Traveling down the winding drive at 114 Lees Lake Road in Fayetteville feels like stepping through a wardrobe into real‑life Narnia. Towering trees part to reveal an estate perched on eight acres of verdant land. A grand copper roof catches the sunlight, while matching fascia and gutters gleam like burnished jewels. Even before you arrive at the front door, you sense this is no ordinary home. It’s a sanctuary of bespoke design and enduring craftsmanship, conceived by a woman whose spirit refuses to age.
Tana Heaton and I sat in two tapestry‑upholstered chairs, their ottomans perfectly mirroring the curves of our seats. The faint peal of grandfather‑clock chimes punctuated our conversation, and a vase of freshly cut roses scented the air. At seventy‑five years young, Tana’s eyes glowed with what I imagine to be the same fierce energy she carried when she arrived in Atlanta back in 1973.
Tana and her late husband, Jacob, agreed to begin clearing the land for their home in early 2001. Tana worked alongside architect Eddie Moultrie and project manager Tommy Hatcher to translate Tana’s vivid ideas onto paper and into reality. “I could not have built this house without them,” she insists, recalling the complex drawings Eddie sketched on a snowy day. By 2003, the couple had moved into a home that would become Tana’s masterpiece.
Inside, nearly 7,000 square feet unfold across four huge bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths. Every detail was meticulously planned: hand‑cut oak trim, solid oak doors, and heated, hand‑scored concrete floors. Stained‑glass windows filter sunlight into custom display cabinets throughout the house, while a soaring entryway hints at the elegance waiting beyond.
The gourmet kitchen embodies both luxury and practicality. A Wolf range set against a backdrop of stone and brick is paired with a copper backsplash that nickels and tarnishes over time in the most graceful of ways. Twin Sub‑Zero units - one fridge, one freezer - ensure ample storage for both weeknight meals and lavish dinner parties.
Outside, a private courtyard commands attention. Its 35‑foot reflecting pond mirrors the sky, while surrounding loggias offer shade on sultry afternoons. “The courtyard is my favorite place. It’s the most relaxing, wonderful place.” Tana confides, “I love it so much.”
The master suite is a creation in thoughtful extravagance. Separate bathrooms - one featuring a steam shower - cater to “his and hers". A two‑story walk‑in closet includes a rolling library ladder, a necessary convenience to reach clothing and other items stored in spaces two stories high. An elevator grants access to every level, including a soundproof apartment with its own kitchen and private entrance.
Throughout the house, copper reigns supreme: window soffits, door surrounds, even internal plumbing pipes gleam with a rosy patina. “I love copper.” Tana says, “It goes through many phases. I love its permanency.”
Though the exterior demands little attention, Tana’s horticultural background ensured the grounds would thrive. She once tended nearly 400 rose bushes across 15 acres of gardens, but this second residence called for low maintenance. Strategic landscaping shields the home from winter’s bite, while specimen trees and manicured beds create beauty that changes with the seasons.
Art and antiques whisper stories of Tana’s past. Her grandmother, a china painter, left behind delicate porcelain pieces now displayed in glass cabinets. Heirlooms from her mother’s collection are displayed as well. Collections of all kinds, including Native American artifacts and vintage alligator purses, are on display. I have to mention the shoe collection that would make Imelda Marcos gasp. “I’m a collector,” Tana admits. “My surroundings are super important to me. It’s what makes me feel alive. When I’m surrounded by the things I love and the beauty that I love, it makes me feel good.”
Now, after 22 years, Tana is ready to travel more and spend more time with her grandchildren. With a mixture of nostalgia and hope, she has placed this extraordinary home on the market. “I had such fun building this house,” Tana reflects, “and I tried very hard to use local artisans and talents who could bring my vision to life.” Her parting wish is simple: that another family will cherish this place, creating laughter and legacy within its walls.
As I rose from my chair, the roses on the small table caught my eye one last time. Their petals, like everything Tana created here, spoke of meticulous care and timeless beauty. It’s clear to me that 114 Lees Lake Road is more than a property; it’s a testament to a woman who remains forever young at heart, forever in pursuit of beauty, and forever devoted to the art of making memories.
If you are in the market for a 'forever home', perhaps 114 Lees Lake Road is exactly what you've been waiting for - where comfort, character, and timeless charm meet on a beautiful piece of Georgia land. Contact April Rowe - Ansley Real Estate | Christie's International Real Estate - at aprilrowe@ansleyre.com or call 678.629.4238.
“I’m a collector,” Tana admits. “My surroundings are super important to me. It’s what makes me feel alive. When I’m surrounded by the things I love and the beauty that I love, it makes me feel good.”