Sugar Creek Farm is a fantastic 227± acre property located just one-hour east of downtown Atlanta on the outskirts of Madison, Georgia. Sugar Creek’s grounds have been impeccably cared for and offer a diverse landscape with good water resources, a nice mix of open and forested landscape, and an attractive rolling topography. The recreational activities are abundant and will engage all generations of a family. The water resources include a gorgeous and well-managed 6-acre fishing lake and nearly a mile of Sugar Creek, which is the property’s northern boundary line. The improvements are immaculately maintained and include a spectacular, artisan-crafted main house. Custom designed by architect Steve Kemp, the attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident throughout this 5,225± square foot log and stone home built in 2009. The logs are hand-hewn hemlock and every bit of the stone was hand-cut on site. The farm is only 10 minutes from the historic town of Madison, 20 minutes from Reynolds Plantation at Lake Oconee, and 40 minutes from the university town of Athens. The property is protected by a conservation easement that is held with Athens Land Trust.
As a broker, I routinely hear from buyers that they do not want a project. Sugar Creek offers just that as it is in excellent condition, and a new owner will enjoy the property immediately without the burden of a list of improvements to pursue. The main house is very attractive, and the envelope surrounding the home is one of the more inviting settings you’ll find on a property. In addition, Sugar Creek ’s proximity to Atlanta and the surrounding area creates the opportunity for a family to weave the farm seamlessly into their daily lives while having convenient access to a great area of Georgia. Sugar Creek is a complete package – water, location, nice improvements, excellent condition, and a gorgeous landscape.
With a physical address of Buckhead, Georgia, Sugar Creek Farm is located only five miles southeast of the historic town of Madison, Georgia. The property is in Morgan County and fronts Barrows Grove Road. The front gate is six miles from I-20 Exit 114.
The property is only one-hour east of downtown Atlanta offering a family a quick escape to their outdoor retreat and convenience to Atlanta that is challenging to find.
Founded in 1807, Madison is considered to be one of Georgia’s greatest small towns. Its history and antebellum architecture showcase the Old South and small town living. To protect their quality of life, the community has always been committed to preserving their historic areas. The charming and vibrant town square boasts one of the most beautiful courthouses in the state (built in 1845).
Athens, Georgia, is a short 40-minute drive north of Sugar Creek Farm. A vibrant college town, Athens is home to the University of Georgia and is often referred to as the “Classic City.” Athens is known for its varied cuisine and the Georgia Theatre, a noted music venue. Athens Academy, a private prep school, is often attended by children from Madison.
Lake Oconee, a 40,000± acre recreational reservoir, is 20 minutes southeast of the property. There are several marinas located on the lake. The Ritz Carlton and Reynolds Plantation offer first-class amenities, including 117 holes of magnificent golf designed by some of the most respected architects in the game.
Augusta, Georgia, home of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Golf Tournament, is a little over one hour away.
Located in the Piedmont region of Georgia, this area offers a mild, pleasant climate and four distinct seasons. Spring arrives in March with mild days and cool nights. By late May, temperatures have warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days. On average, July is the warmest month of the year. With an average annual rainfall of 47 inches, the spring and summer months tend to receive more precipitation than other times of the year. Fall is marked by mild to warm days and cooler nights. Winter is usually mild, with the coldest days averaging lows near or slightly above freezing and highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Snow occurs rarely.
The forested land is a healthy mix of hardwoods and managed pine stands. The hardwood sections total approximately 100 acres, and the managed pines total approximately 90 acres.
Sugar Creek Farm is covered by a conservation easement held by the Athens Land Trust. The purpose of the easements is to protect wildlife habitat, open space, and scenic values while allowing for continued residential, agricultural, timber, and recreational uses. A conservation easement provides the benefit of a reduction in land costs, protects the property for future generations, and allows the owner to retain many land uses and private property rights. Copies of the easements and more details are available from the Broker upon request.
Main House (5,225± Square Feet): The centerpiece of the property is the custom-built main home overlooking the six-acre lake. The home “extends an invitation to slow down,” reflects architect Steve Kemp, and it was designed to be integrated into the property’s landscape. This four-bedroom, four-bath home started as a modest log cabin built in 2000 and was then entirely redone through a seamless expansion in 2009. There is a unique blend of unexpected details seen in contrasting hand-hewn logs with smooth marble finishes. The logs are hand-hewn hemlock, and there is an endless amount of hand-cut stone with mortarless joints. The trellis extends off the back of the home and connects with a very inviting outdoor area. The patios are Pennsylvania blue stone and surround a pebble tec gunite, saltwater pool built by Artistic Pools out of Atlanta. Every part of the house, inside and out, has been touched by the hands of a craftsman.
Guest House: A guest house complimenting the main home sits just across the driveway. It consists of a kitchen, living room, one bedroom, and one bath, and underneath is a three-car garage.
Pole Barn: The property includes a pole barn used for the farm’s operations and to store equipment. It includes a walk-in cooler for game.
The annual property taxes for Sugar Creek Farm are approximately $8,000.
The farm is currently enrolled in Georgia’s Conservation Use Value Assessment Program, which allows for a substantial reduction in property taxes. This is a 10-year program, currently enrolled until 2029.
Sugar Creek Farm offers a wide variety of recreational uses that engages all generations to explore and connect with the outdoors. The outdoor setting around the home is very inviting. The combination of the swimming pool, outdoor stone patios, grilling area, and the six-acre lake pulls the family outside.
With a couple small pastures and a walk-in shelter, the farm is able to support a few horses as is. The miles of trails and roads provide for a number of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, ATV-use, and jogging. An extensive trail system is undeniably an asset when it comes to recreating.
Hunting: Deer and turkey thrive on Sugar Creek, and the property is part of a larger landscape of committed landowners that manage for wildlife. Sugar Creek has a great balance of open and wooded land, creating the ideal habitat diversity and edge needed for wildlife to flourish. The landscape is alive with mature mast-producing oaks, and green fields are strategically managed throughout the farm. There are ~10 nice box and ladder stands on the property and a walk-in deer cooler.
Fishing: The six-acre lake is well-stocked with bass and bream and offers a very nice fishery. It is conveniently located right next to the main house and adds tremendously to the home’s aesthetics and setting.
