Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Heritage Coastal model home in Charleston, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic coastal architecture with contemporary modern design. Perfect for active families who love to entertain, this spacious floor plan features an expansive, light-filled open-concept living space designed to host large family gatherings and holiday parties. The heart of the home is anchored by an airy great room where traditional wood-stained exposed ceiling beams arranged in two distinct architectural patterns draw the eye upward, adding rustic warmth and character. To maximize functionality for the modern hybrid workforce, a dedicated flex room has been expertly converted into a private home office, complete with custom built-in cabinets and open shelving for optimal organization. This coastal-inspired home also showcases elevated interior design details through statement accent walls that add depth and texture throughout the space. Serving as the ultimate homeowner's oasis, the luxury primary suite (owner's retreat) features elegant, classic wainscoting wall paneling for a sophisticated, upscale feel. In contrast, a secondary bedroom utilizes a contemporary dimensional pattern accent wall to bring modern geometric dimension to the kids' or guests' quarters. Extending the living space into the outdoors, an optional covered porch offers a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, providing the perfect shaded patio area for kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying low-country breezes. Combining high-end architectural features with everyday practicality, this coastal custom home is designed for families to build and treasure a lifetime of memories.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Heritage Coastal model home in Wilmington, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic coastal architecture with contemporary modern design. Perfect for active families who love to entertain, this spacious floor plan features an expansive, light-filled open-concept living space designed to host large family gatherings and holiday parties. The main living areas showcase beautiful shiplap accent walls throughout the home, adding classic coastal dimension, texture, and a high-end designer feel. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly into a gourmet chef's kitchen, which is anchored by a dramatic central kitchen island featuring a premium waterfall countertop edge that provides a sleek, unique touch to the open kitchen design. To maximize daily functionality, a versatile flex room is outfitted with custom floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets and open shelving, creating the ultimate organized home office, library, or homework zone. Serving as the perfect homeowner's oasis, the luxury primary suite (owner's retreat) offers a private, sophisticated sanctuary to unwind at the end of the day. Extending the indoor living space into nature, an optional covered porch and shaded patio area provides a seamless transition for outdoor entertaining, kicking back, and enjoying coastal ocean breezes. Combining highly sought-after coastal curb appeal, trending interior millwork, and practical spaces for modern lifestyles, this custom coastal home provides exceptional inspiration for families looking to design and build their forever dream home.

This large and active family determined they needed more storage and seating in their kitchen. Working with Designer, Sarah McDonald, and Project Manager, Steve Shanholtz, it was decided the elimination of the much-underused dining room would suit their needs. A large custom table with bench/seats anchored the open area between the new kitchen and comfortable family room, while a large island with seating provided the space for entertaining that they wanted. The bi-level island with open pub height seating invites family and guests to gather around without interfering in the workspace. Homeowners loved a rustic feel to match their location. Pairing together a dark Executive cabinet, replete with knots and rub through, with much lighter RD Henry rustic alder stained and glazed wall cabinets gave a unique look to the new space. Open shelving in the shallow bar setup is finished with a creamy rustic brick tile to carry the provincial vibes through the home. Our crew did a fantastic job of bringing our client’s vision to life.

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

This garage conversion in La Crescenta transformed an underutilized space into a stylish and highly functional laundry room combined with a playroom. The goal was to create a practical, organized area that feels modern, durable, and welcoming for everyday use. Cambria quartz countertops were selected for their durability and sleek finish—ideal for a high-use laundry space. Rich dark blue cabinetry adds depth and character, while black fixtures and dark gold hardware introduce a balanced, contemporary contrast. The light gray epoxy flooring provides a seamless, durable surface that resists wear and stains, making it perfect for both laundry tasks and children’s activities. A modular storage system was installed to maximize organization and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment. Through close collaboration with the homeowner, this garage remodel was thoughtfully designed to combine functionality, style, and flexibility—creating a versatile space that serves the family’s daily needs.

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

This space was created as a master bath for this client and was part of a larger master suite and dance studio addition. The marbled countertop juxtapositions the glass wall tiles and framed mirrors over the dual sinks beautifully. With home prices rising and residential lots getting smaller, this Encinitas couple decided to stay in place and add on to their beloved home and neighborhood. Retired, but very active, they planned for the golden years while having fun along the way. This Master Suite now fosters their passion for dancing as a studio for practice and dance parties. With every detail meticulously designed and perfected, their new indoor/outdoor space is the highlight of their home. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

This landmarked brownstone on Prospect Park West already had extraordinary bones—and the rare advantage of windows on three sides. That natural light allowed us to rethink the traditional parlor-floor layout into something more open, connected, and reflective of the way the family lives today, while still honoring the building’s historic character. The original sequence—a front parlor, a formal dining room in the center, and a closed-off kitchen at the rear—was replaced with a single, flowing main level anchored by a generous slate-blue kitchen. The cabinetry forms a C-shaped configuration that maximizes storage, creates a natural dining zone, and maintains easy circulation to the backyard through the existing glass French door. A full-height marble backsplash with brass inlay adds subtle drama, extending to the ceiling around the windows, and a built-in desk niche creates a casual workspace that feels fully integrated into the design. Because storage was a priority, the kitchen includes multiple pantry cabinets and deep pull-outs to keep daily life efficient and uncluttered. The living room now occupies the center of the plan, serving as a shared hub between the kitchen and the front of the home. Just inside the entry, we designed a custom reading nook framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases with integrated bench seating—an intentional space for the couple and their teenage daughter, who value reading and wanted their books to be both displayed and actively used. The entry itself was also reimagined. Now separated from the main living space by a wall and door, it functions as a true vestibule with a built-in storage wall for coats and shoes. Tucked beside it is a playful powder room featuring a green vanity, floral wallpaper, and a grey-and-white mosaic tile floor—continued throughout the entry to visually tie the front of the house together and add a moment of personality within the historic shell. The result is a garden level that remains rooted in its 19th-century architecture but fully supports modern life—light-filled, functional, and thoughtfully layered.

Beautiful Basement Remodel in Frederick, Maryland by Talon Construction This recently completed basement remodel in Frederick, Maryland transformed an underutilized lower level into a beautiful, multi-functional living space designed for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living. The homeowners wanted a basement that could accommodate gatherings with family and friends while also providing dedicated areas for fitness and recreation. The finished result is a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout that blends comfort, style, and versatility. Custom Wet Bar & Entertainment Area The centerpiece of the basement is a stunning custom wet bar featuring rich dark cabinetry, quartz countertops, and elegant brass fixtures. A spacious island with seating creates the perfect place to gather, while a beverage refrigerator keeps drinks easily accessible for entertaining. Theater & Lounge Space The main living area includes comfortable theater seating paired with a ceiling-mounted projector, creating a true home theater experience ideal for movie nights, watching sports, or hosting guests. Long Quartz Bar with Additional Seating A beautifully designed extended quartz bar overlooking the entertainment area provides additional seating, making it easy for guests to socialize while enjoying the open layout of the space. Dedicated Home Gym This basement also includes a private home gym area, giving the homeowners a convenient place to work out without leaving the comfort of their home. The dedicated fitness space allows for exercise equipment and creates a motivating environment for staying active year-round. Warm Finishes & Durable Materials Wide-plank flooring, recessed lighting, and neutral tones create a warm and inviting atmosphere while providing durability and easy maintenance. A Basement Designed for Modern Living By combining a custom bar, home theater, lounge seating, and a dedicated workout room, this Frederick basement remodel now serves as the ultimate entertainment and lifestyle space for the entire family. At Talon Construction, we specialize in designing and building basement renovations that feel like a natural extension of your home—beautiful, functional, and built to last. If you're considering a basement remodel in the Frederick area, our design-build team is ready to help bring your vision to life.

The DUXXE scratch and water resilient laminate collection makes sure that you don’t have to worry about little things like spills and leaks. The extraordinary water resilience paired with extreme durability, reliability and immaculate design makes for a flooring that can stand up to all of life’s challenges. If you want the look and feel of realistic wood along with extra protection that can handle any active lifestyle, including a home with kids and pets, DUXXE brand offers you everything you could want and more.

When you see the before photos of this kitchen, the finished product is nearly unrecognizable! This is because the original kitchen was 10x10, and wall separated the kitchen area from the eating area. Opening up the 2 spaces was exactly what this new kitchen needed! Since the dining area was directly adjacent to the family room, the designer at Advance Design created a low wall of matching decorative book case cabinets with a granite top to create separation needed between the spaces. This bank also eloquently held a beautifully wood appointed supporting column necessary for the structural ceiling load. The focal point of the new kitchen is the hand-painted backsplash centered under a wooden hood in the chef’s special cooking area. A completely functional island now has space for several stools, and even has a decorative touch with the shelving unit facing the eating area. The space next to the refrigerator became an efficiently organized bill paying area for the lady of the house, complete with pull out file drawers hidden behind matching kitchen cabinets. Replacing the “black hole” of a pantry; pull out shelves grace the interior of new pantry units suitable for the family of five busy people. Existing hardwood oak was repaired and refinished on the entire first floor. A light patterned gold granite works effortlessly with the tumbled marble backsplash that enjoys hints of weathered iron looking details that coordinate nicely with the cabinetry hardware. What makes this kitchen special is how elegant it appears despite the rustic feel of the knotty alder cabinetry. Clean design lines lend an air of sophistication to the otherwise “rustic” looking materials. Now this active family can enjoy the open space, cooking and hanging out together is now an enjoyable pastime.

This home brings a fresh approach to today's open floor plans. From moment of entry, this feels spacious and inviting. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the great room and kitchen w natural light. Fantastic kitchen w large center quartz island, farmhouse sink, pantry, stainless appliances w vent hood over gas cook-top, Great room has stone fireplace, sliding door to covered east facing deck. Master suite w large closet and bath has soaking tub and beautiful walk in tile shower. Three bedrooms on main, two more in basement. Generous basement rec room w wet bar and more natural light. Laundry and mud room on main floor for the most active household. Custom designed to please w blend of modern, comfort, and beauty. Designer light fixtures and finishes throughout. Beautiful curb appeal on corner lot, side load 3 car garage and good sized back yard. 3169 finished sq ft, built by Murray Custom Homes. Remax Concepts/Ferris Realty Group

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

What once was a small, narrow kitchen is now a light, open space that accommodates the active family. A dining room wall was moved back to allow for two deep pantry cabinets. Two new windows were installed to breathe more light into the space. A mix of finishes give this kitchen a jewel box like feel, in the textured mix of backsplashes, the gold accents on the kitchen hardware and lighting, and the oil rubbed bronze on the plumbing fixtures. The beautiful Macaubus Quartzite is a work of art in the space.

Modern Wall Unit Kubo 58 by Artigian Mobili Italy Made in Italy Kubo is a modular wall unit collection represented by ArtigianMobili, large Italian furniture manufacturer world-famous for their innovative entertainment centers. Kubo is remarkable for its modern look, lots of customization options and super functionality, providing great storage opportunities. The Kubo wall unit line is super flexible and can be adjusted to your individual dimensions and creative design ideas. There is a wide selection of units that are available in different dimensions. The variety of units is complemented with enormous color opportunities: all the units can be ordered in either our pre-selected colors or, for the extra charge, even in your custom RAL COLOR, either gloss or matt! Feel free to select from our "as shown" wall unit compositions or activate your reveal individuality building your own entertainment center! Contact our Office regarding customization of this wall unit - we are always ready to help! MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure is made of 18 mm (0.7") thick wooden particles melamine panels Doors & Drawers are made of 18 mm (0.7") thick MDF with Polymeric Finish Soft closing slow-motion hardware Lights (if any) CE marked and comply with the directives 93/68/EEC and 92/31/EEC The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition Kubo 58 as shown in the main picture in Matt White Lacquer (Structure) and White Gloss Polymeric Finish / Gray Glass with Gloss White Frames (Fronts). The Lights are not included in the price! Dimensions: Wall Unit: W124" x D14.5"/22" x H77"

Guadalajara, San Clemente Coastal Modern Remodel This major remodel and addition set out to take full advantage of the incredible view and create a clear connection to both the front and rear yards. The clients really wanted a pool and a home that they could enjoy with their kids and take full advantage of the beautiful climate that Southern California has to offer. The existing front yard was completely given to the street, so privatizing the front yard with new landscaping and a low wall created an opportunity to connect the home to a private front yard. Upon entering the home a large staircase blocked the view through to the ocean so removing that space blocker opened up the view and created a large great room. Indoor outdoor living was achieved through the usage of large sliding doors which allow that seamless connection to the patio space that overlooks a new pool and view to the ocean. A large garden is rare so a new pool and bocce ball court were integrated to encourage the outdoor active lifestyle that the clients love. The clients love to travel and wanted display shelving and wall space to display the art they had collected all around the world. A natural material palette gives a warmth and texture to the modern design that creates a feeling that the home is lived in. Though a subtle change from the street, upon entering the front door the home opens up through the layers of space to a new lease on life with this remodel.

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

For this full-home remodel, the homeowners were looking for a design-build firm with strong credentials, sustainable practices, and a personal touch. After an extensive search, they chose Schulte Design Build for our expertise, approachability, and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. From the beginning, collaboration was essential. The homeowners had a well-defined vision but remained open to professional insights, allowing us to create a design that balanced functionality, sustainability, and budget-conscious decisions. Energy efficiency played a key role in the project, with strategic upgrades such as relocating the water heater and switching to a hybrid model. We also adjusted the backup furnace to side vent, reducing roof penetrations and improving overall efficiency. Accessibility was another priority, and our team incorporated thoughtful ADA-friendly solutions throughout the home. The material selection process was equally intentional, ensuring that finishes aligned with the homeowners’ aesthetic goals while staying within budget. Our design team worked closely with them to achieve a refined and cohesive look without compromising quality. Project management and clear communication were crucial to the success of this remodel. With regular check-ins and project tracking software, we kept the process organized and transparent, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. The construction phase lasted six months, during which the homeowners stayed actively involved while trusting our team to bring their vision to life. The end result is a beautifully transformed home that integrates modern efficiencies, accessibility, and timeless design. Beyond the renovation itself, the homeowners gained a deeper understanding of their home’s functionality and feel more connected to their space than ever before. At Schulte Design Build, we take pride in guiding homeowners through the remodeling journey with expertise, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.