Photos Keith Beauchamp

The incredible view. That is what the Cummings family fell in love with when they first visited 55 Waterside Drive, Cartersville. The property boasts a tranquil overlook of Lake Allatoona from Red Top Mountain. “Almost every room in the house has a view,” said homeowner Jessie. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the word “incredible” seems to fall short when describing the vista. Whether you are standing on the expansive back deck or having coffee in the breakfast nook, you can’t help but lose yourself in the joy of being wrapped in nature.  

Even before stepping into the home, you will certainly fall in love with the spectacular landscape and serene sites; sites that are shared with deer and birds of many different species. The peace felt is soul-charging. “Obviously, we love the exclusivity, but what drew me to the house was the vast view,” says homeowner George. “Initially, when you enter the property, coming through the front door—and then across every floor of the house with floor-to-ceiling windows—you feel that huge expanse. At any given point, you can see Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield, Coal Mountain in Cumming, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Ellijay, and because of Red Top Mountain State Park, it is all undeveloped; your view is unobstructed.” 

When the Cummings moved in, they went to work making changes to the landscaping. “The home and its layout are so excellent, we didn’t have to change any of it,” says Jessie, “but we saw an opportunity with the landscaping.” The entire family enjoys flowering plants and found a need for plants that were deer-resistant. They found a professional landscape designer and got started. “We pulled up everything in the front yard and started from scratch,” laughs Jessie. What they ended up with was a thoughtful landscaping design that created a serene outdoor oasis. Only minutes from town, you instantly feel the relief of being secluded in a nature wonderland knowing that you can access anything you need within a few miles drive. 

This spectacular home is just as stunning as its settings and background. The walkway leads to a covered porch area that instantly invites you inside. Bold columns transport you to a place of luxury. Upon entering, you can’t help but notice the view from the rear of the house in this open-concept living area. Sitting at 7,838 square feet of living space (9,217 if you include the porches and garage), the home is a perfect place for hosting family and friends. It’s no wonder they instantly fell in love. “It’s one of those feelings where you walk in and just sort of know—this is awesome,” shared Jessie. 

Beauty in the details 

After taking in the views, you begin to notice the beautiful details that are part of the carefully planned aesthetics. The natural light throughout the home gives even the most indoorsy of folks a connection with the outdoors, especially at sunset. The kitchen features natural cherry cabinetry with a large dark wood island and matching built-in hutch, creating visual appeal with the deep color change. 

These spaces wait beautifully for dinner party platters and loads of laughter from the company of guests. Crown molding and 21-foot ceilings make this grand space even more open. “There are so many different places to host and gather,” says Jessie, who loves to have guests over. And with enough space for their 16-foot Christmas tree, the holidays are spectacular. 

Opportunity Knocks 

So, what else is held in all this square footage? Large bedrooms, five to be exact, a bonus room that can be used for a playroom or an extra bedroom, five indoor fireplaces, five bathrooms, and two half-baths. These oversized areas are perfect for children or overnight guests. The upstairs area has an expansive balcony that overlooks the downstairs. The basement is the key to fun with a full bar and a theater room. 

The back deck holds a spectacular outdoor fireplace that makes wintery nights cozy and draws you out into the open space. An office with coffered ceilings, recessed lighting, and large built-in shelving sits just off the keeping room- an area that is perfect for any business owner tired of paying for off-site office space. Rich, deep wood is woven throughout, and ample natural lighting provides a luxurious workspace sure to make doing business more enjoyable.  

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A Must See 

When visiting this property, watch as the cares of the world melt away with the altitude change. “People have called our home the ‘Cloud House’ because of the fog on the lake,” says George. “We are above the cloud line with the fog, so leaving the property to exit the neighborhood you end up coming out of a cloud—-it’s pretty wild.”  

If you’re interested in purchasing this property, you’ll want to act fast. The amount of space provided by a home, with long-range, layered views of the mountains makes this a rare opportunity. This beautiful turn-key home is waiting for you and your family to enjoy for many years to come. 

For additional information, contact Hardy Realty at 706-291-4321. 

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grew up climbing orange trees in the small, quaint town of Frostproof, Florida, and now resides in Calhoun, Georgia. While she misses the Florida beaches, she has grown quite accustomed to watching four seasons come and go each year. She is the founder and president of the Calhoun Area Writers and director of the Northwest Georgia Writers Conference. While she hopes to one day sit humbly on a best-sellers list, she will settle for a smile or kind word from a stranger.