Musician finds harmonious match

Yoshiko Yoshimura desired to downsize her space and cut costs, but remain in suburban Johns Creek. Yoshimura, 56, a pianist, chatted about her home in The Gates at Johns Creek, a Fulton County neighborhood with single-family homes and townhomes.

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Photos by Christopher Oquendo / AJC Special

The Gates at Johns Creek is a residential community offering both single-family homes and townhomes.

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Yoshiko Yoshimura is a pianist and is able to fit both of her grand pianos into her home.

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The modern kitchen of Yoshimura’s home at The Gates at Johns Creek.

Getting there

Take I-85 north to Exit 108 (Sugarloaf Parkway) and veer right, proceeding westbound. Turn right onto Peachtree Industrial, then left on McGinnis Ferry. Turn left onto Technology Circle. The Gates at Johns Creek will be on the left.

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Q. What prompted the move?

A. I just scaled down. I like the Johns Creek area. The people are very nice. Everything is very convenient, but it’s still quiet. I didn’t want to move to any other town.

How did you benefit from market conditions?

When I sold the previous home, it was still not this kind of an economy. I stayed in a rental home for a while. All of a sudden, things happened and the prices came down.

What were you looking for in a home?

I had five bedrooms, four baths and a full basement. It was a huge home. I was looking for four bedrooms, but not a huge home. I was looking for something with high ceilings.

How can you tell a difference in terms of the size?

It’s easier to clean and it’s economical. I don’t need to spend a lot on utilities. My kids are grown up and they go to college. So I don’t need such a huge home. Of course, economically I don’t need to spend so much money.

How much have your utilities decreased?

Maybe 30 percent.

What other features appealed to you in the home you chose?

We have a loft area in the upstairs. It has a very warm feeling, this home.

Did you need space for your piano?

I have two grand pianos. One of the reasons I bought (the home) is this formal dining room is not so small. If it is small, then I cannot fit in the two pianos. Usually we don’t use the formal dining room (for eating).

Were the amenities important?

The pool and tennis for (resale), it is important. The gate is very important for me. I used to live in a gated community.

At a Glance

Yoshiko Yoshimura’s home has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. She moved in during May.

The Gates at Johns Creek

Address: 11341 Gates Terrace, Johns Creek 30097

County: Fulton

Information: 678-321-2530, McCar Homes

Price range: $300,000s-$400,000s (single-family homes), $250,000s and up (townhomes)

Homes: 196 (166 single-family homes, 30 townhomes)

Square footage: 2,535 to 3,995 (single-family homes); 2,182-3,538 (townhomes)

Lot sizes: One-fifth to one-third of an acre

Standard features: Carriage-style garage doors, 9-foot ceilings on first floor, fireplace with slate surround, Whirlpool appliances, garden tub and separate shower in master bath

Amenities: Gated, pool, cabana, tennis courts, sidewalks, streetlights

Homeowner’s Association: $900 a year for single-family homes, $3,156 for townhomes ($750 initiation fee)

Developer/builder: McCar Homes

Schools: Shakerag Elementary, River Trail Middle, Northview High

More on schools: ajchomefinder school guide

Recent sales

$449,905: 11341 Gates Terrace, Johns Creek 30097. A new 6-bedroom, 4-bath home on a partially finished basement featuring granite countertops and tile backsplash in the kitchen.

$389,450: 6896 Downs Ave., Johns Creek 30097. A new 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with hardwood floors on the main level and granite countertops and tile backsplash in the kitchen.

For sale

$382,360: 6888 Downs Ave., Johns Creek 30097. A new 5-bedroom, 4-bath home with hardwood floors and dual HVAC systems with programmable controls.

$344,370: 11294 Gates Terrace, Johns Creek 30097. A new 4-bedroom, 2 -bath home with granite countertops and tile backsplash in the kitchen and tile in the bathrooms.