A Dream Home Built on the Family Farm in Hiawassee, GA

When we first met Jentry and Josh Taylor, they weren’t just talking about designing their dream home — they were continuing a legacy. Their home, set in the peaceful surroundings of Hiawassee, Georgia, is about more than blueprints and budgets. It’s a story about heritage, faith, family, and the community that surrounds them.

A Home Rooted in Generations

The Taylors built their dream home on a piece of property that has been in their family for six generations in Hiawassee, GA

Josh’s family land has been passed down through six generations — a gift from his great-grandfather, who entrusted it to Josh before his first deployment to Iraq with one condition: keep it in the family forever and build his dream home. That promise became the heartbeat of this project. “This has been years in the making,” Jentry shared. “When his papa left him this land, he said he knew Josh would never sell it — that it would stay in the family for generations to come.” 

All around the Taylors’ property, the family still lives and works the same land. From cattle pastures to mountain views, every inch holds a story — including the nearby spot where Josh proposed to Jentry after returning home from his deployment. “He told me, ‘This is yours too, baby. We’re going to raise our kids here.’” 

Life Happens — Even in the Middle of a Dream

No custom home design and build is without surprises, and the Taylors’ journey took a remarkable turn midway through design. “After ten years, we found out we were expecting another baby,” Jentry laughed. “Jack was the first person I called — I told him, ‘We’ve got to add another bedroom!’” 

That call led to one of the most memorable design reveals we’ve ever been part of. Sitting in a coffee shop in Ellijay, GA, Josh unrolled the updated architectural plans, confused by the “extra bedroom.” Then Jentry handed him the ultrasound photo. “It was priceless,” she said. “We had to make this home fit our growing family.” 

Community, Faith, and Perseverance

Building a custom home can feel overwhelming — especially for young families balancing careers, kids, and life’s expenses. “Honestly,” Jentry said, “the biggest challenge was believing it was financially doable. We’re an average family with busy schedules — Josh drives to Atlanta for work, the kids are in sports, and life is nonstop. It’s easy to doubt yourself.” But through teamwork, patience, and planning, the dream began to take shape. “Reynard came in and said, ‘This is your one-stop shop.’ Having that support made all the difference,” she said. It’s something we tell every homeowner: with the right plan and the right people, you can do it.

Designing with Intention

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Jentry poured her heart into every detail. “I believe you can make a home look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks,” she said. Her focus was on maximizing space, functionality, and light — creating an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and practical for everyday family life. 

Walking through the home, the vision comes to life:

• A Great Room with soaring ceilings and tall windows to flood the space with natural light.

• An Open Kitchen where the stove sits in the island — a nontraditional choice that keeps the family connected while cooking and entertaining.

• A Functional Laundry & Mudroom that doubles as a catch-all space for the “chaos of real life.”

• A Massive Garage designed for more than cars — with space for batting cages, basketball, gymnastics, and family workouts.

 Every choice reflects how the Taylors actually live — active, family-oriented, and always surrounded by community.

Beauty in the Details

Some of Jentry’s favorite design elements include the wraparound porch overlooking the mountains and the floating staircase in the foyer — an elegant yet cost-effective way to make a statement. “I wanted everything to feel open, bright, and connected,” she said. “I don’t like a home that feels closed off with too many walls. This house brings everyone together — upstairs, downstairs, and outside.” Even the land itself played a role in the design. Built on a gentle slope, the home sits high enough for sweeping views, but close enough to the ground to feel part of the landscape.

More Than a Home — A Legacy

As Jentry reflected, “It’s surreal seeing this in real life. After all the moves, deployments, and waiting, we’re finally here. This is where our kids will grow up. This is where generations will gather.”