Hapeville was a street car suburb, site of Georgia Baptist Children's Home from 1899 to 1968. It's south edge was consumed by the world's busiest airport and a Ford Assembly Plant. Somehow it retains it's small town character, including an active main street.
Look at this sidewalk on a tiny side street. I don't know of another like this in Atlanta. It's just one house wide and seems like a park.
Two columns, no, three, wow.
Good grief, there is a house in this garden.
I noticed a man walking his dog. I'm sure he noticed me looking out of place and bearing a camera. I asked if he knew anything about the house. He said, "It's mine," and invited me in.
That's how I met Al Dellinger who with partner Tim Thomas own 2000 A.D Inc. "Concepts in Floral Art." Al's a transplant from Midtown who thinks Hapeville is a bargain that will attract folks who now enjoy Atlanta's intown "South of Buckhead" neighborhoods.
I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and the house. It's circa 1895, nearly demolished, sold at one time for $5000, a bit ghost-y too.
It's as if I'd discovered a long lost temple in the jungle. Indeed I had, and a friendly guide to boot.
Al said the the "new" porch replaced a lot of gingerbread.
Inside? I'll just show you a little glass.
This is the garden from the foyer.
Next up is Maison LaVigne, Hapville's "Gourmet Bed & Breakfast" just a few steps from the Hapeville Depot.
Folks MUST be pretty good at keeping secrets.
Did everybody have know about this place except me?
I don't think this is all original equipment from 1920.
I swooned over the sideyard, that blue, the chunky window lentils, shutters, flower-boxes, curvy fence and rustic furniture.
Finally, Hapeville's Historic Christ Church (c. 1895) has just finished it's second move.
It's now a terminal vista for 19/41 South. It's the perfect complement for an old Chevy.
It arrived here in July 2010. I think they've nearly completed upgrades in it's new location. I'm looking forward to seeing the inside.