Old Southern Charm

When John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods grew the idea for its Weston community in the North Atlanta exurbs in Forsyth County, the goal was to develop a series of plans that would be kickbacks from a bygone era. Inspired by some of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods—Old Buckhead, for one—the company add the American Classic line to its architectural portfolio. The 11 unique plans combine classic elevations with a modern floor plan.

The Atwood, a 3,825-square-foot single-family home, is a particularly popular model, says vice president of architecture and planning Michael Medick. It’s popularity is partially owed to the creation of individual elevations for each home, resulting in “no two being exactly alike,” Medick says. He estimates that approximately 15 percent of sales in the community are Atwoods.

With a base price in the upper $500,000s, the five-bedroom, four-bath home includes some striking elements that contrast well with its balanced layout. For example, the two-story family room situated at the rear of the home boasts a bow window, which Medick likens to “essentially a curved glass wall,” that gives way to views of a wooded area.

But arguably the most defining element of the home is the angled staircase that greets visitors as they walk in the front door and into the two-story foyer. Medick says the design “adds drama in the buyers’ eyes.”

For most production builders, these architectural flairs often are difficult to incorporate in a design because they are nearly impossible to standardize. But not for Wieland. The builder’s support companies can manufacture everything from cabinets to window frames to floor trusses, so custom-design architectural elements like an angled staircase can be incorporated fairly easily and inexpensively.

“We can design something and have them prototype it. And then we can get it approved and then they can put it into mass production,” Medick explains.

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