Lively street life with a quiet respite

Shelley Chapman, a 28-year-old educator, moved into her new home at Duo last November. “It only made sense to buy when prices were so low,” said Chapman, and she decided the time was right to make the move from her first condo to her new home in Castleberry Hill. She shopped properties for 11 months, and when she saw Duo, she says it took her breath away. It had everything on her list.

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Photos by Christopher Oquendo / AJC Special

Duo condominiums are located in Castleberry Hill.

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What was on her list? Chapman wanted a condo with hardwood floors and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances. She was looking for a bathroom with separate shower and tub, and lots of extra space and light including floor-to-ceiling windows. The neighborhood of Castleberry Hill kept her in the city and the amenities including the gym and pool were exactly right. Including part of the utilities in the homeowners’ association fees - at Duo those fees cover Internet access, water and sewer - was another plus. The size of the building was right, and she liked the fact that it was a gated community with assigned parking.

One more selling point: Zaina, Chapman’s Pomeranian, needed a dog-friendly community and Duo features a dog park on the property. “Zaina loves running around in the dog park which is safe place for her to play off leash. The people around here are pretty responsible about their dogs, and that’s great,” Chapman said.

The neighborhood: Duo is part of Castleberry Hill, an historic district with a very creative spirit. “I think the community offers a lot to artists and entrepreneurs and anybody who likes that scene. I can step into a small boutique or an art gallery, or dine at a restaurant with an upscale appeal with an edge,” she said, and she enjoys the amenities in the neighborhood at least twice a week. “You can retreat into your home if you want quiet, but if you want entertainment, it’s right outside your door.”

Creating a new style: Chapman has enjoyed decorating her new home. “I had all my furniture and so when I came here, I could really go crazy with color and decorating. It feels kind of like an art gallery/meditation space/respite - it feels like home. When I come in, I breathe and say “Ah!” and that’s such a big difference,” she smiled.

At a glance: Chapman bought a one-bedroom one-bath unit with a den. “The den has a full walk-in closet, so I have the option of turning it into a second bedroom by just adding a wall. The bathroom is also flexible because it has doors connecting it to the living room as well as the bedroom so guests don’t have to walk through my bedroom to use it. The balcony is great and I get a lot of sunlight which really cuts down on my energy bills,” she said.

DUO

Address: 425 Chapel Street, Atlanta,

County: Fulton

Information: 404-724-0001; Duo Condos

Price range: $125,000-$250,000

Year built: 2006

Standard features: 5” African Wenge & Teak pre-finished hardwood floors; GE Profile stainless steel appliances, granite countertops in kitchen, maple cabinets, breakfast bar; recessed lighting; designer bath fixtures, cultured marble bath vanity tops, 18” x 18” tiled master baths; private balcony or terrace

Amenities: Gated community, controlled access entry; elevator to finished corridors; Wi-Fi access; covered and guest parking; swimming pool and sundeck, fitness center, storage units, and dog park

Number of units: 80

Square footage: 798-1,196

Association fee: .23/square foot; covers water, sewer, garbage, Wi-Fi and use of all amenities

Broker: Tivoli Realty Services, Inc.

Builder: Tivoli Properties, Inc.

Public schools: Summit Hill Elementary, Inman Middle, Grady High

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