Second homes: A 'dream town' lies just outside Atlanta

ByABC News
November 25, 2008, 9:49 AM

— -- If it weren't for actress Kim Basinger, Gwinnett County might be the best-kept secret in the Southeast. Then again, to a growing number of second-home owners, it still is.

Basinger, from nearby Athens, Ga., made headlines when she purchased the town of Braselton in 1989 as part of a partnership that planned to develop it with a tourism and entertainment theme. The project took a wrong turn, and after various lawsuits, Basinger sold her interest.

The plans were abandoned, but that did not change the fact that Braselton — parts of which sit in four different counties, 46 miles northeast of Atlanta — was a charming place with a historic downtown district. It recently won awards as an "American Dream Town," "All American City" and "Municipal Trend Setter" from various civic organizations.

Most of Braselton's most important residential developments are in Gwinnett County, strategically located along the I-85 corridor midway between Atlanta and Athens, home to the University of Georgia.

The county has benefited from a commercial boom in surrounding areas, attracting numerous residents, increased infrastructure and, in turn, second-home owners.

Draws include a moderate climate, excellent hospitals, one of the highest profile wineries in the Southeast (Chateau Elan), a major international race track (Road Atlanta), and easy access to both downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the world's busiest.

"We get everyone from weekenders from Atlanta to people from all over the country," says Tony Funari of Funari Realty in Braselton. "Even our full-time residents are second-home owners. A very high percentage of primary residents have homes elsewhere."

With its vineyards, equestrian estates and faux French chateaus, a drive through Gwinnett County can resemble a scene out of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but with one important difference: The Champagne homes are available on a beer budget compared with other prime second-home destinations.