Testimonials
Rachel,
Glad that 2010 was good to you; in a poor economy your accomplishments stand out even more.
It was fun getting up there over the New Year’s weekend. The snow was amazing; Melody made her first ever snowman. We just about didn’t make it up the hill in front of the cabin, my Prius isn’t much of a snow car.
Hope to see you during March, my daughter and I plan on coming up the week of the 14th (spring break).
Keep up the good work and stay safe,
Dear Rachel
All I can say is you are a true blessing. THANK YOU for being there on that lonely Memorial weekend! The universe was in perfect alignment the day I walked into the downtown Blue Ridge office to find only you working and waiting for me! It was because of your efforts, and willingness to help me almost three years ago, that got me started to create a dream of a lifetime with my little farm. That was the day you opened the doors to paradise. Now my life has exploded into the potential for manifesting my dreams.
Renovations are almost done on the house and I will start the barn later this year. The article in the AJC came out great as well! And to boot, I just got the property certified as an official wildlife sanctuary for meeting the requirements of four main elements: food, water, habitat and environment to raise young with natural vegetation and a sustainable garden area. There is no question this is a magical piece of property, and I look forward to finishing the barn and expanding my wildlife rehab efforts as well as my creative and artistic adventures.
Thank you for all you did to make my dream a reality!
Here is a link to the wonderful article from Jan 11th, 2009. www.ajc.com See more photos of the Liz Nicholas home in Blue Ridge
Sincerely, Liz
VACATION HOME SPOTLIGHT
View of Cohutta forest 'felt right'
By C.W. CAMERON
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/15/08 On Memorial Day, Michael and Lora Rust celebrated five years in their vacation home in Cherry Log. Michael, 50, is an attorney with Gray, Rust, St. Amand, Moffett & Brieske. Lora, 46, is a potter who sells her work through Multitudes Gallery in Blue Ridge.
How often can they get there? It's 90 miles from the Rusts' home in Morningside and takes them about 90 minutes to travel. They try to go at least once a month. "During the summer we get there twice a month, and sometimes it's every weekend," says Michael. "We don't get up there as often in the winter."
Photos by CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO / Special
(ENLARGE)
Lora and Michael Rust sit amid the peace and quiet of the North Georgia mountains, a quality 'we really appreciate,' says Michael.
(ENLARGE)
Windows bring the outside in at the Rusts' home in Cherry Log. There are three decks: One wraps around the main level.
Finding their spot: "We started with the idea of finding something close enough that we could be there in two hours or less," says Michael. "We had read about Blue Ridge, and we started looking in the area, but didn't see anything we liked or could afford. Finally we ended up buying a lot and building our house." Lora adds, "We didn't want a house in the woods, we wanted a view. We drove up one day and found this 4-acre lot with a view of the Cohutta Wilderness, and it just felt right."
Building their home: Lora says, "It took about 8 months to build our four-bedroom, three-bath home with full finished daylight basement." Michael adds, "There's a living/dining/kitchen space, two fireplaces and a deck off the master bedroom upstairs. We have a wraparound deck on the main level, and a deck off the basement, too."
Spending their time: "We don't do a whole lot up here," says Michael. "Everything's pretty hectic with two teenage daughters, Allie, 16, and Hunter, 13, so it's just a good place to get away. The girls bring their friends and just vegetate. It's a good way to get them up there with us. We finally put in satellite television so I can watch sports, and we have a pool table and a hot tub." Lora adds, "It's a great place to be together and have real time with the children."
Time on the lake: "In the summer we go down to Lake Blue Ridge where we keep a pontoon boat on the lake. Although the area is becoming more populated, since so much of the land is owned by the National Forest Service, it stays peaceful and quiet up there. That's one of the things we really appreciate," says Michael.
VACATION HOME SPOTLIGHT
View of Cohutta forest 'felt right'
By C.W. CAMERON
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/15/08 On Memorial Day, Michael and Lora Rust celebrated five years in their vacation home in Cherry Log. Michael, 50, is an attorney with Gray, Rust, St. Amand, Moffett & Brieske. Lora, 46, is a potter who sells her work through Multitudes Gallery in Blue Ridge.
How often can they get there? It's 90 miles from the Rusts' home in Morningside and takes them about 90 minutes to travel. They try to go at least once a month. "During the summer we get there twice a month, and sometimes it's every weekend," says Michael. "We don't get up there as often in the winter."
Photos by CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO / Special
(ENLARGE)
Lora and Michael Rust sit amid the peace and quiet of the North Georgia mountains, a quality 'we really appreciate,' says Michael.
(ENLARGE)
Windows bring the outside in at the Rusts' home in Cherry Log. There are three decks: One wraps around the main level.
Finding their spot: "We started with the idea of finding something close enough that we could be there in two hours or less," says Michael. "We had read about Blue Ridge, and we started looking in the area, but didn't see anything we liked or could afford. Finally we ended up buying a lot and building our house." Lora adds, "We didn't want a house in the woods, we wanted a view. We drove up one day and found this 4-acre lot with a view of the Cohutta Wilderness, and it just felt right."
Building their home: Lora says, "It took about 8 months to build our four-bedroom, three-bath home with full finished daylight basement." Michael adds, "There's a living/dining/kitchen space, two fireplaces and a deck off the master bedroom upstairs. We have a wraparound deck on the main level, and a deck off the basement, too."
Spending their time: "We don't do a whole lot up here," says Michael. "Everything's pretty hectic with two teenage daughters, Allie, 16, and Hunter, 13, so it's just a good place to get away. The girls bring their friends and just vegetate. It's a good way to get them up there with us. We finally put in satellite television so I can watch sports, and we have a pool table and a hot tub." Lora adds, "It's a great place to be together and have real time with the children."
Time on the lake: "In the summer we go down to Lake Blue Ridge where we keep a pontoon boat on the lake. Although the area is becoming more populated, since so much of the land is owned by the National Forest Service, it stays peaceful and quiet up there. That's one of the things we really appreciate," says Michael.
CHERRY LOG
Realtor Rachel Callihan of Georgia Mountain and Lake Properties says, "Don and Brenda Regan of Metro Brokers GMAC report that the median price for a residence in Fannin County for the first quarter in 2008 was $180,000, the lowest in three years. Local closing attorney Terry Lee Wilson says that though there are more lookers right now, getting to the actual closing table has been more challenging, as lender requirements are in flux. All-cash buyers definitely have the upper hand. Buyers are seeing the best pricing in years for Fannin County."
The Rust family cabin is located on Granny Callihan Mountain, named after Nancy Rebeccah, a nurse in the 1800s who used to walk every day over the mountain to take food and medicine to neighbors in Sugar Creek. The level trails she traveled are still enjoyed today by riders on horseback and the neighbors who frequent the trails. With an elevation of about 2,000 feet above sea level, those on the mountain have phenomenal views of Tennessee, North Carolina and the Cohuttas.
Recent sales in the area:
; three-bedroom, three-bath, 1.5 acres, mountain views; closed in April, $279,000
1583 Cashes Valley Lane; two-bedroom, two-bath cabin on 1.34 wooded acres; closed in September 2007, $190,000
Lot 270, High Cashes Valley Road; three-bedroom, three-bath cabin on a pond, 1.9 acres; closed in August 2007 for $285,000
For more information, vacation@ajchomefinder.com with the details of your home and include some family snapshots that really show it off.
Begin the search for your own vacation home online at ajchomefinder.com.
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Hi, I am Teresa and I am 12 and used to ride at Rachel's barn in Blue Ridge. It was the first place that I really got into the whole riding thing, and she has taught me to go for it all. I use to ride at the barn quite often and I knew all the horses by name like one of the first ones i rode, Tennessee. After riding with her for a while I realized that I had a passion for riding, and so I started riding, and had a knack for it. Four years I am still on the back of a horse and jumping higher than in the picture. Rachel has taught me to go for my dreams, and here I am today still wanting to get at an even higher level.
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for taking your time to show us around this past Saturday (had to be as boring as watching 'old' paint dry) - it was a pleasure for me.
You're so well-versed on your stomping grounds - I enjoyed hearing your stories (plus you're good at your job)!
Attached are a couple of photos - one is of Rave (my cross) and the second is of the filly we're considering...hope we'll all get a chance to ride soon.
Thanks so much and see you next visit,
Janet
Hi Rachel -
So good to hear from you! We love the My Creek Rd place and have been up there quite a bit lately. We plan on spending some time there during Christmas as well. Hope you and your family are having a good December as well.
Take care!
Travis
swear, the more I keep looking at houses the more I think that I bought the only near perfect home in Blue Ridge! I have yet to see a house that I think holds a candle to ours in a price range up to the mid 300's.
Thanks again for helping us find something. I still have your business cards out at our house; so everyone that come in and loves it knows who to ask to buy one like it. Have a wonderful evening and take care of that baby.
Take Care,
Randy Chatham.
Happy New Year Rachel,
It was nice to hear from you. I hope that you are well and that the new baby is not kicking you around too much!!
We have been LOVING the cabin! Every time I go, I like it more and more. We are of course not finished decorating but it is really taking shape. Once the draperies get made, it will make a big difference. The location and view are fantastic. I really, really enjoy seeing your Father and talking to him. He's the best!!
I hope I'll see you soon.
David
Thanks for the wonderful memories!! God has blessed us with one of our dreams come true with this cabin!
Thanks again,
The Santolin Family
Longwood ,Fl
Dear Rachel,
Here we are back in Flat land...missing the beautiful mountains you get to see everyday....
Thanks you so very much for making sure that our experience in the mountains was a pleasant one. I appreciate your quick response to Ronnie's emergency situation and your expressions of concern after he was in the hospital. All four of us enjoyed our week in Fannin County...It will be a time not ever forgotten..Thank you again for all your kindness and Hospitality...We hope to see you again soon....
The Rowe Family