PASSION FOR MIDLAND

By Kristen Brown Photos by R. Caligaris

For Chris and Shelly Blanton, a dream became a reality when they partnered with Mark Alexander to build their home in Midland, Georgia.

In 2001, newly engaged Chris and Shelly spotted a home in Southern Living magazine and fell in love. Jokingly, they saved the picture and hoped that one day they could build it for their family. When that day came, they pulled out the saved picture and commissioned the help of contractor Mark Alexander. Loving the look of the home, he jumped on board and called on his father, architect Joe Alexander, to modify the floor plan for a single family home while maintaining the integrity of the exterior.

The result is a gorgeous lakeside home on 4 acres of land designed in a low country style with 3 bedrooms and 3 and ½ bathrooms. Sprawling covered porches in the front and back of the home, along with 2 decks provide the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon gazing at the lake and sipping southern sweet tea. A dream home became a beautiful reality for the Blanton’s and they even dedicated their son in the living room of their home surrounded by their pastor, family and friends.

Midland felt like home to Shelly, who is from the area, and has proven to be as peaceful and serene as the woods and water that originally attracted them to the plot of land. From fishing on the lake, to running and walking in the woods, they have the feel of the country while remaining close to town. Interior design was done by Shelly with the help Mallory Harris and Lauren Bryan during the building process.

Close friend Sharon White also assisted in the original selection of paint colors, tile, carpeting and hardwood. More recently, Carol Fortune and Marilyn Bush from Blueberry Hill, helped facilitate some redesign and staging in the home. Joyce Fiame of Hinson Galleries played a decorating role and Greg Sparks of Greg’s Contracting did all the interior and exterior paint.

The low country style is accentuated throughout the home with several family antiques combined with fresh pieces and pops of colorful fabrics. svm