In the heart of historic downtown Ball Ground, Georgia, a glorious white home rises with quiet confidence at the town’s beloved four-way stop. Wrapped in a broad Southern porch and graced with timeless architectural elegance, it stands as both a landmark and an invitation. Passersby often slow their pace, drawn to its classic lines and nostalgic charm. It is the kind of place that whispers stories. The sort of place that makes you want to sit for a moment and breathe.
For Brian and his wife, Kristie, this home is far more than a beautiful property. It is the realization of a lifelong dream. A dream woven from decades of marriage, a shared love of hospitality, and a calling to create a space where people feel known, welcomed, and restored.
As they prepare to celebrate 30 years of marriage this June, the couple has also opened the doors to The Ball Ground House, a historic guest home that captures the grace of the past while honoring the preciousness of the present. Their story begins with a moment that feels perfectly simple and wonderfully symbolic.
“On our first anniversary, we visited a wonderful bed and breakfast,” they recall. “That experience began our love of staying in unique places. We’ve always dreamed of having a special place of our own where we could host and encourage others.”
That desire to welcome and care for others has been a consistent theme throughout their lives. Though both Brian and Kristie grew up in the Hickory Flat area of Cherokee County, Ball Ground always felt like another world when they were younger. Years later, life gently guided them back to the area when Brian became the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ball Ground.
“We made the move here nearly two years ago when Brian became the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ball Ground,” Kristie shares. “We immediately fell in love with the town and the wonderful people.”
As their lives began to intertwine with the community's rhythms, one particular house kept capturing their attention. Every time the family approached the four-way stop in downtown Ball Ground, conversation paused. Admiration always turned toward the picturesque historic white home overlooking the heart of the town.
“Someone in the car would always say, ‘What a beautiful home,’ or, ‘Wouldn’t you love to see inside that house?’ One day, we saw it was for sale, and we both agreed someone should buy that place and turn it into an overnight guest rental. How special that would be! What a cool location!’ We had no idea the ‘someone’ would be us!”
What followed was a journey of faith, grit, and joyful determination. A journey that reflects not only their belief in hospitality, but their love for heritage, storytelling, and the sacredness of shared spaces.
From the moment guests step inside The Ball Ground House, they sense the difference. There is a luxurious ease here, grounded in authenticity rather than opulence. Each room carries the warmth of memory and the softness of time well-lived.
“The house is an extension of our home life,” Kristie explains. “It’s a reflection of the love we have for our heritage and our faith. Everything about it has a peaceful, relaxed, nurturing style. It’s incredibly nostalgic.”
That nostalgia comes to life through the thoughtful details that fill the home. Family heirlooms, antiques collected over decades, treasured pieces from their personal lives, and decor curated with intention create an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet deeply personal. “We’ve always loved to host people's holiday gatherings, church small groups, family events,” Kristie says with a gentle smile. “Our fingerprints are everywhere, but so are the fingerprints of those we love.”
Their calling to ministry is felt quietly yet clearly throughout the home. For Brian and Kristie, hospitality is not merely a service. It is a way of honoring others.
“God has called us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn,” Brian reflects. “We believe hospitality is a way to come alongside people in all seasons of life.”
Whether guests are arriving for weddings, anniversaries, retreats, milestone celebrations, or a peaceful escape, The Ball Ground House exists to offer rest and renewal. The couple also envisions welcoming small marriage retreats, leadership gatherings, and team-building sessions into the beautifully restored spaces, allowing meaningful work and personal transformation to unfold in a nurturing setting.
Originally one of the oldest and most prominent homes in Ball Ground, the property has been lovingly renovated while preserving its historic character. Overlooking Main Street, the home offers unparalleled views of the charming downtown district and effortless access to local shops, parks, restaurants, and community spaces.
The upstairs level features three guest bedrooms, each complete with a private spa-inspired bath and walk-in shower. A fourth bedroom, located on the ground floor, is planned for future development and will be fully handicap-accessible. Guests are welcome to gather in the spacious kitchen or relax in the warm and inviting family room, both ideal settings for celebrations, intimate dinners, and small-group gatherings.
It is a place designed for meaningful moments. Morning light drifting through the windows. Laughter shared across a dining table. Quiet reflection with a cup of coffee and a view of the town waking up below. The Ball Ground House invites guests to slow down, savor the beauty around them, and reconnect with what matters.
No matter how the space is used, whether for quiet rest or joyful gathering, the mission remains the same. “We want people to create special memories here,” Brian and Kristie share. “We want them to feel the peace, love, and joy that fill these walls.”
Their journey to opening the home has been shaped by perseverance, prayer, and tremendous support. “It’s been strategic and intentional, yet chaotic and unpredictable, a crazy, fun-filled ride,” they laugh. “Every detail has been possible because of the Lord’s blessings.”
Family and friends stepped in wholeheartedly, spending countless hours contributing their time, skills, creativity, and enthusiasm. Local businesses also rallied around the couple, especially during their December Sneak Peek event, where shop owners provided prizes, encouragement, and heartfelt support.
“The welcome from Ball Ground has been overwhelming,” they share. “Our goal is to collaborate with other local shops and business owners to enhance our guests’ experiences and continue building a historic downtown that draws people from all over.”
Today, the Ball Ground House stands as a testament to love, legacy, and faith lived gently and beautifully. It is a place where guests are treated not as visitors, but as extended family a place where Southern hospitality meets intentional design. A place where stories are honored and rest is cherished.
The Ball Ground House is not simply a destination. It is an experience. One that invites guests to breathe deeply, linger longer, and feel the rare comfort of being truly welcomed.
For more information or to plan your stay, visit TheBallGroundHouse.com or find them on social media @theballgroundhouse.
"We’ve always dreamed of having a special place of our own where we could host and encourage others.”
“It’s a reflection of the love we have for our heritage and our faith.