Peace, quiet and cool interior detailing

Stone Mountain Park is a big attraction for David Farr, 38, a student in the nursing program at Clayton State University. He goes to the park to get his exercise, and being close by is one of the reasons he chose his home at Orchard Park Condominiums. Being 10 to 15 minutes from Decatur is another great benefit, and the quiet and gently rolling terrain of the neighborhood suit him perfectly.

Location: When Farr bought his home in 2004, he was working for an IT company, and the community’s proximity to Stone Mountain Freeway was a plus for his commute. These days, he enjoys the fact that MARTA buses run nearby, and the restaurants and shops of Stone Mountain Village are only a bike ride away.

His unit: Farr’s condo is on the lower level and backs up into a hillside. It’s so well insulated by the earth and his neighbors’ units that he finds he doesn’t run his heating or air conditioning for most of the year. Despite only being open on two sides, the condo is full of windows and light. The doors leading off the dining room to a private patio expand the living space.

The community: Orchard Park has a pool and tennis court and congenial neighbors. Farr has made great friends in the community and enjoys having fun with his neighbors. The homeowners association holds regular meetings and sponsors parties for the residents.

In his own words: “I was looking for a place where I could stay for a good long while, and this is it,” Farr said, “and it seems to be for my neighbors as well.”

At a glance

David Farr’s two-bedroom, two-bath condo has lots of windows and plenty of light. Two patios offer outdoor living space, and the bedrooms feature walk-in closets with plenty of storage. Farr particularly likes the thoughtful design details like the half wall separating the living and dining rooms, and a built-in niche in the passageway to the master bedroom that provides space for displaying art. He bought the home four years ago.

Orchard Park Condominiums

Address: 1339 Orchard Park Drive, Stone Mountain

County: DeKalb

Information: 404-294-0206; www.lifestylecommunitiesinc.com

Price range: $120,000s

Standard features: One-level living, professionally designed kitchen with microwave, gas stove and dishwasher; fireplace; sprinklers

Amenities: Optional swim and tennis

Number of units: 170

Square footage: 1,229

Association fee: $117 per month covers exterior maintenance, landscaping and sprinkler maintenance

Broker: Coldwell Banker The Condo Store

Builder: Lifestyle —- Orchard Inc.

Schools: Idlewood Elementary, Stone Mountain Middle, Stone Mountain High

Getting there

Take I-75/85 to Exit 248C (Freedom Parkway). At the dead end, turn right onto Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Bear left onto Scott Boulevard, which will turn into Stone Mountain Freeway. Take Exit 4 (Mountain Industrial Boulevard) and turn right. Turn right onto E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, then right again onto Orchard Park Drive.