The Landing at Reynolds Plantation
A plaque on the front of the Lake Oconee home of Dr. Michael Skaliy, his wife, Susan, and their two sons, Peter and Phillip, reads: The Grits-Carlton. It’s a reference to this Southern-style second home located near the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. Michael, who's president of Atlanta Spine Specialists in Alpharetta, and Susan chatted about their second home in The Landing at Reynolds Plantation.
Why Lake Oconee: "The first thing was the distance from Atlanta," Susan said. They looked at beach homes versus lake homes, and Lake Oconee's proximity to Atlanta stood out. "Our children at the time were at Woodward Academy in Atlanta," she said. "We could leave from Woodward and jump on I-20." In addition to the distance, the couple wanted to be involved in a gated community with lots of recreational offerings like tennis and golf. "The gated community was a big deal for us just because of the activities you can be involved in," Susan said. "That's been another bonus for us." Michael said there's a built-in social network, and it's easier to meet people.
Their place: The four-bedroom, four-bath home, which was new when they purchased it, is situated in the middle of a cove, which the couple says has been a wonderful location because it's buffered from boaters and skiers who go out on the lake early in the morning. "It's a nice quiet cove up there," Michael said. There are wide-open views of the lake from spots such as their great room and screened-in porch.
How far from home: About an hour and 10 minutes from Chastain Park.
How often they're there: At least twice a month during the winter, and more often during the summer. It's also a central meeting place for them and their boys, who are in college.
What they love about it: The amenities, which include the ability to take lessons from the pros at Reynolds Plantation and to be involved in golfing groups and other community activities. "When you drive in, there's a huge board that lists everything that's going on that weekend," Susan said, adding that can be everything from nature hikes to a seafood fest. They also are members of the Lake Oconee Shooting Club. Michael said he enjoys the country club setting with golf and tennis less than a minute away, compared with his 45-minute drive to play golf in the city, and the club dues are cheaper than in Atlanta. The Ritz-Carlton is an added benefit, Susan said, with activities such as the Christmas tree lighting and New Year's events.
Why it was a good choice: "To me, it's much more of a simpler lifestyle than of Atlanta. We have thoroughly enjoyed it," Susan said.
At a glance
Dr. Michael and Susan Skaliy’s home in The Landing at Reynolds Plantation has four bedrooms with a study, four baths and about 3,800 square feet of livable space. They purchased it in 2002.
Community overview
The Landing at Reynolds Plantation is a gated community on the 19,000-acre Lake Oconee, which has 374 miles of shoreline. Community amenities include an 18-hole Bob Cupp-designed course and the Village Recreational Area, which opened in 2007 with pools, a 143-foot water slide, a lighted tennis center, croquet lawn, playground and athletic field. Its clubhouse boasts a fitness center, restaurant, golf shop and meeting space, and there’s also a full-service marina on site. The community was originally called Port Armor when it opened in 1986, and it joined Reynolds Plantation as a Linger Longer community in 2005.
Getting there
Take I-20 east to Augusta. Take Exit 130 to Greensboro/Eatonton and turn right on Lake Oconee Parkway. Travel about 6 miles, and The Landing at Reynolds Plantation will be on the right.
Info
The Landing at Reynolds Plantation
www.reynoldsplantation.com
Georgia’s Lake Country
www.oconee.org
Greene County Tourism
www.visitlakeoconee.com
Georgia Power-Lake Oconee
www.georgiapower.com/lakes/Oconee.asp
For sale
$1.28 million: 1100 Paloma Drive, Greensboro 30642. A three-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath lakefront home built in 2004 with a sunroom and game room and bar in the terrace level.
Recent sale
$600,000: 1011 Ridge Terrace, Greensboro 30642. A custom three-bedroom, three-full and two-half-bath home overlooking the golf course.
