Who: Archie and Geneele Crenshaw

Where: Waterfall Country Club, Clayton

CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO/Special (ENLARGE)

When Geneele and Archie Crenshaw visit their mountaintop aerie, they simply open up and enjoy.

GETTING THERE From downtown Atlanta, take I-85 north to I-985 north. Stay on I-985, which will turn into U.S. 411 and lead to Clayton. Turn left on U.S. 76 West. Travel about 10 miles. Cross over the bridge at Lake Burton. Waterfall will be on the right. WEB RESOURCES Waterfall Country Club Rabun County Chamber of Commerce

When purchased: Last spring

Their home: A three-bedroom villa overlooking Lake Burton.

How they found it: They were looking off and on for a couple of years. They had a second home in Florida, but the 7 1/2-hour drive kept their children from visiting often. They sold it before the 2004 hurricanes. Then while visiting Clayton one day, "we looked up on the hill and they were starting a structure up there. They said they were building a new lodge and associated with it could be some condo units," Archie said. They toured the site and made a commitment on the spot.

How far from home: About an hour and 45 minutes, from their farm in Bishop, an Oconee County town.

How often they're there: Every other week or so.

What they love about it: "Our farm is relatively high maintenance. Whereas this mountain place is relatively low maintenance. We just drive up there, open it up and start enjoying it. When we get ready to leave, we just lock it up," Archie said.

What they do when they're there: Enjoy dining and other activities at the clubhouse and the many events planned in the community. "We know a number of people up there at the lake already and have others moving in, and we'll be making a lot of new friends, too," Archie said. They also explore towns such as Clayton.

Tips for the vacation home search: Get to know people in the area. "We kept going up there and talking to people," Archie said.

WATERFALL IN CLAYTON

About 200 homes are planned at Waterfall, created on land where W.B. Johnson, owner of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., previously had a home and equestrian retreat. He asked J.T. Williams, chairman and CEO of Killearn (also developer of Eagles Landing Country Club in Henry County), to turn the property into a residential community, according to the company.

About 40 homes, which range from Craftsman to traditional styles, are complete. Lots range from $185,000-$750,000; homes are from $750,000-$5 million, and villas from $1.375 million-$1.55 million.

Amenities in the gated community include an 18-hole golf course designed by Scott W. Pool with a 215-foot waterfall and a mountaintop clubhouse overlooking Lake Burton with dining, a lounge, meeting and conference facilities, 50,000-square-foot sports complex with indoor tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, spa and golf pro shop. There also is boat access to Lake Burton.

Residents pay a $1,200 annual property owner association fee. A golf membership has a $50,000 initiation fee with annual dues of $6,900; a sports/social membership has a $20,000 initiation fee with $2,500 annual dues. A membership to the club is included in the purchase of some lots, the company says.

Do you have a vacation home? We'd like to learn about it and see some photos. Send us an e-mail at vacation@ajchomefinder.com with the details of your home and include some family snapshots that really show it off.

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