Pam Salls

Within walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Historic Roswell is Roswell Station. A small community of only 89 homes, most people would just drive by and think it was just another subdivision but Roswell Station is more than that. A carefully planned community built in the early to mid 1980's; these homes are mostly traditional style with brick exterior sitting on at least a third of an acre, some homes with over a full acre. Nearly all the homes have basements; a few were built on slabs.

Roswell Station is also within walking distance to Roswell Area Park, just across the street from the subdivision. And if location isn't enough, this community has it's own private lake as well as an active swim/tennis community. The yearly HOA is $495, a small price for this amenity package.

The square footage of these homes range from 2,000 to over 4,000 square feet. Prices luckily have remained pretty steady in Roswell Station. The last sale was back in December 2008. This 5 bedroom, 3 bath home boasted 4 sides' brick and a fully finished basement on .60 acre and sold for $432,000. The average days on market in Roswell Station is an astounding 48 days!

Currently there are three homes available in Roswell Station, ranging in prices from $375,000 - $460,000.

Maybe next time you drive by Roswell Station, it will be worth a second look!

Naylor Hall was built in the 1840's by Barrington King for H.W. Proudfoot, manager of the Roswell mills. Barrington King came to North Georgia with his father, Roswell King in the late 1830's, to clear land and build the first mill.

In anticipation of Sherman's march, a great many supplies of Confederate uniforms were taken from the mill and secretly stored at the Proudfoots home. In the summer of 1864, the home was heavily damaged by Federal troops but Proudfoot began reconstruction of his home after the war was over. He remained in his home until his death in 1871.

It wasn't until the 1930's that Naylor Hall got its name. Colonel Harrison Broadwell purchased the home and named it Naylor Hall after his wife's family. Originally built as a much smaller home, it was Colonel Broadwell who added the statuesque columns and portico as seen today.

Naylor Hall is located in Historic Roswell on Canton Street and is currently a popular special events facility.

Nestled within walking distance to Roswell Area Park and Historic Roswell is Crabapple Commons. These lovely townhomes were built in 1999 but still look new. Crabapple Commons is a relatively small community, only 57 homes.

These four-sided brick homes were built by Pulte homes. The community is beautifully maintained and the neighbors are friendly. All the homes are 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths with 2 car garages. All homes are fenced with small yards, some of which have become small sanctuaries with stone patios and small gardens.

Homes in Crabapple Commons usually sell in the $300,000's, with the highest sale taking place last year for $341,530 in September. Currently, there are four homes on the market in the community ranging from $269,900 up to $309,900. The lowest priced home is a foreclosure and is just over 2,600 square feet. Square footage for these homes in this community range from 2,326-2,636.

The monthly HOA is $225 and includes owner's water, sewer, exterior maintenance, garbage and pest control. Everything is taken care of so you just have to pull into your garage and enjoy your beautiful townhome!

In 1838, Roswell's founding father, Roswell King began work on the first cotton mill. In 1839 it was incorporated as The Roswell Manufacturing Company, just one year after the native Cherokee people were forced onto the Trail of Tears. The company was hugely successful and during the Civil War, they were one of the leading suppliers of goods to the Confederacy. When Union soldiers arrived in Roswell to take the river bridge, they discovered two things: the bridge has been destroyed by Confederate troops and the mills were still in operation. In an attempt to save the mills, Theophile Roche, a French citizen, flew a French flag over the mills to disguise their purpose. The letters "CSA" (Confederate States of America) were found on the cloth being produced. This action angered General W.T. Sherman and he ordered the mills burned. Some 400 mill workers, mostly women and children, since the men were fighting the war, were arrested and charged with treason and shipped North to uncertain fates.

Few are familiar with the tragic events that took place in Roswell during Sherman's march on Atlanta, but a local branch of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has taken steps to ensure that the story of the mill workers is not forgotten. Today, the Lost Mill Workers of Roswell monument is located in Old Mill Park paying tribute to those citizens and their sacrifices. The 10-foot tall granite Corinthian column was unveiled in July 2000 and stands in a small park in the heart of the mill village. The shattered column symbolizes lives that were torn up side down by the Civil War.

Located just steps from Roswell's covered bridge, this small community offers a lot of bang for the buck! Built in 2003 by Beazer Homes, there are only 32 units in the complex.

The one level units have 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, sell in the high $190,000's to low $200,000's. A multi-level unit with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths sold for $252,000 last year. Square footage ranges from 1,293 to 1,754. The average days on market for Mill Street Park is 73 days, not bad in this unpredictable market! The monthly HOA (Homeowners Association) is $250. With that comes all your water, garbage, exterior maintenance, pest control and gated entrance.

Well constructed with brick and detailed to the hilt, these condos offer 10 foot ceilings, pass through fireplaces from living room to master suite, an abundance of hardwood floors, upgraded kitchens with stainless steel appliances, reserved covered parking. The best amenity is a large covered patio with views of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Location being key, Mill Street Park condos are just steps from Roswell's covered bridge and the running and hiking trails of Vickery Creek. Restaurants, shopping and festivals are just a block away.