A private luxury country estate minutes from Athens offering exceptional privacy, multiple residences, resort-style amenities, and endless possibilities for equestrian pursuits, recreation, entertaining, or multi-generational living. Right at the boundaries of Clarke, Madison, and Oglethorpe Counties, the conveniently located Ballard Estate has been in the same family since it was built by the current owners, and they have added to each property through the years and made substantial updates as well. The first parcel (2206) is on 30+ acres and features a home that has been expanded to 5782 sq ft of living space and abounds with multiple gathering spaces. However, the heartbeat of the home, as it should be, is surely the massive kitchen that anchors the main floor. Going to have to let the pictures do the talking because there is just way too much to tell, but you've not seen a bigger kitchen in a home, I assure you. The Formal Office and Dining Room flank the foyer, which leads to a Formal Parlor. Owner's Suite on main is like a spa you won't want to leave. Off the kitchen is a keeping room currently being used as a dining area with a farm table. Large Laundry could serve an army. Large bonus room over the main floor family room is ripe for the teens to disappear to or make it a media room. The family room takes up the entire back portion of the home and has a wet bar, lodge-like fireplace, and room for a family reunion, which has happened here multiple times. The half-bath off the family room also has exterior access to the large private pool and rear patio, with both covered and open spaces, and all of this has been recently rebuilt, including the pool systems. Meander out to the hardscape fire ring that overlooks the horse pastures (Attention equestrians! Fencing, cross fencing, small tack shed, and separate well water for the horses. Plenty of room for a riding arena!). Or head down to the three bay shop that has been spray foam insulated and play with your toys, or hit some balls in your golf simulator (with an adjacent full bath). Upstairs are 4 more bedrooms: one overlooking the back fields; one being a semi-private en suite, and two others sharing a private jack and jill bath. Off the second story hall is access to the huge bricked veranda overlooking the front fields and this porch is big enough to have a wedding. The adjacent parcel (2202) sits on around 5 acres and features a 1533 square foot renovated 3 Bed, 3 Bath home with a large party deck outback and overlooking the fully stocked creek-fed pond and patio below. House has an owner's suite, a guest en-suite, and a third bedroom with discreet access to the hall bath. A Large Living Room, Dining Room, and Back Mudroom area with access to the back deck, round out the setting. The land is a nice blend of open pasture, lawns for gathering, and mature hardwood forest and is huntable if you desire. Mature trails surround the property as well. All this and much more just a stone's throw from Athens, with backdoor access through Winterville to the East Side Corridor. Please call listing broker for a written comprehensive property overview of all you'll need to know, which is more than we can fit in this write-up. Sellers are sad to say goodbye to this lovingly built and maintained slice of heaven, but they are hoping for a good steward to continue adding to all the wonderful memories.
