An amazing combination of home and property. You'll feel like you are in the North Georgia mountains, with the privacy afforded by these wooded 8 acres, yet you are only minutes from the new UGA Vet School or downtown Athens. The home has over 6,000 square feet on two levels. The upper level, of 3,500 feet, is virtually independent; and the finished terrace level has outside entry and patio. You approach the house from an ellipse with fountain and enter a hall with the 10' ceilings found throughout main level. To the right, a multi-purpose room: a music room or study? The primary space is a great room - with a custom wood burning fireplace & built-ins - that opens to a 450-square foot deck. A large dining room with a dramatic, imported chandelier. The kitchen is a delight, with a center island, abundant cabinets and storage, and a window over the double sink. It has granite countertops and many custom features. There is plenty of room for a dining table, for casual meals. A screened porch, from which you can enjoy bird watching, your morning coffee or the sunset. There is also a solarium that opens off the breakfast area and the dining room. It can be closed off on very cold days. One of the many features of this passive solar house is that there is a transfer fan in the sun room which can send the heat collected in it into the main part of the house. The Master Suite also offers lovely views. It has double walk-in closets and an oversized bath with double sinks, shower and separate tub. On the right side of the house – away from the master, on the left – there are two other bedrooms & a triple access bath. Three ways to access the terrace level: a spiral staircase (can be re-fitted with a standard staircase if preferred), stairs from the deck, or the elevator in the hall. This makes moving laundry, luggage or groceries from floor to floor a breeze, as well as offering a bonus for anyone with mobility issues. The terrace level has an outside entry and both covered and uncovered patios. This floor includes a living room, bedroom, study, and full bath. The laundry room is also downstairs. It has a big sink, and there is a clothes-shoot from above. There's also a big work room with an industrial fan for projects. And a spacious garage. The area immediately in front of the house is fenced. If you enjoy gardening, there's a 40' x 60' fenced area included in the 8-zone irrigation system. The home was sited to make effective use of the sun.