The model homes are open at the Astoria at the Aramore, which isn’t really breaking news to you. However, we have yet to go in detail to describe what you can expect to find in the model homes. These new condos in Buckhead offer an unparalleled level of luxury, and the models help illustrate that life for interested homebuyers. These models also bring to life the descriptions of the luxurious features and fine finishes found in each home. So, here is a brief description of what you can expect to find in one of the Astoria model homes. Again these are only words, so a personal tour of the model is highly encouraged so that you can see for yourself what sets these luxury Atlanta condos apart from the rest. Shelley Hall - an Atlanta interior designer - is the one who has beautifully decorated the models at the Astoria.

The Morgan model home has two bedrooms with two and one half bathrooms and 1,794 square feet of heated living space. Standard features of the spacious Morgan floorplan include hardwood floors, granite countertops, stone tile flooring in bathrooms and Thermador appliances. This particular floorplan features a study adjacent to the master suite that has been decorated as a den and three balconies off of the master suite, guest suite and living/dining area. Hall’s finishing touches include metallic color scheme, custom wallpaper, custom master closet, unique lighting fixtures and traditional furnishings mixed with more contemporary fabrics and artwork.

Tomorrow, once the turkey is gone and the pies have been consumed, you should make your way over to Lenox Square Mall for one fantastic Atlanta holiday celebration that is now in its 61st year. It’s the Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree, and is sure to be a star-studded and entertaining evening. The star of the evening is the tree itself, of course, which is a solitary white pine tree. On the tree you will find 125 Red Macy’s Stars and 125 Snowflakes complemented with the traditional metallic balls and illuminated spheres. Depending on the weather, it takes a crew of 8 people working for 2-3 weeks to decorate the Great Tree. Decorations include: 1,200 multi-color metallic basket-ball sized ornaments, 50 flashing strobe lights, 400 internally lit ornaments, 4000 11-watt bulbs all topped off with a spectacular internally lit LED color changing Macy’s star. At the centerpiece of this stellar topper – is a star with a ring of 50 crystal faceted star strobes encircling the star. Needless to say, the tree is spectacular and requires one amazing celebration for the official lighting. (more…)

The Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 2008 Christmas House is open for tours. All of the proceeds of the annual event, which is now in its 34th year, benefit the Alliance Children’s Theatre. The house is only open until Sunday, December 7th, so you should make plans to view it soon. There is talk that this year’s house is well on its way to becoming the most successful Designer Show House ever. Taking a tour of the Christmas House is a fantastic way to get yourself in the holiday spirit while helping a good cause in the process. The House, designed by Harrison Design Associates and situated on almost 2 acres of very visible and desirable real estate, will feature individually decorated rooms by the area’s “A” list designers to showcase high-style interiors while capturing the essence of the Season.

The house is conveniently located in Buckhead, which is the same neighborhood as all of the new homeowners at the Astoria at the Aramore. (more…)

The Astoria at the Aramore wants to invite you to come tour their beautiful model homes, which are now open. Every Sunday, the luxury condos in Buckhead will host an open house from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. where they will offer tea and coffee for interested homebuyers. This is the perfect time for you to come tour a model home because, not only will you get free refreshments, but the Astoria staff will be readily available to help answer questions and guide you through the models. Having a guided tour is much more beneficial than looking solo because the staff will be able to point out every fine finish and luxurious feature. They will also be able to tell you how you can modify different plans and feature to better suit your needs. So, when you find yourself without a way to fill your Sunday afternoon, head over to Buckhead to take advantage of the Astoria open house.

If you are anywhere near Midtown Atlanta on Sunday, which you always are if you recently moved into a luxury new condo in Atlanta at the Astoria at the Aramore, the make sure you stop by the High Museum of Art for the grand opening of The First Emperor. This highly anticipated exhibit is finally upon us, and you can be among the first to see one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Of course, this extraordinary exhibit is not the only historical attraction opening in Atlanta this weekend, only a few blocks from the High Museum is the Atlanta Civic Center, who recently welcomed King Tut and many of this treasures. On display at the civic center are 50 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, including the gold sandals that adorned the mummies feet and a beautifully adorned canopic jar that mummified his internal organs. King Tut is not the only ancient ruler of Egypt in this exhibit. Also on display is Khefren, whose great pyramid is the only remaining structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world and Hatshepsut, the queen who became king as well as other significant figures. If you are a history buff, then these are two exhibits you won’t want to miss.

Once again, we are highlighting one of the extraordinary single-family villas available at Avignon at Vinings. There are only a total of 25 villas throughout the entire community and no two are the same. This particular French-inspired villa gives homeowners one of the most popular features currently available in the housing market, the master suite on the main level. The home features a total of four bedrooms and four and one-half baths plus an abundance of fine finishes and luxurious features.

Built by Waterford Homes, LLC, this exciting luxury home in Vinings offers a gallery hallway with a large stair hall leading, and it opens to the paneled fireside Library with built-in bookcases. From the main level, the dramatic curved stairway leads to upper and lower levels.  Adjacent is the formal dining room with 10’ ceilings and French doors. Separating the dining room from the kitchen is a Butler’s pantry with abundant storage, wine chiller and sink. The kitchen features custom cabinets, a large island, a pantry and appliances by Wolf, Bosch and Sub-Zero - it is a gourmet chef’s delight! (more…)

There are many benefits to choosing Avignon at Vinings as your new home, but one in particular is the convenience to the Cobb Performing Arts Centre (CPAC). This new Atlanta venue is only minutes away from the luxury townhome community in Vinings. Both the Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Opera have chosen the Cobb Performing Arts Centre as their venue of choice for all performances, which means that Avignon residents have convenient access to all of these exceptional events throughout the year. Traditionally, these are the types of events that would be hosted downtown at the Fabulous Fox Theatre - a 30 minute commute from the Vinings area. Well, this weekend the Atlanta Opera is peforming Cinderella on the CPAC stage. Disney has made the fairy tale a well known story, but seeing it performed through dance and song is a completely different and moving experience. You have four opportunities to catch this masterpiece: Nov 15, 18, 21 and 23. So, to all of the homeowners at Avignon at Vinings, be sure to take advantage of these exceptional performances going on in your backyard.

You have been reading about the Astoria at the Aramore for months, and now it is time to see for yourself if what you have been reading is true. I am confident you will not be disappointed. The Astoria at the Aramore is officially open. New residents have begun moving in and the exquisite model homes are now open for you viewing pleasure. Where most communities allow you to peruse the model homes at your leisure, the Astoria condos are offering one-on-one guided tours with the developer through the entire building. This way, you are sure to notice every luxurious detail, all of the amenities available to you as a resident, every unique feature and ask questions while you are at it. Of course, this is the kind of treatment you have come to expect from these luxury condos in Buckhead, as they have never been like an ordinary condo development.