Smithson Seydel Real Estate

Spending Sunday morning on Lake Rabun with my family is a true luxury. Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains Lake Rabun is a year round retreat from the fast paced city life. Also known as Lakemont to families like mine who have a long history with this small northeast corner of Georgia .

Sunday morning double yolk cheese eggs and local country bacon are a Seydel family tradition. Memories made around the breakfast table cluttered with jams and honey from various neighborhood fruit stands are priceless.

This past Sunday we celebrated my daughters 17th birthday. It was her wish to have breakfast on the lake with friends and family. Luckily, it was sixty-five degrees and sunny all day long. The hours passed lazily as we  relaxed outside on the porch . Reading local newspapers and discussing all the new real estate opportunities . There has never been a better time to invest in the Lake Rabun Lifestyle.

On the short ninety mile drive back to Atlanta we made plans for our next Lake Rabun experience.

Globally the  Buddha Bar is a  favorite nightclub  for many celebrities , fashionistas and socialites . Recently this Buckhead  basement  was compared to the Buddha Bar in Paris.  Dallas Austin used this space for a VIP reception . DJ Ruckus had the well heeled guest dancing for hours to his unique mix of music. I know I am lucky that I was invited…..it was a special night in a very cool Atlanta basement.

  The  first day of auctioneers school was interesting. I had no idea that auctions have been around for 2,000 years . Auctions are still the best way to determine the market value of something, even in a recession. The  teacher , an auctioneer for over forty years, entertained the class with detailed stories of his own auction history.  We started chanting and practicing number brackets right away. At first it was challenging to throw numbers but after a few days I was counting brackets in my dreams . Making friends and learning new sales skills were the fun part of the class. Becoming the best auctioneer in Atlanta is my goal !

“Yes You Can “ lease an island lifestyle in Atlanta. The roof-top infinity pool overlooks the best of  Buckhead . Private and Gated this upscale 3 floor townhome is a property that keeps my blackberry buzzing . Escape to “Villa Oceane” and make memories without getting on an airplane !

Growing up in Atlanta I was involved in many southern traditions. The tradition of making  my “debut to society” was the most important for me and my mother .  When it was time to pick a designer for the Bal De Salute gown  we chose a young Atlanta talent Anne Barge . She listened to our vision and designed a timeless gown that I cherish to this day. It was inspired from living my teenage years at the Pink Palace . Very Italian with a twenties flare .

Upon listing  the  Pink Palace  I immediately thought of Anne and the Atlanta Debutante tradition. My client offered to let Anne use his home for a debutante reception. Unfortunately Debutante season had passed so Anne gave her good friends James Mischka and Mark Badgley a call. They booked the Pink Palace for a wedding dress marketing campaign which can be viewed on their web site (www.badgleymischkabride.com)  Lucky for Atlanta Anne Barge has not left us for another city and has the ability to contact her designer friends for unique photo opportunities  .              

The opening night of ATLart ARThouse felt like going back in time. Buckhead’s Pink Palace became the place to experience F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby. The event brought out the best of Atlanta’s society and art patrons. We all enjoyed poolside Jazz music and an Atlanta Ballet performance . The Frederick Hart Sculpture Garden was popular and became the topic of many interesting conversations. Memories made on this night will never be forgotten.

Fox Atlanta TV Interview At ATLart ARThouse

Yesterday I was interviewed on My Fox Atlanta morning show .  Alan Avery president of the Atlanta Gallery Association and I were promoting ATLart ARThouse. The historic Pink Palace is a museum for the next 3 weeks. Art Masterpieces are hung throughout the mansion and Frederick Hart Sculptures placed throughout the gardens . This is a true “art experience” in an upscale Buckhead neighborhood that rarely opens it doors to the public. To learn more about this unique opportunity check out the website www.atlart.com.