Eliza Theiss 
Named the number one state for doing business and the best state for labor climate several years in a row, the Georgia of today is more famous for its business-friendly environment and importance in the global economy and less for peaches and cotton.
With a growing population – a 4.7 percent increase since 2010 – and a positive business outlook, Georgia’s housing market is on an upswing. The Peach State’s belle of the ball Atlanta is the 5th best housing market for residential redevelopment in the country. In fact, boomtown Atlanta boasts a 45.8 percent home appreciation rate over the past three years – more than twice the national average. At the same time, Atlanta median sale prices have gone up 9.3 percent between mid-2015 and mid-2016.
And while super-sleek Atlanta condos make for eye-catching headlines, Georgia’s most expensive homes for sale right now are located closer to the ground, on sprawling manicured acreages, hidden within gated communities. Ranging in price from $12.75 million to $48 million, stately homes with formal entertaining areas abound in the top end of Georgia’s residential market, with ballrooms and formal gardens almost a requirement.
And if you’ve ever wanted to live in a museum-like European country estate, Georgia’s most expensive home for sale right now is on the market fully furnished, including antiques and antiquities dating back to the time of Alexander the Great.
10
1103 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Alto
Asking price: $12,750,000
Glass Apple Farm starts out our Top 10 in style – this 6-bedroom estate in North Georgia is made for entertaining with its infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, stables, billiards room and landscaped grounds. The 9,800-square-foot home overlooks the over 1,000-acre estate dotted with pastures, trails, and there is also a stocked pond. The estate also includes a 2-bedroom guest cottage and a two-story barn with a wrap-around porch.
9
1690 W Paces Ferry Road W, Atlanta
Asking price: $12,900,000
Commanding a 5-acre hilltop in Atlanta’s sizzling hot Buckhead market, Woodland Hills Manor combines privacy with ease of access to Atlanta’s dynamic social scene. The 8-bedroom property is the perfect venue for entertaining, whether it’s a relaxing movie night in the full movie theater, lounging by the pool, taking a walk in the formal gardens, sipping a fine vintage from the 1,500-bottle wine cellar in the dedicated wine tasting room or hosting a formal dinner in the show-stopping dining room complete with minstrel gallery.
8
1950 Lower Birmingham Road, Canton
Asking price: $13,500,000
The 40-acre Painted View Ranch revels in exclusive amenities such as a chef’s kitchen, al fresco dining area, climate-controlled glass wine room, as well as media, yoga, game and exercise rooms. Expansive gardens, trails, heated saltwater pool, outdoor fireplaces and countless pavilions offer plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors in utter comfort. A six-car garage, 4-bedroom guest house, barn and additional 2-bedroom guest apartment ensure that guests enjoy the same exclusive retreat experience as the owner.
7
117 East 18th Street Cottage 75, Sea Island
Asking price: $14,950,000
The ideal oceanfront retreat, this 5,747-square-foot home boasts 7 bedrooms, 5 of which offer ocean views. But panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean aren’t confined to sleeping quarters – the sweeping expanse of water can be enjoyed from the living room, dining room and sunroom as well. Built in 1944 on a 3+ acre lot, this Sea Island home comes with 300 feet of ocean frontage in a gated community setting.
6
490 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta
Asking price: $15,800,000
For buyers looking to rub elbows with the elite of Atlanta, this 9-bed palatial custom-build is sure to be a steal. Located on Buckhead’s most prestigious street, vis-a-vis the Governor’s mansion, the 33,000-square-foot estate comes with a bevy of entertainment features such as a ballroom, multiple dining areas, wine cellars, movie theater, cigar room, resort-style swimming pool and an oversized courtyard perfect for large gatherings. And since all that hosting can get a little bit draining, the property also includes a 20-person steam room, two gyms, a massage room and tanning and hair salons for a full spa experience.
5
319 W Fifty Fifth Cottage 441, Sea Island
Asking price: $16,500,000
Yet another exquisite Sea Island property, this 6-bedroom home revels in the outdoors, showcasing water features, a bordered English garden complete with a church steeple, lap pool and spa. Exclusive finishes abound in this 8,204-square-foot home that – naturally – includes a wine cellar and library.
4
Asking price: $17,500,000
Worthy of any superhero – or supervillain – the over-the-top Rice House Atlanta is one of the most unique properties in Georgia. Inspired by the Athens Acropolis, the 36,000-square-foot mega-mansion has some truly astonishing security features designed by global security expert Al Corbi, like the 5,000-square-foot car vault and 15,000-square-foot fortified bunker. Although unfinished, Rice House already boasts exclusive non-security amenities as well, including an infinity pool, bowling alley, movie theater and art museum.
3
120 Hawkins Lane, St Simons Island
Asking price: $20,000,000
Surrounded by marshland and deep water, the 3+acre Little Hawkins Island offers extreme privacy in a tranquil setting. Accessible via a private gated bridge, the 11,000-square-foot estate is comprised of a 6,000-square-foot riverfront main residence, two 1,500-square-foot guest cottages and a 2,000-square-foot club house complete with fitness center and bar. Boasting over 700 feet of deep water frontage, the property comes with a boat dock and lift capable of holding a 40-foot vessel.
2
2042 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta
Asking price: $27,500,000
Comprising 23 acres on the Chattahoochee River waterfront, this 3-home residential compound is one of the most exclusive residences in Atlanta. The Buckhead estate includes the Manor House, boasting a medieval hall with clerestory windows and an oversized fireplace, the Riverly House, designed by famed architect Lewis Crook, and the Tudor Home, complete with ballroom and wine cellar. The estate comes with a bevy of exclusive amenities from a putting green and multiple pools to a soccer field and collector’s garage. The Manor House is also available for purchase separately for a cool $14.5 million.
1
Asking price: $48,000,000
Occupying 18 acres in Atlanta’s exclusive Buckhead and Sandy Springs neighborhoods, Chestnut Hall is an exquisite example of Old World elegance. Offered fully furnished, Georgia’s most expensive home for sale right now is a collector’s dream – countless museum-quality antiques and antiquities from around the world dot the estate, some dating back to the 4th century BCE. Blending English Tudor and country French architecture, the 17,000-square-foot mansion offers 7 bedrooms, including a 2,400-square-foot master suite, an art gallery inspired by the Vatican Museum’s Braccio Nuovo, 16-seat dining room, a library and a 1,700-square-foot fitness center. The estate also includes a 4-bedroom guest house, a saltwater pool, as well as acres upon acres of landscaped grounds and formal gardens.
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