The Real Estate Buyer's Guide #127 - North Georgia Mountains

4.44 PRIVATE ACRES off Moccasin Creek Rd on Lake Burton in Rabun County Georgia. 2 bedrooms on the main with plenty of finished space in large basement. Enjoy 3 side covered decks with best friends and family, backup generator, 2 car garage below, additional 1 car attached covered parking, happy creek and multiple flat walking trails to Lake Burton on your personal estate. Entire home was rebuilt 2012. (10614802) $2,250,000

PERCHED ON HICKORY NUT MOUNTAIN, right next to Tallulah Gorge State Park, this two-story craftsman gem, lovingly dubbed “Sneaky Big,” is your mountain dream come true! Features an open-concept main level w/ a floor-to-vaulted-ceiling stone FP framed by massive windows showcasing 20-mile views of Rabun Bald. Natural light floods this custom-built charmer, giving it a warm, inviting glow. This isn’t just a house; it’s where memories are made! (10529345) $974,900

MOUNTAIN RETREAT perched above Wolffork Valley, w/ inspiring Rabun Gap views! This refreshed gem boasts airy great rooms bathed in sunlight, framed by massive windows. The chef’s KIT is a culinary playground, while the screened porch begs for lazy afternoons. HW floors & a stone FP warm the open main level’s two BRs & sleek BAs. Fenced for pets, low-maintenance & minutes from Black Rock State Park, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, shopping & dining! (10544812) $638,000

BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED 4BR/4BA HOME in high elevation Sky Valley Country Club, offers an expansive & open floor plan. The terrace level includes two spacious BRs, den & bar, providing ample space for family & guests. Enjoy the convenience of a covered portico for parking with circular driveway. The home is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Sky Valley w/ access to exceptional amenities, including golf, hiking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, pickleball court & an outdoor pool. (10466102) $498,000

sonal escape or a lucrative rental investment! (10543213) $279,000

vacation rental. The main BR suite has an incredible private deck perfect, while the main level includes a grilling deck for outdoor dining. Entertain guests on the lower level’s expansive party deck, offering ample space for gatherings. (10477119) $995,000

The beauty of Fall here in the mountains of North Georgia can leave you speechless. The temperatures are cooler, there’s lower humidity, and skies are so clear you can see for miles! Combine that with the spectacular colors of the landscape, and it truly makes this the best time of the year! It’s a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy all the activities our area has to offer. So, whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, or whatever you enjoy, you can find it all right here in the North Georgia Mountains!

It’s also the perfect time to buy a new mountain home! Contact one of the real estate pros featured in this guide for all the information you need to purchase in Rabun, Habersham or White County. They have the expertise to assist you from start to finish. Purchase now and experience the mountains at their best from your new home this Fall!

As we approach Thanksgiving Day 2025, take time to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. Personally, I thank God for all His blessings and this beautiful area I get to call home. By finding your new home in The Real Estate Buyer’s Guide, you’ll have one more thing to be thankful for, too!

Luke

Bateman Owner/Publisher

5.75 acres at 3300 feet elevation with 2 ponds and a waterfall makes this ultra special! For hikers and those who love to explore these mountains, it’s a short walk to the trailhead leading to Rabun Bald (the second tallest mountain in Georgia) surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest laced with trails, including the famous Bartram Trail.

This private fly-in mountain sanctuary in Rabun County, Georgia, offers a luxurious rustic lifestyle with a custom hangar home 7-acre property with a private 3,000-foot airstrip, perfect for aviation enthusiasts. The expansive integrated hangar accommodates small planes or large toys, includes a workout room, and connects to a timber frame carport and large parking area. Additional amenities include a guest cottage, automated greenhouse, waterfall, and serene mountain views near outdoor attractions like hiking, rafting, and lakes, making it an ideal retreat just minutes from Clayton.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

• 2021 Custom Built Home (Better than new!) • 5 Bedrooms/4.5 Baths/Primary on Main/Personal Office • Open Floor Plan

• Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, Hardwood Floors • Gourmet Kitchen with Butler’s Pantry • Whole Home Kohler Generator • Salt-Water Pool with natural gas heater

• Located less than 2 miles from Downtown Dahlonega in beautiful SKY COUNTRY • Offered at $949,000 MLS #10592457

• 2+ acres on quiet Cul de sac

• Partially wooded, cleared road frontage

• Survey & Soil Test available

• Minutes from shopping, restaurants, downtown Dahlonega

• Offered at $149,000

• MLS # 10448792

• 2+ acres in Sky Country

• Partially wooded, cleared road frontage

• Less than 2 miles from Downtown Dahlonega, Lake Zwerner and hiking trails

• Offered at $129,000

• MLS # 10566982

LOOKING FOR A “HERITAGE PROPERTY”? This well-maintained 3BR/2BA ranch-style home sits on 26 unrestricted acres & offers a wonderful combination of comfort, functionality & potential. The land is a true gem-featuring a beautiful free-flowing creek (750+ ft of frontage), pasture & wooded areas w/ add’l building sites offering mountain views. Enjoy paved county road access & no restrictions-the freedom to live, farm, or expand as you wish. (10620679) $1,200,000

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME on these two ready-to-go 1 acre residential lots just outside the Clarkesville city limits. Set within an exclusive 12 lot development with two custom homes already built and occupied, the property is cleared, graded, and level; perfect for a slab foundation. (10612982) $69,900 & (10612987) $73,900

CHARMING CABIN RETREAT! This 1BR/1BA cabin with a bonus room. Eligible for short-term rental, making it a fantastic opportunity for a first-time buyer, vacation getaway, or investment property....NO HOA!! $239,900 (10588800)

Nestled in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, this property puts you within walking distance of shopping, dining, entertainment, and vibrant nightlife. $219,000 (10605993)

THIS 2.22-ACRE RESIDENTIAL LOT is located in the highly desirable area of Sautee Nacoochee within the Miners Mountain subdivision. offering stunning mtn views and plenty of privacy. $75,000 (10607144)

Conveniently located near shopping,

and

one-bedroom completely remodeled cabin is just minutes from the sparkling shores of Lake Lanier. Owner/Agent. $279,900 (10594563)

Down) $795,000 (10611535) TUCKED

CREEKFRONT CABIN on 3.99 Acres! The perfect blend of privacy, charm & mountain living! This one-level, log-sided cabin w/ a metal roof offers an inviting retreat whether you’re looking for a full-time home or a weekend getaway. (10620959) $419,900

MOTIVATED SELLER! Offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience .2 year-old HVAC system and newer flooring throughout, move-in ready and easy to maintain. $199,900 (10587586)

A HIDDEN GEM NEAR LAKE HARTWELL. 7.84 acres across two large corner lots with a mix of sloped and level terrain, ideal for several possible building sites. $204,900 (10603529)

LOCATED IN A PRIME CORRIDOR along Historic Hwy. 441 and adjacent to both Habersham Medical Center and Habersham Nursing Home, this 2.75+/- acre property offers a rare blend of location, zoning, and versatility. $375,000 (10601556)

PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Charming retreat with a lot of character and potential. 2BR/2BA

Whirligig Farm

17.98 Acre Horse Farm

Come sit and enjoy the tranquility of beautiful lush green pastures, a long rushing trout water creek, large shade trees and abundant landscaping on this 17.98 acre farm in historic Lakemont, Georgia. This true authentic barndominium home has had every board, every stone, every piece of tile and every thought of construction specifically placed from the owners own imagination and determination to make it a truly one of a kind farm property. She used all local craftsman and instilled lots of relaxing and inviting details to make it a very personal retreat farm. It has lots of porch and outside living and dining areas overlooking the creek; some stone floors, huge old timbers, custom Dwayne Thompson kitchen cabinets, granite and a beautiful stone fireplace. There is also a small tiny home on the property for guests or the perfect mother in law or caretakers quarters. And then, the large barn. Where horses, cattle, chickens, goats or whatever furry family you want, can live and have the ultimate mountain animal retreat! This barn could also serve as a place for all those lake toys and items that you don’t need all the time. The property is zoned agricultural and has long old 441 frontage, making it have plenty of access for any use. The same owner has maintained and lived on the property for years and has not offered it for sale previously… If you are truly wanting a farm type property, this is definitely a place for consideration. It is within 5 minutes of Lake Rabun, and within 10 minutes of downtown Clayton. Offered for sale at $1,600,000. Some Financing Options Available. Call Kathy Lee. MLS# 10569293

LARGE FAMILY HOME on 1.88 acres within minutes of downtown Clayton. This home features 4 -5 bedrooms, large living area, two  fireplaces, tin roof, maintenance free siding, hardwood floors, large kitchen , dining area, office area, tongue and groove interior walls, a basement level family room, large deck and a two car garage, with an underneath implement shed. It has a walk-in Jacuzzi shower. It is in an older established neighborhood and has all paved driveways and parking areas. It also features on demand water system, a relatively new heat and air system, humidity system, and has well water. It can be immediately turned over to city water if preferred. The garage has an upstairs area that could be finished also, and there is a nice workshop area underneath the garage. Landscaped beautifully, and convenient to town for shopping and dining. $850,000

Southern Properties Real Estate

UNRESTRICTED 6 ACRE TRACT property with a free flowing clean water creek coming down one whole side of the property. It is accessed through Rabun County off of Big Creek Road, which is barely off Betty’s Creek Road. Very nice quiet area, minimal traffic, very private and covered with beautiful mountain laurel and large tree’s. It has numerous building sites, depending on what you want. The farther you go up on the property, the better the view! You are welcome to build exactly what you want, it is unrestricted and it can be divided, with paved road frontage. Andy’s Trout Farm and the Hambidge Center are within a couple minutes from this tract, along with numerous fishing, hiking, biking and hunting areas. It is a few short minutes to downtown Clayton and an easy

for excellent dining and shopping. Come build your new

or bring your

on to

work, and invest — all in one property. GAMLS# 10538611 & GAMLS# 10564737. $1,349,000. Call Sharon.

LOT 595 RIVER VISTA

$59,900

GAMLS# 10524298

5 FLEETWOOD

$49,900

GAMLS# 10603561

77 FLEETWOOD

$49,900 GAMLS# 10601230.

Southern Properties Real Estate

LICENSED IN GA, NC & SC

68 N. Main St

Clayton, GA 30525

THIS AMAZING PROPERTY IS HITTING THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. Built as a forever home, this home shows as a new construction home and property. 3.5 acres of level to gently sloping land that has been meticulously landscaped and planned for every idea or dream. A small orchard loaded with fruit flanks the property on the left as you approach the home along the black walnut tree lined road. As you turn into the drive, you will be welcomed by the detached garage ahead of you opposite the stone path to the house lined with a multitude of flowers and shrubs. Landscaping has been designed to have something in bloom all season adorns the rock basement walls. There are two ways to enter this home. Ground level entry brings you into the downstairs suite complete with full kitchen, bedroom, bath, and multiple flex and storage spaces. If you enter through the main entry you will be welcomed by a gorgeous rocking chair front porch where you can sit all year and enjoy valley and partial mountain views, along with the changing of the leaves on the giant maples in your own front yard. Through the entry awaits an open floor plan to the country kitchen with custom cabinetry and a large custom hardwood island. Large antique beams adorn the high callings in the living area and help to draw the eyes to the floor to ceiling fireplace stacked with stone facing the entry. The main level consists of the primary bed, bath, and walk in closet to the left of the kitchen with 2 other bedrooms and bathroom to the right of the living space. Bedrooms have walk in closets and plenty of space for relaxation. If you decide to dine outdoors for the evening, you will have no trouble with the ample space and inviting layout of the patio space out back. Hosting abundant space to grill or cook anything you want, the backyard chef will be in a dream space while the guests can relax on the patio or in the large Bullfrog spa as they take in the flowers and landscaping in their own private oasis. So much thought, planning, and love have gone into the design and functionality of this property to make it all one will ever need. Oh, did I mention the antique barn that is on the property and part of the original farm that used to be throughout the valley? Don’t miss out. This kind of home is a rare find and will be the place for many memories to be made. Is this your dream?

NORTH GEORGIA’S STATE PARKS TO VISIT

BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Georgia’s highest state park encompasses some of the most outstanding scenery in GA’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Roadside overlooks provide spectacular 80-mile vistas, and 4 hiking trails lead visitors past wildflowers, streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. Visitors enjoy the summit visitor center for its views, gift shop and picnic tables. The park’s small lake is popular with anglers and circled by an easy walking trail. At an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is often cooler than other GA parks and may close during icy weather.

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK

One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 ft deep. Take a hike on the rim trails to several overlooks, or obtain a permit to hike to the gorge floor. A suspension bridge sways 80 ft above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Tightrope walkers have twice crossed the gorge, and you can still see towers used by Karl Wallenda. A paved path follows an on old railroad bed, perfect for strollers and bicycles, or ride your mountain bike on a challenging 10-mile trail. Exhibits in the park’s Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the rich history of this Victorian resort town, Watch the award-winning film for a dramatic journey through the gorge, including footage of rock climbers and kayakers.

MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK

On the shores of beautiful Lake Burton sits Moccasin Creek, a park that prides itself on being “where spring spends the summer.”  Despite its location, the park is relatively flat, offering easy access for large RVs, bicycles and wheelchairs. A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open only to physically challenged visitors, senior citizens and children. At 2,800-acres, Lake Burton is a prime spot for skiing, boating and fishing. Canoe and fishing boat rentals are available during warmer months. When you visit, take a tour of the adjacent trout rearing station. There are several nearby mountain hiking trails to explore, too or simply relax in this peaceful setting. The park’s central location offers a perfect jumping off spot for exploring area waterfalls, trails, shops and restaurants.

UNICOI STATE PARK AND LODGE

This beloved park is nestled in the North GA mountains just outside Helen. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on scenic trails, including an easy lake loop, challenging trek to Anna Ruby Falls, 3-mile trail to downtown Helen or the rugged 7.5-mile single-track for bikers. The cool mountain lake offers a swimming beach and canoe rental during summer. Throughout the year, park staff host programs ranging from craft festivals and concerts, to animal programs and educational hikes. Overnight guests can choose from a hotel-style lodge, fully equipped cottages or modern campground. The park’s restaurant is known for its nightly mountain trout buffet, while craft lovers should not miss the lodge’s gift shop with pottery, quilts and other crafts. The lodge and beach house are popular spots for weddings, reunions, parties and conferences.

SMITHGALL WOODS STATE PARK

Smithgall Woods is an angler’s paradise. One of North GA’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular property and is a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. The number of anglers is limited and fishing is offered only on certain days, so anglers should call ahead for reservations. There’s also 5 miles of trails and 18 miles of roads for hikers and bicyclists to explore. The park is also an elegant mountain retreat, perfect for getaways, small weddings or outings with friends. 5 beautiful cottages provide a total of 14 bedrooms with private baths, phones, and TV. Some have porches along the stream, while others have private hot tubs. A 1-mile trail leads from the cottages to Dukes Creek Falls. Smithgall Woods was acquired by the state in 1994 as a gift-purchase from Charles A. Smithgall, Jr., a noted conservationist and businessman.

VOGEL STATE PARK

Georgia’s 2nd oldest state park is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park includes Neel Gap, a beautiful mountain pass near Brasstown Bald, the highest point in GA. Vogel is particularly popular during the fall when the mountains transform into a blanket of colored leaves. Hikers can choose from several trails: the popular 4-mile Bear Hair Gap loop, the lake loop that leads to Trahlyta Falls, or the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail. The park’s 22-acre lake is open to non-motorized boats. During summer, visitors can cool off at the mountain-view beach. This park is rich in history, with many facilities being constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp during our nation’s Great Depression.

River! Yes, you are in town, but you will feel miles away w/the privacy this home provides. 3 BR’s (1 on each level) & 3 full baths (1 on each level) & one-half bath (on lower level)! Terrace level has game room w/billiard table & other activities. Large covered back porch is host to a very up to date, state-of-the-art hot tub that beckons you to hop in & relax. Open Kitchen-Dining-Living area, complete w/stone FP & comfortable seating in living area, in front of FP. Dependable $$ maker w/proven rental history... or use it for your private get-away or live here full time. MLS#10573256. $598,000

TRADITIONAL CABIN STYLE HOME near Helen, Unicoi State Park & all the attractions that the Northeast GA Mountains have to offer. Wood interior w/high ceilings & painted wood floor gives this 3BR/3.5BA a classic feel w/timeless appeal. With a loft & fully finished basement you can entertain the whole crew of family & friends. 2687+/- Heated SF w/Mtn. top location. Huge open LR w/woodburning fireplace is open to the updated kitchen.

EXQUISITE UNRESTRICTED

w/5 BRs & 3 BAs plus a full unfinished basement. There are multiple barns, shops & storage buildings w/multiple double doors for moving large equipment or machinery in/out & suitable for almost any type of home business providing storage, parking, a studio, offices, & workshops. Land features cleared pasture (bring the farm animals) dotted w/fruit trees, blueberry bushes, & grape arbors, plus a section of gently sloping wooded acreage. There is also a double-wide mobile home that has no contributory value but could be renovated or replaced (second separate septic & well in place for the mobile home). MLS#10482486. $799,000

stove has been installed along w/a stainless-steel chimney liner for super-efficient heating, if you prefer to heat w/wood.  Luxury interior features include, heart pine flooring, standing seamless glass shower in primary bath w/granite slab walls & exotic striated

VALHALLA RESORT TOWNHOMES don’t come on the market often so don’t miss out on this lovely 2BR that’s fully furnished & decorated! 4 years YOUNG & ready to be your affordable private getaway or rental investment property. 2 BR’s on upper level each w/ensuite bath & a spacious open concept kitchen/dining/living area on primary level. Ground level is a 2-car drive-under garage. Self-manage, or enlist a local management company, or allow Valhalla to manage rental for you w/lots of perks for your guests! Balcony off primary BR & another off the living area gives you a spectacular golf course view.

Golf Community! MLS#10446651. $375,000

located in

This legacy-worthy farm, situated on the Blue Ridge Divide, offers the safe & serene retreat your family deserves. With stunning mountain views in every direction, the natural beauty enhances the exquisite design & craftsmanship found throughout the property. The farm features three homes: a luxurious 6,000+ SF primary residence recently refreshed with a modern appeal, a custom log guest home nestled by a mountain stream & an antique log cabin that overlooks the vineyard. Additional buildings include a reconstructed antique timber-frame barn; perfect for your vintage truck collection or hosting parties. There’s also a horse barn with stables & a riding ring, plus a work barn & tractor sheds. The sprawling 80+ acres boast creeks, fish ponds, ATV trails & even a mountaintop lookout tower, ensuring plenty of fun & adventure. Located just minutes away from Clayton, Rabun Gap, Lake Burton & only two miles from Heaven’s Landing, a fly-in community. $7,500,000 (10586018)

Newly constructed home with breathtaking layered blue mountain & crystal clear Lake Rabun views. 6,400 SF of luxury living space. Every room brings the outside in, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The porch, with retractable screens, ensures your comfort. The kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances, quartzite countertops & custom-built oak cabinetry. The primary suite, with luxurious bath featuring heated floors, a soaking tub & oversized shower. Two walk-in closets with built-ins. Additional bedrooms with a spacious bath for guest. The main level includes an oversized garage built to accommodate a large SUV or truck & EV Charging station, a sunlit laundry, walk-in pantry with additional refrigerator & freezer. Oak-built-ins line the hallway, maximizing storage space. On the terrace level, an additional family room, a flex room that includes a Murphy bed & bath. A guest room & bath offer private space for guests. The lower-level workshop, with its own driveway & garage, provides an ideal hobby area. Whole-house generator & water storage system for power outages & a water filtration system. $2,495,000

This heart-of-the-valley home has incredible views of the surrounding mountains! Multipliable decks & covered porches, flat, grassy, open land. Creeks on two sides of the property. Perfect for your mini farm. $1,395,000 (10616103)

123+- acres of the most beautiful land in the area. Lloyd’s Cove, a high elevation mountain cove, open meadowland, creeks and springs. Spectacular mountain views. Hand built log home with outstanding views. Privacy, peace and beauty but with close to Highlands and Dillard. Surrounded by USA Lands $3,500,000 (10411534)