City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Luscious Lake Life

Rocky Point on Lake Blue Ridge is not what you might expect from a VRBO rental.

The 4,000 square foot home is designed by local real estate guru and HGTV personality, Kristy Petrillo, from a dream fueled by international travels, admiration for luxury resorts and appreciation for the natural beauty of Blue Ridge.

Tucked away on a quiet point on the eastern arm of Lake Blue Ridge, this stunning six-bedroom home easily sleeps 16, on three levels with outdoor living space that steals the show.

Two separate covered patios with generous wood fireplaces hug the infinity pool and hot tub, with views of Lake Blue Ridge and a private dock for your boat or a rental from one of the nearby marinas.

The outdoor living space is absolutely gorgeous, with newer furniture, Sonos blue-toothed sound and killer views of the sunset. Bed swings, loungers, cozy outdoor sectionals and thoughtful lighting gave us all plenty of room to spread out and find our own quiet bliss. And, an in-ground trampoline is a blast for the young and young at heart.

Indoors, a TV lounge downstairs and a main floor living room with lake views and another wood fireplace makes entertaining (or family time) a dream. I appreciated not having a TV blaring while I was cooking and a living room with a lake view as the focal point is refreshing.

We appreciated the high-end chef’s kitchen with a professional 36” stove in the center island and a huge commercial grade refrigerator.

But really, you had me at infinity pool and hot tub. Kristy and her team have designed an experience that rivals an exclusive Caribbean resort, with a nod to north Georgia. Soft furnishings, nature-inspired art and a neutral color scheme are comfortable, yet elevated.

“I draw my inspiration for my collection of vacation rental homes from the fabulous resorts I visit around the world. I’m continually studying how we can best provide world-class vacation experiences to our guests,” says Kristy. “From Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, NiHi Sumba in Indonesia, to Kasba Tamada in Morocco, I pay attention to the essentials of outstanding hospitality and experiences and strive to replicate that five-star quality in my vacation rentals in Blue Ridge and in the Dominican Republic.”

She believes a five-star experience starts with upscale furnishings and design. “Unlike most people in this industry who tend to use inexpensive decor or finishes in their vacation rentals, I design and furnish each home like I would my own. And I look for ways we can offer our guests enriching experiences and opportunities to make exceptional memories– like I do with my friends and with my boys.”

Not that you’ll want to leave Rocky Point, but downtown Blue Ridge is 20 minutes away, an artistic community with restaurants, breweries, retail shops and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway that runs through the Chattahoochee National Forest. $1295 average nightly rate.

KristyCollection.com