Added to OHD on 9/15/10 - Last OHD Update: 6/28/20 - 21 Comments
And now, part 2. This is just a small selection of the houses I grew up loving. All these pics I've been showing you were taken in 2005, so things may have changed by now. We live too far away to visit these towns often, so haven't been there in a few years. If anyone happens to live nearby, update me on how these houses are looking.
This would be the ultimate dream of mine to restore this one. 2nd to the one that was torn down years ago (the Boston House in the previous post), this is my next favorite house in Waleska. Known as the Bearden House, Mr. Bearden taught school in a neighboring town before moving to Waleska in 1899. He opened a store and farmed as well as serving on the county board of education for over 20 years. This home was built around 1910.
The other side of the house, this side faces Reinhardt College. As you can see there are double porches on the rear portion. I believe the windows are original too. It looks like a metal roof was added. I really hate to think about what will happen to this house if it ever goes up for sale (I’m fairly certain this house will not be torn down but seeing as how it is probably large unaltered, I’d hate to see someone start taking out walls and changing things.)
One side of the house, it is HUGE! 3,593 square feet with 4 bedrooms (according to Zillow.) I’m curious as to what will happen to this house since the little old lady who owned it died about 10 or so years ago (maybe not that long ago.)
Of course, there is a house falling apart in my list of homes! We saw this home on our riding around looking at the countryside days. I don’t’ know the exact build date. I loved the rock chimney and gable.
9/25/13 Update: Recognized this house in a real estate listing. The land is for sale and the house porch has been removed, as you can see, since I took the above photos. Link to listing.
This was my favorite house when I was about 8 or 9. I thought the windows were so cool! Back then there was a huge tree out front (you can see the stump by the fence.) This is called The George Harmon home, he was a tobacco farmer, a county commissioner and game warden back in the day. This house was built sometime between 1870-1895. I think the current owners have owned the house for the last 50+ years. The gothic style windows are actually a false front, the windows aren’t really shaped that way. Still one of my top 10 favorites of local houses (well, not so local to me anymore, but you know what I mean.)
Here is a side view of the Harmon House. I remember when I was a kid, mom took up walking (we lived in Waleska back then) and we’d walk down this street. This was my favorite house to look at when we did that. I imagined it was scary inside (a good scary because I was a weird kid.)
I’ve been dreaming about this home for a very long time. Every time we pass by it, I have to look! I did what research I could and this house was built between sometime 1910-1930 (unless I was looking at the wrong records…) I would give away everything I own to fix this house up!
This house sits next door to the previous house. Again this one was built sometime between 1910-1925. This one looks like it needs a little more work than the other. As of a few years ago, this is what it looks like. All the pics I’ve been showing you of these old homes were taken back in 2005, so who knows what they look like now. Edit: Demolished.
A closer view of the house above.
Because of the location, unless I had the money to move this house, I would not want to live in it. Still, I can’t help but dream because I lived in this house for a few years as a kid. Back then it was next to a little blue house that was recently torn down and a Dollar General put up next door. I once talked to the owner (I’m not sure but I think her husband grew up in this house) and she said there are not plans to ever tearing it down, BUT once they are gone, who knows what future owners would do. There isn’t anything architurally or historically interesting about this house, so really there wouldn’t be a reason to not tear it down to make way for whatever. Too bad. The 2nd story was an attic but since then they may have turned it into a bedroom (someone put up curtains and looks like there is stuff up there last we saw.) I have so many great memories of living in this house, riding my bike around the yard, playing in the dirt or with the water hose. I remember the first night of sleeping over, we slept in the front bedroom (which would become my sisters room, you can see the window there on the left.) I remember that morning because there is a store across the street and the sound of the delivery truck woke me up. I could go on, but that would bore you.
The side of the house from the Dollar General next door. There use to be a carport here and some magnolia trees (there use to be a red maple out front but was chopped down after we moved out.) I remember playing in the leaves next to the dogwood tree there. That door on the side is from the kitchen, the window in the middle the living room and that other window was the same older sisters bedroom as the front window.
Really, there is nothing special about this house. It is the area that I love! If you look in any direction on this spot you’ll see beautiful green pastures leading up to steep hills for backdrops. This home was listed awhile back with about 40 or 60 acres (a lot of acreage) for a huge amount. I’ve always had a dread that this valley (known as Salacoa Valley) would be bought up and tract houses set in, destroying the beautiful views and pastures.
From an old listing, a view of Salacoa Valley (I’m sure the house is in there somewhere.) This is probably one of my favorite places in Georgia.
Was not being lived in when I first saw it, not sure if it was when I took the photo. Talking Rock, off the nearly extinct “downtown” area.
21 Comments on Houses I Love – Pt 2
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Hi Kelly, I used to live in the Salacoa Valley, and it is still the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I have been north, south, and west and nothing beats it. The old farm house in your picture is the Jenkins Farm. I believe Mr. Jenkins did recently pass away. He was one of the neatest people I have ever met. Stopped by to ask him about buying some hay one day and spent six hours on that front porch just listening to his stories about the history of the valley. When I lived in the valley I felt connected to the earth and closer to God. I miss it. I will keep checking your blog.
Hi Mike! I agree, Salacoa is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to, When driving through, I always want to pull on the side of the road and plop up a seat and stare at the beauty of it. It reminds me of Cades Cove in Tennessee, if you’ve never been there, you should visit because it has a similar setting (peaceful valley with mountains around it.)
I would have loved to had been on the front porch listening to Mr. Jenkins. I bet he had a lot of fascinating stores to tell. And I think his farm was the most picturesque in the whole valley.
Have you ever read A Little Leaven by Francis Adair? It’s a work of fiction but it is a story of a family that moved to Salacoa in the mid-late 1800’s. The author mixed a fictional family in with some of the history of the area, I highly recommend checking it out, since it sounds like you love Salacoa as much as I do.
I am so glad I came across your blog! My hubby, 4 year old son and I live near Waleska, GA. We were just driving through there a few days ago. We really like looking at all the old houses and guessing how old they are, the history, etc. So it was great to come across some information about the houses that we were looking at!
I live in Waleska and pass by The Bearden House almost everyday. As soon as we saw that house my husband and i both wanted it, to restore it, but alas who knows. And the Harmon house I have always been fascinated by that house, LOVE the architecture. I live in Salacoa Valley and the Mike is right… it is so beautiful, I hope i never have to move.
Hi Alexandria, I envy you for living in Salacoa! I’ve been wondering, the tornadoes that went through a few weeks ago, I read that some homes were damaged and a barn was destroyed. I feared that it went right through the valley but have yet to find any pictures of the damage. Do you know where in Salacoa the tornado went through?
The tornado that hit then missed Mr. Jenkins homeplace as well as the rest in that area. I was spending the night with my Mom and it hit farther down in the valley. Some damage was on Hancock Mt. which was out from the Salacoa Christmas Tree Farm, but the majority of the damage was on the other side of what we in the Valley called Greely Church also known as Salacoa Baptist Church. It hit at the Vaughn’s on the dirt road that takes you back in to Fairmount as well as the Valley that goes into Bartow County. I grew up there and my Mom still lives there sometimes I like to go for a drive down thru the Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and Mr. and Mrs. Hughes lived in that area of the Valley and I went to church where they did and they all were good people and very sweet to people. They are all gone now and the Valley has changed some since their passing and are missed.
Hey I was recently up in Waleska had a question about a property and you seem yo know your stuff. Well, on Salacoa road between both intersections of Cagle circle there is a little farm (if Cagle circle is on your right so is the property) We think it had something to do with Salacoa Christmas Tree Farm due to the signs but there are also a lot of ribbons and stuff around the barn about Tennessee walkers we stopped in because we saw some horses and it was a cute barn but it looks abandoned the name David came up a lot. If you could give me ANY info about this place it would really make my day.
Thank you so much!
I’m trying to remember the farm, it’s been years since I’ve been down Salacoa. I do remember a horse farm being on Salacoa, I don’t know if it’s the same one you are talking about. I remember the signs for the Christmas Tree farm but also don’t remember where that was either. Sorry I’ve not been any help at all.
That was part of the Salacoa Christmas Tree Farm. They had a house that was closest to Cagle Circle Side that is closest to the woods they lived in. Then the part that was closest to the other side of the road was where the Christmas trees were planted and harvested you could go in and pick your own tree. It seems like the man that ran the Christmas Tree Farm was Bob Williams I’m thinking not 100% positive. My brother used to work around the farm during the Christmas season. They quit running many years ago but I do not know who finally ownes it now. I hope this helps.
We made a trip to Ball Ground today, to see what’s been going on since we were there last in 2009. I was disappointed and sad. First, a house not pictured, that was built around 1884 (a Gothic Revival) has lost it’s charm with the application of vinyl siding. Wish I had a before/after pic of it, you’d be shocked.
Second, one of the houses pictured was torn down and the other next door barely escaped destruction. I was so sad to see the changes made to the town. Although the downtown area is thriving, something feels different about it. Gone are some of the rock shops and there are a few businesses that have moved in. It just no longer felt like home.
Kelly, I expect that you remember the Stripling-Lovelady-Homiller house in Ball Ground. During the next couple of months we’ll begin a major renovation of it, so maybe you’ll have some good news to report after your next visit to Ball Ground.
That is incredible news! I’m so very glad to hear it. If any house in Ball Ground, or Cherokee County for that matter, needed restoration, it was that one. Hope all goes well, I’d love to see a pics of it, after renovations are done. 🙂
Yes! It’s been slower than expected, but the project has really picked up speed in the last few months. The most exciting part was seeing the 8 original two-story columns go back into place a few weeks ago, with reproduction capitals on top.
We’re almost done with the structural and exterior work – a little work on the roof, replacement of some porch railings, a little trim work here and there, and some paint is all that remains outside. Next we’re moving on to the inside. Fortunately, after we replace the kitchen and finish 4 new bathrooms, the rest of the inside will be in pretty good shape.
If I did this right, these FB posts should be public:
Wow! I’m so excited to see the columns go up and the porch stabilized! Thank you (and every one else) for working on this house, it’s very special and needed attention. 🙂
Once you do some of the work inside, I’d love to see pics. I’ve never seen interior photos of the home before. And if not, that’s cool, just curious what it looks like.
I was delighted to find this site. I lived out in the valley many years ago. I raised two young daughters there and cannot think of a better place on this earth to have done so. We leased a place just before you get to Jerusalem Church Rd. We attended church at Sardis Baptist there in Waleska and I was a volunteer firefighter with the City of Waleska years before Salacoa had its own fire department. I remember all of the old houses that are referenced here and knew many of the Clines. I borrowed and read the book “A little leaven” by Frances Adair and would love to find a copy of my own. The College has grown a lot since then and many things have changed but I still love to drive through there occasionally. Especially out Salacoa Road. I remember the old Christmas tree farm that was there at Cable Circle. We got our Christmas tree there for many years. This is truly one of the greatest places on earth if you ask me.
Hi Greg! I remember the Christmas tree farm, I think the signs on 140 were up for years after it closed even. As much as I love Waleska it’s starting to get too big, at least in my opinion. Salacoa is a hidden gem and hope it remains that way.
You can get a copy of that book on Amazon pretty cheap. It describes Salacoa in such great detail and sounds like not much has changed.
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Hi Kelly, I used to live in the Salacoa Valley, and it is still the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I have been north, south, and west and nothing beats it. The old farm house in your picture is the Jenkins Farm. I believe Mr. Jenkins did recently pass away. He was one of the neatest people I have ever met. Stopped by to ask him about buying some hay one day and spent six hours on that front porch just listening to his stories about the history of the valley. When I lived in the valley I felt connected to the earth and closer to God. I miss it. I will keep checking your blog.
Chestatee, GA
Hi Mike! I agree, Salacoa is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to, When driving through, I always want to pull on the side of the road and plop up a seat and stare at the beauty of it. It reminds me of Cades Cove in Tennessee, if you’ve never been there, you should visit because it has a similar setting (peaceful valley with mountains around it.)
I would have loved to had been on the front porch listening to Mr. Jenkins. I bet he had a lot of fascinating stores to tell. And I think his farm was the most picturesque in the whole valley.
Have you ever read A Little Leaven
by Francis Adair? It’s a work of fiction but it is a story of a family that moved to Salacoa in the mid-late 1800’s. The author mixed a fictional family in with some of the history of the area, I highly recommend checking it out, since it sounds like you love Salacoa as much as I do.
Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Kelly,
I am so glad I came across your blog! My hubby, 4 year old son and I live near Waleska, GA. We were just driving through there a few days ago. We really like looking at all the old houses and guessing how old they are, the history, etc. So it was great to come across some information about the houses that we were looking at!
Kelly,
I live in Waleska and pass by The Bearden House almost everyday. As soon as we saw that house my husband and i both wanted it, to restore it, but alas who knows. And the Harmon house I have always been fascinated by that house, LOVE the architecture. I live in Salacoa Valley and the Mike is right… it is so beautiful, I hope i never have to move.
Chestatee, GA
Hi Alexandria, I envy you for living in Salacoa! I’ve been wondering, the tornadoes that went through a few weeks ago, I read that some homes were damaged and a barn was destroyed. I feared that it went right through the valley but have yet to find any pictures of the damage. Do you know where in Salacoa the tornado went through?
Chestatee, GA
Alexandria, the Bearden House is now up for sale!
The tornado that hit then missed Mr. Jenkins homeplace as well as the rest in that area. I was spending the night with my Mom and it hit farther down in the valley. Some damage was on Hancock Mt. which was out from the Salacoa Christmas Tree Farm, but the majority of the damage was on the other side of what we in the Valley called Greely Church also known as Salacoa Baptist Church. It hit at the Vaughn’s on the dirt road that takes you back in to Fairmount as well as the Valley that goes into Bartow County. I grew up there and my Mom still lives there sometimes I like to go for a drive down thru the Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and Mr. and Mrs. Hughes lived in that area of the Valley and I went to church where they did and they all were good people and very sweet to people. They are all gone now and the Valley has changed some since their passing and are missed.
Chestatee, GA
Thanks for the update!
Hey I was recently up in Waleska had a question about a property and you seem yo know your stuff. Well, on Salacoa road between both intersections of Cagle circle there is a little farm (if Cagle circle is on your right so is the property) We think it had something to do with Salacoa Christmas Tree Farm due to the signs but there are also a lot of ribbons and stuff around the barn about Tennessee walkers we stopped in because we saw some horses and it was a cute barn but it looks abandoned the name David came up a lot. If you could give me ANY info about this place it would really make my day.
Thank you so much!
Chestatee, GA
I’m trying to remember the farm, it’s been years since I’ve been down Salacoa. I do remember a horse farm being on Salacoa, I don’t know if it’s the same one you are talking about. I remember the signs for the Christmas Tree farm but also don’t remember where that was either. Sorry I’ve not been any help at all.
That was part of the Salacoa Christmas Tree Farm. They had a house that was closest to Cagle Circle Side that is closest to the woods they lived in. Then the part that was closest to the other side of the road was where the Christmas trees were planted and harvested you could go in and pick your own tree. It seems like the man that ran the Christmas Tree Farm was Bob Williams I’m thinking not 100% positive. My brother used to work around the farm during the Christmas season. They quit running many years ago but I do not know who finally ownes it now. I hope this helps.
What a beautiful post. Maybe you should repeat this two-part post every Christmas as apresent to your followers. It is touching and wonderful.
Chestatee, GA
We made a trip to Ball Ground today, to see what’s been going on since we were there last in 2009. I was disappointed and sad. First, a house not pictured, that was built around 1884 (a Gothic Revival) has lost it’s charm with the application of vinyl siding. Wish I had a before/after pic of it, you’d be shocked.
Second, one of the houses pictured was torn down and the other next door barely escaped destruction. I was so sad to see the changes made to the town. Although the downtown area is thriving, something feels different about it. Gone are some of the rock shops and there are a few businesses that have moved in. It just no longer felt like home.
Kelly, I expect that you remember the Stripling-Lovelady-Homiller house in Ball Ground. During the next couple of months we’ll begin a major renovation of it, so maybe you’ll have some good news to report after your next visit to Ball Ground.
Chestatee, GA
That is incredible news! I’m so very glad to hear it. If any house in Ball Ground, or Cherokee County for that matter, needed restoration, it was that one. Hope all goes well, I’d love to see a pics of it, after renovations are done. 🙂
Chestatee, GA
Dan, any updates on the Stripling home?
Yes! It’s been slower than expected, but the project has really picked up speed in the last few months. The most exciting part was seeing the 8 original two-story columns go back into place a few weeks ago, with reproduction capitals on top.
We’re almost done with the structural and exterior work – a little work on the roof, replacement of some porch railings, a little trim work here and there, and some paint is all that remains outside. Next we’re moving on to the inside. Fortunately, after we replace the kitchen and finish 4 new bathrooms, the rest of the inside will be in pretty good shape.
If I did this right, these FB posts should be public:
https://www.facebook.com/dan.homiller/posts/889141997797719?pnref=story
https://www.facebook.com/dan.homiller/posts/886456774732908?pnref=story
Chestatee, GA
Wow! I’m so excited to see the columns go up and the porch stabilized! Thank you (and every one else) for working on this house, it’s very special and needed attention. 🙂
Once you do some of the work inside, I’d love to see pics. I’ve never seen interior photos of the home before. And if not, that’s cool, just curious what it looks like.
Chestatee, GA
Saw the photos from Sept. wasn’t sure if they were added this year or last year. The house looks amazing!!!!!
I was delighted to find this site. I lived out in the valley many years ago. I raised two young daughters there and cannot think of a better place on this earth to have done so. We leased a place just before you get to Jerusalem Church Rd. We attended church at Sardis Baptist there in Waleska and I was a volunteer firefighter with the City of Waleska years before Salacoa had its own fire department. I remember all of the old houses that are referenced here and knew many of the Clines. I borrowed and read the book “A little leaven” by Frances Adair and would love to find a copy of my own. The College has grown a lot since then and many things have changed but I still love to drive through there occasionally. Especially out Salacoa Road. I remember the old Christmas tree farm that was there at Cable Circle. We got our Christmas tree there for many years. This is truly one of the greatest places on earth if you ask me.
Chestatee, GA
Hi Greg! I remember the Christmas tree farm, I think the signs on 140 were up for years after it closed even. As much as I love Waleska it’s starting to get too big, at least in my opinion. Salacoa is a hidden gem and hope it remains that way.
You can get a copy of that book on Amazon pretty cheap. It describes Salacoa in such great detail and sounds like not much has changed.