The Varsity served as the inspiration for a bathroom in Frank and Katherine Chandley’s home outside of Athens. The tiled shower walls — in University of Georgia colors — look like the tile used at the famous drive-in restaurant.
If UGA graduates had been asked “What’ll ya have?” their response may have been this: A Southern-style golf course home filled with heirlooms, family photos and a nod to the Georgia Bulldogs, the Augusta National Golf Club and various Olympics.
The Chandleys, who are the parents of Channel 2 meteorologist David Chandley, have seen the community grow since building their home in The Georgia Club in Statham about 10 years ago.
“There were no streets here, no sidewalks, no nothing except the golf course,” Frank said.
Even though they’re about 15 miles from their alma mater, Katherine adds that residents don’t fly only UGA flags, with Clemson, Florida, Kentucky and other school flags seen on the front of homes in the neighborhood.
Snapshot
Residents: Frank and Katherine Chandley. Frank is retired from the telecommunications industry.
Location: The Georgia Club, Statham
Size: About 5,000 square feet, four bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths
Year built: 2004
Architectural style: Southern
Favorite architectural features: A white mantel previously in Katherine's grandmother's home, which was built in 1908, served as the inspiration for the home. "It was always in what she called the front room," Katherine said. They placed the mantel — which wasn't big enough for the living room — on a fireplace in the dining room. "We started with this room and then built the house around the room," Frank said. The dining table seats 12 people, with enough room for children David Chandley and Charlotte English, and their families (the Chandleys have five grandchildren).
Design consultant: Kaki Heath, decorator
Interior design style: Southern
Favorite furniture: The Brumby rockers in the keeping room. Katherine received one rocking chair, believed to be at least 100 years old, from her aunt, and she took the chair to the Brumby Chair Co. in Marietta to have one handcrafted for Frank.
Favorite outdoor features: The screened porch overlooking a golf course and the front porch. The screened porch, which has a vaulted ceiling, is a frequent breakfast spot.
Favorite mementos: The Olympic torch that Frank Chandley carried in Colorado, leading up to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, as well as telephones used during different Olympics, joins family treasures and assorted sports memorabilia in the home. UGA items fill the Bulldog-themed room and bathroom on the second floor.
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