I will work backwards in this post.
Don’t you just love beautiful, classic architecture? I love the work of Lew Oliver. If you ever visit Atlanta, please take the time to drive both south & north of the city to view his thoughtful work.
If Chris didn’t have to work in the city so often we would consider moving to either Serenbe or Vickery, two of the live-work communities which embody the lifestyle we both desire so much! I realize that both are just a short commute from the city, and I bet the people who live in either neighborhoods who say it is worth the drive.
The homes are not just beautiful and timeless, but both communities offer shared parks, gardens, events, and even restaurants, sidewalks and small businesses that are a short walk away.
Why did we have to move away from this mid-century? Why did we think that more land, larger homes, and being farther away from our neighbors was a good thing?
I am just so passionate about living this way. I know Mahatma Ghandi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” (one of my favorites), so Chris and I have talked at length about creating an environment like this closer in the city. Of course, we need money to begin that. Lots of it. But it doesn’t hurt to dream about it.
Okay, for some pictures. Here are some you will find in Serenbe and Vickery:
He is the same architect who designed this year’s Coastal Living‘s Home. Erika Powell of Urban Grace did the interiors. How beautiful?!
Can you imagine a vacation at Rosemary Beach and this is where you stay??!!
One reason I am so inspired by this way of life is I have been spending some time at Vickery with my client & friend there. She has this breakfast nook that is sun-filled and overlooks the community pond. They have neighbors who come out with their glass of wine in the evenings to stroll down the sidewalks and chat. It is really dreamy!!
(it is this home I’ve posted about before)
It cracks me up a little about the kittens right there. The plan was to hang them elsewhere, but the little girl loved them so much that they had to stay right next to her bed. That’s what matters–it is her room, anyway 
The rug looks green but it’s gray. Need a real photographer!
The playroom is downstairs, right across from the dining room. We wanted it to be a sweet place to play, yet not so primary that it wouldn’t flow with the rest of the main floor.
Do you have those live/ work communities where you live, too? What is your opinion?
Enjoy your weekend,
Julie
Interior Designers, Alpharetta, GA
YES! I’m right there with you! And we’re about to visit Serenbe this week just to study their model. We loved living in Park Slope, Brooklyn exactly because of the great community and proximity of services – the living space is just kinda tight! Thanks for the heads-up about Vickery, too!
Chicago. I love the beautiful city of Chicago. Especially in the summer. I was born and raised in the city on the North side of Chicago. Lived there until the age of 32. Married and moved into the burbs with my husband so that his children could live with us and my 2 children. When the youngest finally moved out we started looking for a new home. The deal was we could move back into the city once we were empty nesters. But that’s not what happened.
I have a petsitting business and it does very well, I couldn’t just walk away from something that I built. Besides, I love my clients.
So, we bought in the burbs. Again.
My oldest daughter knocked down my first home in Chicago and built a new home. Very full circle. So, I try and get into the city as often as I can. I will find any excuse. Even something as easy as a ride to Mario’s on Taylor Street for the best Italian ice in the world.
So enjoy where you live but visit where your heart is as much as you can. Ahhh, someday.
(Most!) of those rooms are stunning! : )
Yes Vickery is so beautiful and JW is building some amazing (price wise too!) homes up there right now! Just so far off the exit and I wish they had larger yards, homes are a bit on top of each other…
We don’t have anything like this in the Philly burbs (at least that I’m aware of) but it sounds really interesting.
What a wonderful place to live in. The neighbourhood really looks tranquil and peaceful. The classic designs of the houses are just so beautiful. What more can one ask for if he lives in such a place in one of these houses.
We live in a community like Serenbe and Vickery in Birmingham. It’s called the Town of Mt Laurel. If you ever get over this way you should really check it out. We absolutely love it and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
http://www.mtlaurel.com