Community offers little bit of everything

With their sons off to college, Ken and Louise LaChance decided it was time for a change, too. They moved from their Lilburn home of 14 years to a house in Hoschton’s Stonewater Creek. Ken, 46, vice president for business development for a technology firm in Norcross, chatted about their four-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath home.

Q What did you want in a home and a community?

A We were looking to move up a notch or two in a community that was gated and had certain amenities [such as a pool and tennis courts]. We weren’t necessarily looking for more square footage. We could have just as easily scaled down, but what we found is that unless you go [to a] condo, you don’t get the quality and amenities in a smaller home. You have to increase square footage.

What appealed to you about Stonewater Creek’s homes?

We were really looking for something with a nice outdoor living space that we could use year-round. It has a large 24-by-16 covered deck with a full slate floor. We have a large table that seats eight and a large combination grilling space. But it’s fully covered so that when it’s inclement weather, you can still enjoy the back deck.

What interior details were attractive?

Every room has very unique, different ceilings. The dining room looks like a four-leaf clover with a lot of detail.

How have you benefited from the market?

We took a very large step of faith by getting under contract on this new home before we had our own home in Lilburn listed. I think that’s what’s holding a lot of people back. My worst fear was being stuck with two mortgages. We spent 14 years renovating the house, adding an addition and back deck and most recently, updating our master bedroom and bathroom. When we finally listed our house, we were fortunate to have two full price offers in two weeks. They had all the benefits of a new home, at resale in the area they wanted.

Tract facts

Stonewater Creek

Address: 2100 Stonewater Drive, Hoschton

County: Gwinnett

Information: 678-714-2023, www.vintagecommunities.net

Price range: $600,000s-$800,000s

Number of homes: about 270

Square footage: 3,800-5,000

Lot sizes: fl to more than 1/2 acre

Standard features: Custom cabinets, granite countertops and pantries Amenities: Gated, clubhouse with fitness center, pool, fitness trail

Homeowners fees: $1,200 annually ($900 initiation)

Developer: Vintage Communities

Builder: Multiple builders

Broker: Re/Max Center

Schools: Duncan Creek Elementary, Osborne Middle, Mill Creek High

More on schools: www.ajchomefinder.com/schoolguide

Recent sale

$794,000: Four-bedroom home with keeping room, covered porch and vaulted beam ceiling in family room.

Getting there

From downtown Atlanta, take I-85 north to Exit 120 (Hamilton Mill). Turn right onto Hamilton Mill Parkway. Turn left at first light onto Braselton Highway/Ga. 124. Travel 3.2 miles to Stonewater Creek.