A new plan

was created to emulate beautiful American neighborhoods of the past with

an emphasis on historical architecture and they named their new neighborhood

Highgrove. Southern architecture, derived from Greek revival, Georgian,

Victorian, creole cottage, Italianate, shingle and even tudor influences

were included in the plan.

Because public

spaces are so important to a community, in addition to the Jeffersonian

Greek Revival Clubhouse, three additional public spaces are positioned

throughout Highgrove including parks and Greek Revival pavilions that

serve as shelter at each park and carry the community's landmark theme.

Sidewalks, street trees, swim and tennis center, nature trails and golf

cart accessibility were also included in the plan.

The relationship

of the porch to the sidewalk was extremely important to the Barnetts'

plan for Highgrove. Homes are strategically located within "conversation"

distance to the sidewalks, which are poured about 12 feet off the street

curb on both sides of the streets, so that passing neighbors on foot and

homeowners relaxing on the eight-ft. deep front porches have an opportunity

to interact with each other. Not only does this bring the sidewalk closer

to the home, it provides 12 ft. of green space for street trees.

Each of these

trees are planted in such a way that the landscape will create a tunneled

vista on each street as the years go by. Street tree varieties have been

chosen with a lower leaf density so that sunlight is pleasantly filtered

and not completely shading. Back porches are also frequently added to

Highgrove homes for private outdoor living.

Open-flamed

gas lanterns were introduced in front of each new home to add to the old-world

feel. These lanterns emit a low glow that does not necessarily provide

light but rather a torched marker to lead a walker down the sidewalks

at night. Also, each home is adorned with workable shutters and wide moldings.

When possible,

front walks lead from the front door ot the sidewalk to provide a welcomed

entrance to each home. Because Highgrove is a traditional walking neighborhood,

it is important to introduce easy welcoming accessibility for the person

on foot.

The use of

old brick and white or off white mortar helps create an aged historic

look. The small detail of using satin paint instead of flat to the exterior

clapboard adds an element of clean distinction. Brick homes are entirely

brick, not just the front facade.

Garage doors

are embellished with woodwork and hinges to create the look of carriage

doors. Garages are located to the side and rear of the homes so as not

to detract from the streetscape of porches and street trees and to maintain

a welcoming entrance for neighbors.

A byproduct

of the historical architecture and placement of each home, sidewalk and

tree is a sense of permanence. Careful planning by the Barnetts is aimed

at providing a valued neighborhood where the heritage and intrinsic value

can be passed from generation to generation, or at least from home seller

to home buyer.

In 2000, the

Barnetts and their three daughters moved into their new Highgrove home,

a historical reproduction of a Greek revival Louisiana plantation home

of 1847.

"After

meeting so many wonderful families moving into Highgrove, we just had

to be part of it," Scott said. "It was the neighborhood we had

always wanted, not just because of the beautiful surroundings but because

of the wonderful and interesting people who live there."

In fact, six

of the nine Highgrove builders have also made the community their home.

"We owe

a great part of Highgrove's success to the creative builders," Barnett

said. "They all share our interests in historical homes and quality

materials."

Chris Parrott

of Chris Parrott Homes and Bill Gilmer of Simply Southern Traditional

Homes have each reproduced historical homes as well. The Barnetts' inspiration

in land planning and architecture is attributed to Jim Strickland of Historical

Concepts in Peachtree City.

"You can

drive through 'late 20th century' Peachtree City and easily identify Jim's

historically-inspired homes," Barnett said. "His homes and neighborhoods

have stood the test of time and are still highly sought after in Peachtree

City."

Highgrove is

a sidewalk community with more than 300 homes and 10 miles of sidewalks

included in the final build-out. Presently, 200 lots have been developed

and 175 custom homes are occupied. Sixty lots will be ready in February

2003 and another 50 lots are planned for 2004. Predicted build-out is

2006.

During November

and December Highgrove has had record house sales and received record

contracts, according to the Barnetts, who plan to continue utilizing careful

planning and providing a product of distinction. "If it's not done

right, it's not worth doing."

The sales center

is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from

1-6 p.m. For more information, call Brenda Matthews or Mary Ermer at 770-719-2939.

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