Plantation Chalet hosted by St James Vacation Homes
What do you get when you combine the gracious hospitality of an Italian homeowner with the charm of a southern cottage just steps away from the banks of a stunning 19,000-acre lake? The answer is Plantation Chalet, a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath retreat that leaves nothing to the imagination. With amenities inside and out, this delightful two-story oasis embodies “Welcome to our home,” like no other, or as they’d say in Italian-Southern “Benvenuti a casa nostra, y’all!”
The personality of Plantation Chalet begins to shine as soon as guests pull into the reserved parking. The pitched roof, dormer windows, and farmhouse-inspired front porch with rockers and swing all convey an inviting aesthetic that continues through the front door. With an open-concept space that provides seamless flow from kitchen and dining to living area, the main floor is breezy and relaxing. The spacious kitchen comes with all stainless steel appliances including a side-by-side refrigerator, dishwasher, stovetop oven, and microwave. The cabinets are stocked with abundant cookware, dinnerware, cutlery, and utensils. The wrap-around granite countertop provides plenty of surface area for food prep and offers additional bar seating for four. Surrounded by a bay window that allows extra elbow room, the dining table accommodates up to six and is conveniently within arm’s reach of a beverage cooler and hanging wine glass rack. After dinner, kick back on the plush sectional or in the oversize armchair big enough for two. A 42” flatscreen TV is tastefully ensconced behind the doors of an armoire and offers a wide variety of cable and streaming options. The overhead ceiling fan provides gentle breezes during hot summer months, and the wood-burning fireplace is the perfect antidote to a blustery winter day.
During mild weather, the place to be is the covered patio, furnished with two rocking chairs, a propane grill, and a sitting area with a gas firepit that adds instant ambiance to twilight cocktails. Peek around the corner to discover the birdhouse with a custom paint job that gives a nod to the owner’s Italian heritage. The covered patio transitions to a private screened porch with an oversize armchair and ottoman that tempt any booklover or professional catnapper. Inside the sliding door is the expansive master suite with a king bed, flatscreen TV, linen closet, and a renovated en suite bathroom that showcases a granite countertop, double-sink vanity, and a doorless European tiled shower. For a couple, this wing of the house is a retreat within a retreat and puts the creature comforts of a true resort experience all on one level!
Also on the main level are a powder room just off the living area and a laundry closet with a new stacked washer and dryer that will take care of dirty clothes in no time.
The thoughtful design continues upstairs and throughout the remaining three bedrooms, each with upscale finishes, warm hues, and guest-oriented details. The first room pays homage to the legacy of golf and comes with a queen bed, flatscreen TV, walk-in closet, and a private bathroom. A tiled shower with a frameless glass door brings a sophisticated touch and is complimented by the granite vanity countertop. With slightly more feminine accents, the second bedroom is equipped by a queen bed, flatscreen TV, and storage closet. Its guest will enjoy private access to the shared full bath, also designed with a frameless glass-door shower. Across the hall is the third room with two twin beds, an armchair, flatscreen TV, and storage closet.
With comfort on every level, guests may find it hard to venture beyond the porches of Plantation Chalet. However, for those who want to explore the surrounding community of Reynolds Lake Oconee, the Linger Longer marina and pavilion are one street over. A pedestrian walkway follows the shoreline for spectacular water views and a front row seat of the parade of boats and skis along the main channel. You might even see the Spirit of Oconee docked at one of the marina slips. It’s a 39-foot double-decker houseboat used for group tours. With Georgia’s second-largest lake right outside the door, guests can experience fun under the sun by boat, float, ski, kayak, or canoe. If you’re feeling a little water-logged, 21 miles of hiking and biking trails wind throughout Reynolds. For less strenuous entertainment, there are 10 on-site restaurants among the Reynolds properties, each one meticulously designed to accommodate a variety of palates. Be sure to check about guest access during Covid, as some venues may be restricted to members or residents.
Just outside the gates are plenty of restaurants and retail shops. Right off Linger Longer Road, stock up at Publix, try one of the blends from PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, or peruse the charming home accents at The French Hare. South on Highway 44, Harmony Crossing is home to some of our favorites, including LaLore Café and 44 Marketplace. We also recommend visiting the historic districts of Eatonton and Greensboro for one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences. Be sure to check out the local events, festivals, and farmer’s markets, too!
