Developing upscale, master-planned golf course communities has been Kenneth Horton’s business since he first arrived in the metro area 32 years ago. Back in the 1980s, he was breaking ground in such exclusive enclaves as Country Club of the South, St. Ives Country Club and Crooked Creek. They were the newer, posher and more private versions of developments such as Horseshoe Bend in Roswell and Indian Hills in East Cobb that were built around golf courses in the late 1960s.
“I’ve always done these very large, master-planned communities where we control the architectural features and the quality of the golf course,” said Horton. “St. Ives had over 700 houses, and Crooked Creek had 640. But when I came to Atlanta, there were not a lot of them like that in the Southeast; now, we see more and more of them develop across the country.”
What makes buyers gravitate to these high-end enclaves is a lengthy list, but it usually begins with a celebrity-designed golf course that winds its way through the neighborhood, offering spectacular views and privacy. But that’s only the beginning.
“I think these communities are more successful than a traditional, residential community because they not only have access to private golf, which is a big plus,” said Horton. “They also have strong architectural controls. They’re usually gated with 24-hour security. The overall amenities are typically larger and more upscale with tennis and swimming for starters. The combination of all these things helps properties hold their values, and I think people like all facets of it.”
Though golf course communities may be a magnet for buyers, real estate experts know that many of the residents have never swung a club. That trend continues at Horton’s Governors Towne Club that straddles the Cobb-Paulding county line near Acworth. He expects it will take another 10 years to finish the 500 homes priced from $650,000 to $6 million centered around the 18-hole course created by Curtis Strange.
“About 50 percent of our residents who live on the course are not golfers,” said Horton. “They just love the privacy you get with not overlooking a neighbor’s back yard. In the evening, there’s nobody out there, and the views are spectacular.”
What buyers are making is a lifestyle decision, one that offers the opportunity of golf, junior golf teams, ATLA tennis leagues and swim teams supported by golf, tennis and activities pros. Those recreational opportunities also abound at two golf course communities being built by John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods. At Reunion Country Club off Lake Lanier Islands Parkway in Hall County, a course designed by Michael Riley is anchored by a pro shop with a practice center and restaurant; an aquatic park with water slides and splash pools; a racquet club with five lit courts; and a clubhouse with a fitness center and media room. There’s also an activities director who arranges social events such as wine tastings, holiday parades and pool parties.
“What brings people out here? I answer that question every day, several times a day,” said Andy Williams, Reunion’s sales professional. “One thing is the incredible growth this area has seen. The new Northeast Georgia Medical Center is underway and will open a mile and half from the entrance next spring. The new parkway connects us to Lake Lanier and has already brought a new Publix and Kroger. But what people like best is that we’re heavy on amenities.”
When completed, Reunion will include a town square, pocket parks and almost 800 homes designed with Craftsman-style front porches priced from the high $200,000s to the $500,000s. The approach is similar at Woodmont Golf and Country Club, Reunion’s sister property near Canton in Cherokee County. Priced from the $300,000s to the $700,000s, Woodmont boasts a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, the first one by the noted designer in the state. Other amenities include a clubhouse with a restaurant, swim and racquet centers, a sports field, a 2-acre lake, walking trails and a playground. Residents can sign up for a variety of events arranged by the community social director. The development also features Cadence, a separate, gated section with homes from the $300,000s specifically designated for active adults.
The main attraction at the 748-acre River Club in Suwanee is the Greg Norman course that hosted the U.S. Open qualifier two years ago. It anchors the 375-home neighborhood, where houses start just below the $1 million mark. Crescent Communities began building it 10 years ago, and after a slow stretch during the recession, construction is back in swing, with 30 lot sales in the last 18 months, 28 new homes underway and a new phase with smaller lots on schedule to open in the fall.
Along with the golf course, River Club features a clubhouse, pro shops, a spa, tennis courts, pools, 12 acres of ponds and a gated entrance. But what prospective buyers comment on most often is the community’s look, said Crescent Communities’ Scott Dozier.
“One thing that makes us special is that we’re very much committed to the environment,” he said. “Every house goes through a design review to maintain trees. The golf course is an Audubon certified sanctuary. We sold 88 acres to the Trust for Public Land that now has walking trails that will eventually connect to other parks in Suwanee. We keep the environment as natural as possible. The whole community is very committed to that, and it’s very appealing to many buyers.”
The community’s houses are designed to blend in with surroundings. “We use a lot of darker color palettes with a heavy accent on stone, cedar beams and dark brick that blends in,” said Dozier. “People have told us they get the feel of being in Colorado when they’re here.”
The demand for golf club houses has fueled a spurt of new construction in three sections of the established Brookstone Country Club in West Cobb. Brookstone Manor features ranch condos from the $230,000s for active adults. The Links at Brookstone and the Farm at Brookstone are being completed with homes from the $450,000s.
“The economy for the last several years slowed things down, but now the market is coming back,” said Colby Henson, managing broker with Fortress Builders. “This is still a lifestyle people want. The values of their homes are protected by being in a master-planned community with amenities. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the pool and the amenities. And there’s nothing like having a beautiful, peaceful, manicured golf course as your backyard.”
About the Author
