Design&Build Magazine July/Aug 2015

ANewLife
I
A Family at Home
Claude and Liz Grizzard are family-centered so when thoughts of a vacation
house became a focus they were drawn to the gated community of Reynolds
Plantation in Greensboro, GA. Twenty-four years ago Lake Oconee, located east
of Atlanta, was a quiet, idyllic spot to build a weekend escape, and it perfectly fit
the needs of their growing family.
IN THE EARLY 1980’S, LAKE OCONEE WAS AN
undeveloped piece of paradise located between Greensboro
and Eatonton. The vision of Mercer Reynolds
gave birth to Reynolds Plantation, located on the sparkling,
pristine shores of Lake Oconee and consequently
contributed to the development of the entire area.
The Reynolds family quietly set about transforming the
property that had been in the family for over 100 years.
What started out as middle Georgia hunting land became
prime lake front property in 1979 when Georgia
Power completed the construction of the Wallace Dam
on the Oconee River. Today, in addition to boating
and other lake activities, Reynolds Plantation boasts
championship golf courses, a club lifestyle and upscale
seclusion, including the five-star, Ritz-Carlton Lodge,
Reynolds Plantation. This has catapulted the community
into one of the most desired areas for a second home
in Georgia.
It was in 1989 that Claude and Liz Grizzard, decided
to buy a lot to build a vacation home at Reynolds
Plantation. “We wanted a livable home, an old fashioned
lake house where we could come with the kids
and be comfortable,” says Claude. “We saw it as a family
retreat, where we could bring the children and the
grandchildren and enjoy playing outdoors, boating and
relaxing.”
They selected a lot in one of the original sections of
Reynolds - Terrell Circle and the following year purchased
the adjoining point lot. Lowell White was the
developer of the section and the builder of their home,
which was completed in 1991. They moved in July 4th
weekend which translates into many years of lake living.
“We’ve been here this July 4th for 24 years,” says
Claude. “With three children and now eight grandkids,
aged 15 to 23, we have a full house every weekend
during the summer months. We thought the house was
large enough, but when they’re all here, we’ve dsicovered
it’s not large enough! We just keep adding beds to
accommodate; the rooms are crowded, with bunk beds
in several rooms but it works.”
The house is situated as far down the lot and as close
to the lake as possible. The builder placed the stakes
for the house and then the Grizzard’s asked him to go
farther. “We took two feet off the house, width-wise to
move closer to the shoreline,” Claude said. “Our architect
drew us a lake-house-style home. We told her what
we wanted and she did it. I don’t know if it is a style but
it’s our style. ” Beautifully situated, the home is com-
30
JUL/AUG 2015 • DESIGN&BUILD MAGAZINE