After your first visit to Macon, you won't want to leave. The people, the weather and the right spot at the right time. General Sherman spared the city of Macon in his March to the Sea, so what you see is history coming back alive. Only an hour South of Atlanta and less than two hours from the coastline for goodness sakes head down Interstate 75 and stop for a look see. According to MSNBC, Macon, Georgia is the 3rd most undervalued real estate market in America so your dollar goes a long way. Home to the largest Cherry Blossom Festival in the world, Macon is a small Southern town with very little traffic and all the amenities of a much larger city. As Georgia’s best kept secret, Macon, is what you are looking for.

Now that you have seen the city for yourself, it’s time to buy a house. The Historic Intown Macon neighborhood is listed on the National Historic Register and deservedly so. Within walking distance of historic downtown, College Street is the most revered address you will find. With Southern mansions dating back to the 1850’s, the avenue really had its heyday up until the early 1900s as railroad magnates built stately houses and prominent citizens fought for space to call College Street home. You can be only the 4th family ever to call this classic Victorian property, located at 196 College Street, “HOME”. Construction of the King family residence was started in 1890 and remained in their hands for over 95 years. It was designed by revered architect, Peter Dennis who managed to make sure no detail was left behind. You will have to see this nearly 5000 Square Foot Queen Anne style house to believe the countless original features mixed with the conveniences of the modern day. Some of the many features of note include the gingerbread front porch with period details, brick paved front sidewalk and walkway, 12 foot ceilings throughout, stunning wood trim throughout that has NEVER been painted, beautiful front staircase in the original stained glass foyer, back staircase in the rear hall, 8 original fireplaces with Victorian tiles, hardwood floors throughout, completely updated kitchen/breakfast area/butler’s pantry on the back of the house overlooking the large backyard, original cherry brass door knobs and hinges, formal dining room that seats 10+, all new systems throughout, master bedroom on main level with large walk-in closet, adjacent master bath suite with its own fireplace, 3 clawfoot tubs, a clawfoot shower (bet you have never seen one of these), ceramic/marble tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, period light fixtures throughout, original built in china cabinet/pocket doors, laundry room up and downstairs, floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of storage throughout and hidden nooks and crannies for the kids. Only known house in Macon that still has the original working gasoliers in every room. Want to stress that the house has been saved with originality in mind but feels comfortable for family life without being stuffy. This home is not a museum. The total count is 15 rooms, 4 large bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms.

A stone’s throw away is Mercer University’s main campus and Law School, The Medical Center of Georgia, Downtown business district, the riverwalk, Interstates 75 (to Atlanta or Florida) and 16 (to Savannah), the post office, library, nightlife, award winning Magnet Public Schools (best in town), two private schools/academies, a dog park, beautifully restored local movie theater, Macon Symphony House, churches, locally owned shops and restaurants. The diversity of our neighbors is great, made up mostly of professionals (local and out of towners), families with children and without, older folks and young folks. Variety and fun are the key ingredients here as well as an innate love of older homes. We get together for porch parties, supper clubs, pool parties and anytime the mood strikes. Please see pictures attached and feel free to call or e-mail us with any other questions. We have renovated over 25+ homes in the last 12 years and are moving just around the corner to do it all over again. You will love Macon and particularly this beautiful house, it has been a privilege to be part of its history. We will consider selling all the furniture and window treatments along with the home for a negotiated price.

Here are some websites of note about the area… www.macon.com, www.cherryblossom.com, www.newtownmacon.com, www.historicmacon.org, www.intownmacon.org, www.coxcapitoltheatre.com, www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/hay_house.htm, www.maconsymphony.com.