For more than five years, Cindy Rigdon's home in Indian Cove in Lincolnton, Ga., has been her hobby. It is now her pride and joy.
"A lot of people would tell you once they've built a house, they'll never do it again. I'd do it again in a heartbeat," she said
She enjoyed picking out every element of the home, from the paint colors to the doorknobs to the jacuzzi tub in the master bath. That she was able to shop wisely and come in under budget is a bonus.
Rigdon bought the 2-acre property in 2002 as a retreat at Lake Thurmond, and in 2006 decided to sell her home in town and live on the property full time.
The first thing she built was a two-car garage with a 650-square-foot guest suite, which became home while she planned her new house.
Then she gave away the cottage that was originally on the property.
"They were going to charge me like $15,000 to tear it down and build a house," she said. "So I gave it to a guy at work. He paid to move it all. I saved myself $15,000."
She found the home's floor plan on the Internet and took it to her builder, who helped her design the house to suit her needs and tastes. The design they came up with has features such as an open floor plan and interior columns.
Everything centers on an airy yellow living room with recessed ceilings and plenty of windows. The kitchen, separated from the living room only by furniture placement and a stained island, features painted cabinets and brushed silver half-moon door and drawer pulls that give the room a retro feel.
Last year she added a pavilion to the back yard using a parking pad that was already on the property. She had it stamped and stained to resemble tile, which gave her the look she wanted at a fraction of the cost.
The retaining wall around the pavilion and the support columns are fashioned out of stacked stone, which perfectly matches the stacked stone that decorates the home's exterior.
The pavilion, guest cottage and the home's open floor plan create the perfect space for entertaining, which Rigdon does frequently.
"When you have a place like this you might as well entertain, because it's so open," she said.
She briefly considered selling and moving closer to town, but the longer she stays, the more she loves it.
"I love my church. I love my friends. I love my neighbors. I don't think I've ever been happier," she said.
Reach Lisa Kaylor at (706) 828-3904 or lisa.kaylor@augustachronicle.com.
The Neighborhood: Indian Cove
Location: From Washington Road in Lincolnton, Ga., just past the Little River Bridge, turn right on Ashmore-Barden Road, then left onto Double Branches Road. When the pavement ends, turn right and follow Mosley Road into Indian Cove subdivision.
Schools: Lincoln County Elementary School, Lincoln County Middle School, Lincoln County High School
The family: Cindy Rigdon and Cody, her husky
The home: 1,850 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths with a 650-square-foot guest apartment
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
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