DEL.ICIO.USCondo of the Week: The Preserve at Fischer Mansion
Mansion center of planned development
For the AJC
Sunday, November 02, 2008
The Fischer mansion was built in the late 1920s by Dr. Luther Fischer, one of the founders of Atlanta’s Crawford Long Hospital. Designed by Hentz, Edward and Shutze, a firm famous for many of Atlanta’s landmark homes, the house is now on the National Register of Historic Places and has been divided into three condominium residences with 54 townhomes and flats to be built on the grounds. One of the condominiums is now the home of Paula and John Smiley.
They had been living in Lilburn, where their children were enrolled in the Parkview High School district. Once the children were out of school, it was time for the couple to move closer to John’s work in the information technology department of Cox Communications. Seeing the space in the mansion while house shopping reminded them of the bungalow in Decatur they lived in when first married.
Photos by Christopher Oquendo / Special
John and Paula Smiley bought one of three condos carved from the Fischer Mansion, the central feature of a development that will include 54 townhomes and flats.
Christopher Oquendo/Special
The Fischer Mansion was built in the 1920s by Dr. Luther Fischer, one of the founders of Crawford Long Hospital.
Getting there
Take I-85 North to Ga. 400 north. Take Exit 4A to I-285 east. Take Exit 30 (Chamblee Dunwoody Road), turn right onto Chamblee Dunwoody. Community is on the right past Ashentree Drive.
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Charm of 1920s homes: “The house called out to us based on that,” says John, mentioning the black-and-white tile in the bathrooms and the arched doorways. “When we realized we could have this unique space as our home, we knew it was right. Most of the rooms have 12-foot ceilings with the original dentil molding and fireplaces. Most of the hardwood floors are original, and we even have the original windows with their 1920s glass panes.”
Their unit: The Smileys bought the unit on the left of the house, the largest of the three. Their living room was originally the dining room of the mansion and on the main level are a living room, dining room, powder room, kitchen and a bedroom and bath. The room that was the butler’s pantry is now a wet bar. Downstairs, in what were the servants’ quarters, are a second bedroom and bath, a laundry room and a bonus room they’re using as an office. All together it’s about 3,500 square feet.
It’s a condo, and it’s a house: “We had ruled out traditional townhomes; they just didn’t feel like enough space,” Paula says. “Although technically a condo, we really are living in a house and all of us who live here in the Mansion appreciate that we have something truly unique.” Paula enjoyed decorating her home so much that she ended up with a part-time job at the nearby Restoration Hardware where they bought so many products for their new life.
“The Mansion is the centerpiece of this development,” Paula says, “and we feel fortunate to be stewards of this property. We were at a good point to move and get closer to John’s work and said that would be our project for 2008. This home has exceeded our expectations. We would have loved this home and this property and the space no matter where it was, but the fact that it’s five minutes from John’s work means it was meant to be.”
The Preserve at Fischer Mansion
Address: 4160 Fischer Way, Atlanta
County: DeKalb
Information: 404-474-4455; The Preserve at Fischer Mansion
Price range: $359,000-$519,900
Year built: 2007
Standard features: Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances; oak floors throughout main level; ceramic tile in bath and laundry rooms; large balconies, decks or patios; walk-in closets
Amenities: 2½ acres of green space, nature preserve, dog walking trails, swimming pool, historic carriage house converted to clubhouse
Number of units: 3 (54 planned)
Square footage: 1,730-2,500, townhomes and flats
Association fee: $165 a month; covers exterior maintenance, landscaping, liability insurance, pool, carriage house
Broker: The Marketing Directors Inc.
Developer: Stafford Properties
Schools: Montgomery Elementary, Chamblee Middle, Chamblee High
More on schools: ajchomefinder School Guide.