A convenient 90 miles from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport lies the quaint mountain community of Blue Ridge. This area is often referred to as the gateway to Georgia’s famous Appalachian foothills, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. Tourists are drawn here to take in fall foliage, try fly-fishing, visit local shops and restaurants, and immerse themselves in the mountain arts and culture scene. Returning visitors often find themselves dreaming of a home in the area. After all, few places offer as quick of a getaway from Atlanta’s hustle while providing serene surroundings and exciting opportunities as Blue Ridge does. Old Toccoa Farm, the only community to offer golf in Fannin County, is quintessential mountain living. The community offers custom homes and cottages built to promote a “gathering lifestyle” with a subtle architctural theme that was developed specifically for the community to reflect the scenic natural surroundings.
Old Toccoa Farm residents will delight in the community’s secure and convenient location. It’s one of the only communities north of Jasper that offers a 24-hour, manned Gate House along with security and it’s only a short 5 miles from the historic downtown of Blue Ridge. “When you’re 5 miles from town; 5 miles from the lake; 5 miles from the hospital; 5 miles from the grocery; and the fly-fishing, golf and river is right on property, you have something quite unique. And that’s what real estate’s about. Location, location, location,” says Peter Knutzen, a managing partner with Old Toccoa Farm. There are 388 lots planned with over $12 million in completed custom homes and $8 million in homes currently under construction. Another $10+ million is working through the design process, with construction starting in the fall through the spring of 2021.
Development of a Golf Shop; Bar & Grill; and a River Pavilion with fire pits, bocce courts, hammock lounge and bar area is scheduled to break ground this fall; along with expanding the 1.5 miles of walking trails to 3.5 miles. Additional amenities such as swim, tennis and wellness facilities are also planned. The property itself is perhaps the largest draw of the community. Its 18-hole semi-private golf course was designed by Bunker Hill Golf, whose designers, Dan Proctor and Dave Axland, have worked for the renowned firm of Coore & Crenshaw for the past 30 years. Dave Axland just finished up renovation work for Coore & Crenshaw at Kapalua in Maui and Dan just finished his work at the Sheep Ranch, the new Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the coast of Oregon. Bunker Hill’s lead shaper Jack Dredla, the person responsible for shaping the Old Toccoa Farm golf course, is now a full-time employee of the Old Toccoa Farm team. Among the course’s features are the incredibly beautiful 626-yard, par-five 13th hole, the 413-yard, par-four 6th hole overlooking a 100-year-old barn, and four amazing golf holes that play along the banks of the Toccoa River. In addition to golf, trout fishing along the banks of the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge is ranked the best in the state. In fact, Fannin County is the trout capital of Georgia. On-property fishing perks include access to 4,360 feet of Toccoa River tailwater, offering ample riffles, deep pools and a more than 100-foot-wide river.
For those looking to become a part of the local community, the volunteer options are robust and rewarding. In fact, the developer of Old Toccoa Farm, many of its employees, and members are intimately involved with local charities including Habitat for Humanity; The Open Arms Home for Children, a safe foster home for abused and neglected young girls ages 10-18; Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., a veteran-focused organization providing therapy through fly-fishing and fly tying; and Project Chimps, a 236-acre sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains that provides care to former research chimpanzees. With spectacular sporting opportunities, a bustling downtown and a giving community, Old Toccoa Farm is the mountain retreat you’re looking for.
Details: oldtoccoafarm.com, 596 Curtis Switch Rd., Mineral Bluff, Georgia, 706-946-4663.
