“Your house is gorgeous!” called a kayaker as she floated down the wide heavenly slice of the Toccoa River on Labor Day last year. “Thank you!” I replied from my adirondack perched on the sun-dappled riverbank lawn of the 8,000-square-foot home, its expansive bank of windows reflecting the mellow holiday river scene. My husband smiled.
Mostly because it wasn’t my house at all and I was acting like the queen.
But also because he was so relaxed and happy.
After a few days at Toccoa River Home, an easy 10-minute drive from lovely Blue Ridge, Georgia, we were all very comfortable in our new role as the lords and ladies of the estate.
Maybe it was the resort-like heated pool outside or the full-size sports bar and movie theater inside. Or, perhaps it was the deep sofas, soft easy chairs and plush beds where we’d get lost. Everything about the house, from its warm heart pine floors to the soaring 22-foot ceilings, contributed to our feeling of pampered well-being. With six fireplaces, a chef’s 36” range, walk-in butler’s pantry (with additional stove and dishwasher), nine bedrooms including a bunk room for 12, and 7 1/2 bathroom, our only regret was that we didn’t invite 30 more of our favorite people to join us.
Kristy Petrillo is the force behind the Toccoa River Home. She is a 15-year resident of her beloved Blue Ridge, a top producing real estate agent and HGTV celeb — she’s been featured as an agent/home remodeler for several shows on the network. “I’ve been able to discover, purchase, and renovate a select number of luxurious rental cabins and lodges, using my expertise and insights to make each property supremely inviting and enjoyable,” says Kristy. “The Kristy Collection is the culmination of a career identifying what people love, and finding a way to connect them to it.”
At this luxurious riverfront estate, with more than 400 feet of frontage on the lively Toccoa River (beautiful in any season), families celebrate their good fortunes, colleagues plan their next moves and friends gather to cook and eat together, play outside and make new memories.
Kristy has traveled extensively and has a love affair with nice hotels. “There’s such an invigorating feeling of walking into a tastefully decorated hotel room with all the right finishes and touches,” says Kristy. “But I also love coming back to my relaxing home on Lake Blue Ridge and settling into the comfort and familiarity it offers. So, finally you can truly have your cake and eat it too,” when renting her luxury lodge.
More to do in Blue Ridge
Live music performances year-round in intimate cabin settings with Firefly Music BR. (past performances include the Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Jamie O'Neil, David Cook & Sister Hazel)
Live Music is Better Concerts at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.
- January 12 - Roxie Watson, a four-piece string band playing “Alterna-grass” music, will be performing at the Blue Ridge Community Theater
- February 9 - Melanie Massel, a jazz musician and an Atlanta native, will be in Blue Ridge.
- February 16 - Annual Fire and Ice Chili Cook Off Festival, live music, ice sculptures and amazing chili including ice carving demonstrations from award-winning National Ice Carving Champion Rock on Ice.
- March 2 - Randall Bramblett, known for playing on stage with rock and blues legends, performs
- March 16 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Enjoy brews, food and shopping, Go Green! Drink festive, wear wild hats & accessories, crazy outfits, the more green the better.
R.S.V.P.