the backyard.

"I was a little disappointed we didn't plant encore azaleas, but the spring time is spectacular," says Eve. "We seem to have a little bit of everything in our gardens. Our goal is to create a flowing carpet of bright colors across the yard."

Gabe and Eve Long tend to their yard in SummerGrove - Photo by Rob Felt

The Longs love the community. The Chicago natives' daughter has lived in Peachtree City for a while and after looking for several years, they decided to start over and move to SummerGrove.

SummerGrove, located on Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan, is a planned community with amenities including an advanced technology package, over five miles of walking trails and pedestrian paths, a 100-acre lake, a tennis complex and a water park featuring a lazy river ride, water sprays and a large water mushroom. Smart Numbers, an Atlanta-based residential real estate analysis company, has announced that SummerGrove was the best-selling Coweta County community for 2003.

"We like the area and everybody keeps their yards looking so nice. The mild winters have enabled us to be so much more creative; it's very different from what we were used to in the Midwest."

Eve believes the outside of their home should be a reflection of the owner. "We want things to blend seasonally and still allow for personality," she says. "We have this oriental-traditional-Southern living thing going on here."

Mike Hofrichter in Fayette County's Highgrove subdivision is another homeowner who takes a lot of pride in his yard and feels a certain responsibility to maintain the curb appeal of his home in an area of diligent homeowners.

It's only natural that Highgrove homeowners are so meticulous about their property. With tree-lined streets and over ten miles of sidewalks, Highgrove is a traditional neighborhood of historically inspired custom homes. The architecture reflects simpler times, balancing comforts of the past with modern interiors -- open and flowing. Highgrove's amenities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, wading pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, parks and clubhouse.

"My wife calls herself a yard widow for half the year," he says. "Some people run; for me, it's the yard."

It's that kind of community -- a place where people really take care of their yards and keep up with Highgrove's strict covenants, which helps maintain property values.

"It's a little like a person who wears a nice suit but bad shoes, if you have a beautiful house and don't keep up your yard," he adds.

Hofrichter thinks his landscaper did an excellent job of preplanning before he and his wife moved into the house in November 2001. The landscape plan matured just right, he notes, and he's not planning any additions to the front yard. "It's easy to maintain now and looks just right."

The next step, he says, are he and his wife Denise's plans for a little backyard renovation. "The back is all fenced in and we have two large dogs out there. The most I'm looking at is maybe a pool, a little pool house. Not too much."

In Lake Windsong, a community in Fayette County of rolling terrain, sidewalks line neighborhood streets and planners have pulled together an area for walking adjacent to the lake, along the banks of Line Creek at the relatively new community.

Lake Windsong residents Reid and Dana Davis say they're very happy with their yard since all the landscaping has been completed around their Craftsman-style home.

"We've only been in the house a year," Dana says. "It's a new subdivision. But, right now, the miniature gardenias are blooming beautifully."

They have used the natural fall of the land and the pine trees in the front yard to help create a pleasing visual as visitors come in towards the house. Dana and Reid also decided to have Leland Cypress trees put in to provide privacy and complement the home's natural setting.

Miniature holly dots the property around the wall, giving it a finished look. The fireplace on the back porch is a focal point for the family, since Dana says she "goes in and out" that way most of the time. The shady area around the porch is planted with Lariope.

"We're very pleased; we just love the setting and love the area."

When Christmas time rolls around, be sure to take a drive over to Coweta County and tour Newnan's Avery Park subdivision. Steve and Karen Parker will undoubtedly have one of their award-winning Christmas décors up for your enjoyment.

Avery Park is one of Newnan's newest neighborhoods, a 350-acre master-planned community from Pathway Communities, an award-winning developer. The amenities include everything from tennis and swimming to a community Intranet and high-speed Internet access in homes from top builders in a variety of styles, from custom to historical or today's traditional.

Karen and her family have been in their home for just over three years and one of their favorite pastimes is working in the yard. "It's not a big yard, but we try to make the most out of what they have," she says. The house has a wrap-around porch in a subdivision where homes replicate and capture an "old time" feeling.

It's important to the couple that they do the work themselves. "My husband and I enjoy spending time together and we enjoy spending it outside. We love watching the flowers bloom from season to season," Karen adds.

And with impatiens, begonias, chrysanthemums, Mexican heather, lantana and more gracing the yard of their home, there's always something to keep them happy, although they're always looking for ways to add a little more color.

"We have a slope on one side of our yard and it's mostly clay. So, we transplanted some ivy from the other side of our home where everything just seems to grow like magic. After two attempts, it's starting to spread like crazy. We want our home and yard to be reflective of the charming, old homes in downtown Newnan, so we want the ivy to creep everywhere there's not grass or flowers," explains Karen.

There's a certain amount of pride when she points out the single apple they got from the tree they planted last year. The Parkers also have peach and nectarine trees as well as a fig tree that's alrady producing for the second time this year.

"I'm the only one that likes figs, so when they're ready, the kids pluck them right off the tree and bring them over. We even have a small garden with cantaloupe, carrots, okra and tomatoes. I don't eat tomatoes, but what Southerner would have a garden without tomatoes?" adds Karen with a chuckle. "There's always something else to try. We just add a little every year and watch it grow."

Though the Parkers have had no formal training in horticulture or landscape design, Karen says they're always surprised at the luck they have just by running into local stores, picking up a few things, planting them and watching them bloom. "Every year it's trial and error," she says. "And a whole lot of fun."

The Parkers have a lot in common with Valerie Dumas of Coweta's Lake Redwine Plantation community. She also likes to decorate the outside of the home she has lived in for two years.

"I really like Halloween," she says. "We have big spiders going up the walls on the outside of the house and the neighbors really get a laugh from it."

There's "great joy" in decorating for the holidays and, like many in the Coweta and Fayette area, Valerie sees the outside of her home as an extension of the inside, reflecting her taste and style. Her family and friends have a lot of incentive to spend time there, particularly out in the back of the house, where Valerie has a pizza oven, an outdoor kitchen and a Jacuzzi. There is also a "fabulous" view of the lake's gazebo at sunset.

"It's so pretty. It's dark and then you see the lights from the gazebo out there," Valerie says.

Lake Redwine Plantation has all the convenience of living close to the city, while providing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Happy Valley Development Corporation (developers of Lake Redwine) works to create a balance for residents. Mindful of environmental and ecological concerns, the residential neighborhoods and recreation areas are complemented by an abundance of forests, parks and wilderness.

There is a wide array of amenities including gardens, a clubhouse (available for private functions), lighted ALTA tennis courts, a junior-Olympic size pool, adult pool and children's fountain, playground, sidewalks, community intranet and high speed internet access (available to all home sites).

Valerie says she sees the yard as another way to express herself. "It's another room to decorate and it changes with each season."

Along the front and side of her home, perennials and annuals bloom with color. The front and side of the house matter a great deal to her, she notes, calling it "curb appeal that counts." The black wrought iron gate adds "good bones" to the structure and now Valerie is working on an arbor.

"And, of course, what's a yard without a weeping willow?" she asks. Her yard, she adds, "is like the inside of the house. It's always changing."

Communities Listings

Listed below are some of the exciting new communities available throughout Coweta and Fayette counties.

Akers Lake - From the $120s. On Bowers Rd in Moreland.

Allenwood Estates – From the $300s. On Allenwood Rd in Fayetteville.

Annelise Park - From the $600s-$900s on Flat Creek Trail in Fayetteville. Easily accessible to Highway 74, Interstate 85, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, a short ride from downtown Atlanta and within 2.5 miles of Piedmont Fayette Hospital. Community owned 82 acre park features gazebo, picnic area, golf cart bridge and two fishing ponds. Award winning builder group, 1-2.5 acre custom building sites, 2+ miles of bike and walking trails, sidewalks, sodded yards, protective covenants, architectural controls, underground utilities, high efficiency gas heating, exceptional schools. I-85 south to Exit #61, left at the end of the on-ramp to Hwy 74, 2.5 miles to Sandy Creek, 2.5 miles to Flat Creek Trail on the right. Annelise Park is less than a mile on the left.

Apple Orchard - From the $210s. On Beauregard Ave in Fayetteville.

Applewood Trace - From the $200s. On Hwy 85S in Fayetteville.

Arbor Springs Plantation - From the $350s to $1M. Custom homes. Amenities include estate lots, lake, children's play park and Smart Home Technology. In Newnan, take Hwy 29 N past Hwy 154; Arbor Springs Plantation is on left.

The Arbors at SummerGrove - From the $160s. Drama, elegance and low maintenance on the golf course. On Lower Fayetteville Rd in Newnan.

Argonne Forest - From the $220s. Sidewalk community. Take Hwy 85 North in Fayetteville, turn left onto Hwy 314, left onto New Hope Rd. Subdivision on left.

Ashley Forest - From the $300s to $500s. On Sams Dr in Fayetteville.

Ashley Woods - From the $120s. Hwy 16W in Newnan.

Austin Woods - From the $119s. On Dead Oak Rd in Newnan.

Autumn Glen - From the $120s. On Hwy 54 in Fayetteville.

Avery Park - From the $150s. Bentley Chase from the $200s. The Boulevard from the $210s. The Crescent from the $150s. Hillpond from the $220s. Morningside from the $160s. North Square from the 130s. Paxton Place from the $130s. Historic-themed homes. Amenities include walking trails, community parks, high-speed Internet and community Intranet. From Newnan, take Hwy 29 North. Avery Park is on Hwy 29 just off intersection with Newnan Bypass.

Barrington Farms - From the $150s to $170s. On Andrew Bailey Rd in Sharpsburg.

Bay Branch - From the $120s. On Weatherly Dr in Fayetteville.

Beaverbrook Estates - From the $200s. On Lester Rd in Fayetteville.

Belmont Park - From the $120s. On Heery Rd in Newnan.

Bohannon Woods - From the $90s. On Colley St in Grantville.

Braeburn - From the high $200s. On White Oak Dr in Newnan.

Brasch Park - From the $130s. Amenities include baseball field, all-purpose field, basketball court, pool & pavilion. Hwy. 29 in Grantville, one mile west of I-85. Visit www.braschpark.com.

Brechin Park - From the $200s. One-acre lot minimum. Community lake, streetlights and sidewalks. Across from Starrs Mill / Rising Starr school complex off Hwy 74 in Peachtree City.

Breckenridge - From the $109s to $120s. On Manx Dr in Grantville.

Brierfield - From the $400s to $600s. Amenities include walking trails, swim, tennis and lake. From Fayetteville, take 92N, right on Westbridge Rd. Brierfield is on left.

Brookstone Park - From the $160s. Hwy 154 in Newnan.

Brookwood - From the $180s. Brooks Dr in Tyrone.

Burkwood Plantation - From the $390s. One acre homesites in woodland preserve community. GA Hwy 85 past Rising Star Rd in Fayetteville.

Calico Corner - From the low $100s. Hwy 29 in Grantville.

Canterbury - From the $180s. On New Hope Rd in Fayetteville.

Canterbury Springs - From the $90s to $110s. Hwy 29 in Grantville.

Cardiff Park - From the $300s. Central Greenbelt area, sidewalks, brick exteriors, lawn maintenance. From Hwy 74/Hwy 54 intersection in Peachtree City, West on Hwy 54, left into Planterra Ridge, first right into Cardiff Park.

Cathy Estates - From the $350s. Farr Rd in Tyrone.

Cedarcroft - From the $180s to $240s. On Hwy 54 in Peachtree City.

Centennial - From the $200s to low $300s. Single family homes and townhomes, 36 acres of natural green space, 10 neighborhood parks. From Peachtree City, take 54 West. Centennial is on right off MacDuff Parkway.

Chadsworth - Ashton Reserve from the $190s. On MacDuff Pkwy in Peachtree City.

Chastain Park - From the mid $90s. On Greison Trail in Newnan.

Churchill Park - From the $135s to 170s. On Steeplechase Dr in Newnan.

Clairmont - From the $170s. On Hwy 314 in Fayetteville.

The Commonwealth - From the $140s to $200s. On Werz Ind Blvd in Newnan.

Couch's Hill - From the $240s. Turn of the century Charleston-style homes with sidewalks. From Senoia, take Hwy 16W, left on Rock House Rd, left on Carriage Lane.

Courtyard / Habersham - From the mid $100s. On Commerce Dr in Fayetteville.

The Courtyards at White Oak - From the low $100s. Garden cluster homes. From Hwy 34 in Newnan, turn South on Shenandoah Blvd.

Cranford Mill - From the $120s. Cobbler Dr in Newnan.

Dublin Downs - From the $300s. Handly Rd in Tyrone.

Elders Mill Estates - From the $200s to $275s. On Elders Mill Rd in Senoia.

Elizabeth Heights - From the low $100s. Historic-themed homes, sidewalk community. From Newnan, go South on LaGrange St, right on Boon Dr, left on Fourth St. Elizabeth Heights is on left.

Ellen's Ridge - From the $300s to $490s. One to eight-acre lots. I-85 south to Exit 61, left on Hwy 74, left on Milam Rd. Ellen's Ridge is on right.

Emerald Hills - From the $190s. Roscoe Rd in Newnan.

Emory Springs - From the $200s. On Hwy 54 in Fayetteville.

The Enclave in Wilshire Estates - From the $260s. Amenities include swimming, playground and private barbecue pavilion. From Hwy 74/Hwy 54 Intersection, take Hwy 74 South approximately 5.5 miles. The entrance to Wilshire Estates is on left.

The Estates of Southampton - From the $300s. Amenities include swim and tennis. From Tyrone, take Hwy 74S. Entrance is on the left.

Fairhaven - From the high $90s. On 4th Street Ext in Newnan.

The Forest - From the 130s to $150s. On Elm Cir in Newnan.

Glazier Farms - From the $120s. On Al Roberts Rd in Senoia.

Glen Abbey - From the $270s. On Palmetto-Tyrone Rd in Sharpsburg.

Governors Row - From the $390s. On Walt Banks Rd in Peachtree City.

Grove/Orchard Hills - From the low $100s. Hwy 16 in Newnan.

Hamilton Plantation - From the 130s. Hamilton Dr in Newnan.

Heritage Ridge - From the $150s. On Lower Fayetteville Rd in Newnan.

High Point at Lake Redwine Plantation - From the low $200s. Amenities include 300-acre private lake, marina, two swimming pools, clubhouse, ALTA tennis courts, public gardens and sidewalks. Hwy 154 to Hwy 29S. Right onto Cedar Creek Rd, then left on Happy Valley Cir. Turn right into Lake Redwine Plantation sales office. Visit www.lakeredwine.com.

Highgrove - From the $500s to $1M. Historic designed homes. Amenities include parks, gazebos and sidewalks. From Hwy 74 South in Peachtree City, take Redwine Rd. Highgrove is on the left.

Highland Park - From the $200s. Amenities include a private swimming pool and cabana. From Fayetteville, take Hwy 54 East. Turn right on Callaway Rd and go 1.5 miles. Turn right onto South Jeff Davis. Highland Park is on right.

Highland Park Estates - From the low $300s. Many wooded homesites ranging from 1.6 to 5 acres. On Highland Park Dr in Sharpsburg, just off Fischer and Minix Rds.

Horseman's Run - From the $350s. Goza Rd in Fayetteville.

Huntington Forrest - From the $170s. On Collinsworth Rd in Palmetto.

Hutchinson Cove - From the $130s. Rockaway Rd in Senoia.

Irish Village - From the high $100s. On Senoia Rd in Tyrone.

Ivy Glen - From the $100s to $130s. On Priscilla Dr in Grantville.

Jackson Estates - From the $200s. Two- to five-acre lots. From Fayetteville, take Hwy 85 South, left on Hwy 92, right on Antioch Rd. Jackson Estates on right.

James Place - From the $200s to $300s. On Stanley Dr in Fayetteville.

Jeff Davis Intown Condos - From the $129s to $150s. On N Jeff Davis Dr in Fayetteville.

Joy Springs - From the low $100s. On Dolly Nixon Rd in Senoia.

Kedron Estates - From the $400s. On Peachtree Pkwy in Peachtree City.

Kedron Hills - From the $300s. On Peachtree Pkwy in Peachtree City.

Kellen's Meadow - From the $260s. On McDonough Rd in Fayetteville.

Kensington Estates - From the $220s. On Reese Rd in Sharpsburg.

Kingsbrooke - From the mid $100s. I-85 at the Tyrone/Palmetto exit in north Coweta County.

Kripple Kreek - From the mid $100s. On Kripple Kreek Dr in Sharpsburg.

Lake Park - From the $290s. On Bob Smith Rd in Sharpsburg.

Lake Redwine Plantation - From the low $200s. Amenities include 300-acre private lake, marina, two swimming pools, clubhouse, ALTA tennis courts, public gardens and sidewalks. Hwy 154 to Hwy 29S. Right onto Cedar Creek Rd, then left on Happy Valley Cir. Lake Redwine is on right. Visit www.lakeredwine.com.

Lake Windsong - From the $370s. Amenities include lake, lodge clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, boat dock and nature areas. From Peachtree City, north on Hwy 74, left on Dogwood Tr, right on Senoia Rd, immediate left on Dogwood Tr to Lake Windsong.

Lakeside on Redwine - From the $290s to $1M. Amenities include sidewalks and a lakeside club. In Fayetteville, take Hwy 85 South, right on Beauregard Blvd (becomes Redwine Rd), Lakeside is on right.

The Landing in Wilshire Estates - From the low $200s. Amenities include swimming, playground and private barbecue pavilion. Directions: From Hwy 74/Hwy 54 Intersection in Peachtree City, take Hwy 74 South approximately 5.5 miles. Wilshire Estates is on left.

The Landings at Calumet - From the mid $90s. On Smokewood Way in Newnan.

Leesburg Plantation - From the $170s. On Hwy 54 in Sharpsburg.

Legacy Hills - From the $600s. On Hwy 314 in Fayetteville.

Lexington Park - From the $180s. Elegant, low-maintenance lifestyle homes in the heart of Peachtree City. Directions: Take Hwy 54 East in Peachtree City. Lexington Park is on left across from Publix.

Lora's Place - From the $130s. Easy living garden homes including extensive lawn maintenance program. On Lora Smith Rd and Lower Fayetteville Rd in Newnan.

Macedonia Woods - From the mid $120s. On Macedonia Rd in Newnan.

Maple Shade - From the high $400s. Nine acre lake and cart path system. Phase 1 in Peachtree City, Phase 2 in Tyrone. Crabapple Lane at Peachtree Pkwy.

Meadows of Senoia - From the $170s. On McKnight Rd in Senoia.

Melrose Park - From the $180s. On Bob Smith Rd in Sharpsburg.

Milbourn Estates - From the $170s. One acre lots. Directions: From Hwy 314 in Fayetteville, go West on New Home Rd. Milbourn Estates is on right.

Millbrook Village - From the $200s. On Carriage Oaks Dr in Tyrone.

Millpond Manor - From the $250s. On Hwy 85 in Peachtree City.

Misty Creek Farms - From the low $200s. I-85 at the Sharpsburg/McCullom exit in Newnan.

Morningside - From the $200s. Amenities include pool, tennis, underground utilities, protective covenants and homeowners' association. Directions: From Hwy 74 in Peachtree City, East to Rockaway Rd, turn right. Morningside is on left.

Mosswood Park - From the mid $100s. On Sullivan Rd in Newnan.

Mount Moriah - From the $190s. On Eastside Dr in Senoia.

Murphy Creek - From the $180s. On Hilo Rd in Fayetteville.

Neal's Trace - From the $220s. On Banks Rd in Fayetteville.

New Haven - From the $600s to $1M. Homes of historic distinction on lots, at least one acre, in gated community with sidewalks, tree-lined streets, gas lanterns, swim and tennis clubs, one-acre park, ball park, clubhouse, two ponds and nature trails. Adjacent to the Palmer Course at Starr's Mill in Fayetteville.

North Castle - From the $300s. Hwy 92 in Fayetteville.

North Cove - From the $400s. On Peachtree Pkwy in Peachtree City.

North Haven - From the $300s. On Kenwood Dr in Fayetteville.

Northern Oaks - From the $390s to $400s. On Hwy 92 in Fayetteville.

The Oaks - From the $450s. On Hwy 54E Fayetteville.

Oconee Woods - From the $300s to $400s. On Palmetto-Tyrone Rd in Sharpsburg.

Olmstead - From the $160s. On Lower Fayetteville Rd in Newnan.

O'Tara Woods - From the $150s. On Roscoe Rd in Newnan.

Parks of Olmsted - Avondale from the $160s. Fenway from the $180s. On Mary Freeman Rd in Newnan.

Pecan Ridge - From the $130s. On Happy Valley Cir in Newnan.

Peeks Crossing - From the low $100s. Hwy 16 in Senoia.

The Peninsula - From the $550s. On Peachtree Pkwy in Peachtree City.

Persimmon Creek - From the $250s to $300s. On Canongate Rd in Palmetto.

The Point / Lake Kedron - From the $400s. On Regents Park in Peachtree City.

Providence - From the $400s. On Hwy 270 in Fayetteville.

Rest Station - From the low $200s. Two-acre lots. Directions: Take Hwy 85 South from Fayetteville, turn right on Busbin Rd. Rest Station is on right.

Riva Ridge - From the $130s. On the Hwy 34 Bypass in Newnan.

River Forest - From the $260s. On River Forest Dr in Fayetteville.

River Oaks - From the $500s. On Hwy 74 North in Tyrone.

Rockmill - From the $180s to $240s. On Rockhouse Rd in Senoia.

Royal Highlands - Custom community with 3-acre+ sites in Peachtree City. Directions: From Hwy 54 in eastern Peachtree City, turn South onto Robinson Rd, left on Montclair Dr (Avalon). Second right is Royal Highlands' Layor Ct.

Rudder's Crossing - From the $150s. On Roscoe Rd in Newnan.

Senoia Springs - From the $120s. On Senoia Springs Dr in Senoia.

Serenity Lake Estates - From the $400s to $1M. On Adams Rd in Fayetteville.

Sheffield Estates - From the $230s. On Keaton Dr in Fayetteville.

Smokerise Crossing - From the $600s. On Peachtree Pkwy in Peachtree City.

Smokerise Estates VI - From the $600s. On Prestige Pt in Peachtree City.

Sonja Acres - From the $130s. From Fayetteville, take Hwy 54 East, right on County Line Rd (becomes Inman Rd), Sonya Acres is on left.

South Fork - From the $200s. On Castlewood Rd in Tyrone.

Southampton - From the $260s to $400s. Winding cul-de-sacs and sidewalks. I-85, to Hwy 74 S to Tyrone. Southampton is on right.

Southwind at Stillwood Farms - From the $140s. 2-5 bedroom homes, low maintenance community. Free refrigerator, microwave, washer & dryer, 2" Blinds throughout. Adjacent to Summer Grove; Fayetteville Rd and Newnan Crossing Blvd in Newnan.

Springdale - From the $130s. Historic themed homes. From Hwy 74 South in Peachtree City, take Rockaway Rd West 2 miles. Springdale is on left.

St. Andrews Place - From the $150s. Low- maintenance community. Take GA 85 North in Fayetteville, left on Hwy 314, left on White Rd, St. Andrews Place is on left.

Stillwood Farms - Adjacent to SummerGrove in Newnan.

Stone Mill - From the $140s. On Bagby Rd in Newnan.

Stonebriar - From the $170s. Stonebriar Park from the $180s. Stonebriar West from the mid $100s. Amenities include pool and sidewalks. From Hwy 54 between Peachtree City and Fayetteville, turn South on Old Norton Rd, left on Lester Rd. First entrance to Stonebriar on right.

Stonebridge - From the $160s to $300s. East Village from the $160s. On Lower Fayetteville Rd in Newnan.

Stony Oaks - From 125s to 130s. On Calumet Pkwy in Newnan.

SummerGrove - Bellaire and Eastlake from the $130s. Sterling from the $140s. Ashton from the $150s. The Arbors, Trailwood and Wicker Place from the $160s. Tillbrook from the $170s.Knoll Park from the $180s. The Gables, Rolling Green and Oak Park from the $190s. Carriage Park and Greatwood from the $200s. Lake Forest from the $240s. The Overlook from the $250s to $700s. Swimming pool, lazy river & pool, public golf course, tennis courts, walking trails, sidewalks, parks, high-speed Internet access and community Intranet. On Hwy 34 in Newnan, East one mile past I-85, right on Shenandoah Blvd, Lower Fayetteville Rd. SummerGrove is at intersection of Shenandoah and Lower Fayetteville.

Sunset Ridge - From the $160s. Pete Davis Rd in Newnan.

Timberlane - From the $130s to $170s. On Sullivan Rd in Coweta Co.

Tomaro Estates - From the $200s. On McDonough Rd in Fayetteville.

Tullamore - From the $300s. On Dogwood Tr in Tyrone.

Vickery Lane - From the $190s to 300s. On County Line Rd in Fayetteville.

The Village at Calumet - From the$90s. Hwy 34 Bypass in Newnan.

The Village at White Oak - From the upper $100s. Amenities include swim and low maintenance community. Take Hwy 34 to White Oak Golf Community. The Village is off White Oak Dr in Newnan.

The Villages of LaFayette Park - From the $200s to $400s. Classic American Homes in a true sidewalk community. Single-family homes and townhomes. Amenities include parks, playground and pool. Adjacent to the Villages Amphitheater. On Hwy 54, three blocks west of the Old Courthouse Square in Fayetteville.

Virginia Heights - From the $90s. Off Fourth St in Newnan.

Walton Place - From the $200s to $270s. On Walton Rd in Newnan.

Walton Woods - Low $100s. Walton Rd in Newnan.

Westminister Village - From the $280s to $325s. Swim/Tennis Clubhouse. From Hwy 34, North on Fisher Rd, right into Westminister. New Phase at end of Westminister Village Blvd on Lyndhurst Way and Ryans Ct.

Whisper Creek - From the $180s. Stallings Rd in Senoia.

Whitewater - From the high $300s. On Redwine Rd in Fayetteville.

Willow Dell - From the mid $100s. Turn of the century homes. Sidewalk community. Directions: From GA Hwy 85, take Seavy Rd through downtown Senoia. Willow Dell is on right.

Wilshire Estates - The Landing from the $200s. Enclave & Broadlands from the $260s. On Aster Ridge Tr in Peachtree City.

Woodbridge Farm at Matthews Plantation - From the $140s. Five + acre homesites with lakefront sites available. Huckaby Rd and Rising Star Rd in Fayetteville.

Woodlands Lake Community - From the $330s. On South Jeff Davis Rd in Fayetteville.

Wrightsburg Estates - From the $170s. On Elders Mill Rd in Senoia.

The Five Star Team Brings Excellence to Real Estate

Two very successful real estate salespeople have joined forces to create a team that provides the best possible service to buyers and sellers. Susan Annis and Steve Freeman both have strong family backgrounds in real estate sales, construction and development. Their Five Star Team, a Keller Williams Realty office, is a family business for both of them.

And both Susan and Steve know the local market well; they live in Coweta County with their families. Through their combined forces, buyers and sellers receive the personal attention and professional expertise needed to assure the best buying and selling experience with the ultimate in experience, attitude, education and integrity.

"We know that two heads are better than one," says Steve. "And we keep our heads focused on the best way to serve our clients. Susan and I both work hard to stay informed on all the latest aspects of the business including marketing, negotiating, pricing and analyzing trends."

And the system works. Since she's been licensed, Susan has consistently been one of the top five agents in sales for her office every year. And Steve is on track for the Phoenix Award from the Fayette County Board of Realtors in 2005. The award is presented to real estate professionals who sell more than 1 million dollars in volume each year for the past 10 years.

Other members of the Five Star Team are ready to assist you, too. Amy Foley, a full-time Buyer's Specialist evaluates buyers' needs and helps them to locate just the right property. Holly Meier, Team Manager and Closing Coordinator assures that the Five Star Team office runs efficiently and smoothly; she coordinates all aspects from contract to close.

Some of the current neighborhoods that the Five Star Team is marketing are Kingsbrooke, Stillwood Farms and Misty Creek Farms in Coweta County, Calico Corner and Bohannon Woods in Grantville and Shallow Creek in Hogansville; they also represent the Freeman & Heath, LLC Builders in Peachtree City's Maple Shade development.

Steve says, "In addition to helping buyers find custom and semi-custom homes to suit their needs, Susan and I also do a brisk business with reselling homes. Whatever you need, we make it our priority to help you every step of the way."

Give them a call and let the Five Star Team start you on your excellent adventure.

Beautiful Homes, Exquisite Settings

Two quality builders, Hilpine Builders and Chadwick Homes, are currently offering premier home designs in three new developments in Fayette County. Hilpine Builders has already earned a reputation for constructing beautiful homes in the Lake Redwine neighborhoods of Coweta County. Chadwick Homes slogan "We Build Quality" reflects their commitment.

Hilpine President Mike Daughtry explains his vision. "Every home we build focuses on flexibility to fit the needs of the homeowner. In order to reach our goal, we meet with the perspective buyer several times before construction begins so we can better understand how to adjust the floor plans and features to fit the homeowner's lifestyle."

Since he was a youth back in Augusta, Daughtry has been active in the construction industry. The 20 plus years of his family's involvement in real estate has given him a strong background in the field. He knows architectural designs and styles and can build to suit any preference. Daughtry has also owned a landscaping company, so he pays special attention to the exterior design, making sure that the landscape complements the interior architecture.

Hilpine's homes have appealing interiors, too. Features include hardwood floors, ceramic tile, kitchen designs reflecting style and functionality, and generous living space. And all homes are constructed with the highest quality materials.

Daughtry is excited about using his talents to build homes in three new developments in Fayette County - Maple Shade, Burkwood Plantation and WoodBridge Farm at Matthews Plantation.

Maple Shade, with homes starting in the low $500s, has a nine acre lake and is connected to Peachtree City's cart path system. Located at Crabapple Lane at Peachtree Parkway, Phase 1 is in Peachtree City, while Phase 2 extends into Tyrone.

At Burkwood Plantation, you'll enjoy one acre homesites in a woodland preserve community. Homes begin in the $390s. Take Georgia Hwy 85 past Rising Star Rd in Fayetteville to Burkwood Plantation.

WoodBridge Farm at Matthews Plantation consists of 43 lots, each ranging from 5 to 20 acres, on 278 acres near Starr's Mill at Huckaby and Rising Star roads in Fayetteville. Home sites will start at $140,000 with custom home prices reaching to $500,000 and higher.

"WoodBridge Farm at Matthews Plantation is located on one of the most scenic and historic sites in Fayette County - a site with roots reaching back to the area's earliest days," Daughtry explains. "And the protected woodlands of Burkwood Plantation surround homeowners with nature's beauty."

Exit Realty Helps You Make the Right Move

Exit Realty Unlimited is reinventing real estate for the benefit of agents, as well as buyers and sellers. With residuals, new income streams and more, Exit's Outstanding Formula is the realty system for the 21st Century.

Sharon Christiansen, owner/broker of Exit Realty Unlimited has been a Certified Residential Specialist for 27 years. With her experience and expert guidance, you can rest assured that she's dedicated to helping you find just the right property.

The office is conveniently located in Newnan at 51C Market Square in SummerGrove. Call 770-683-3948 or visit www.exitrealtyul.com.