Relocating to the Triangle: the Flanagin Family
From Albany to Holly Springs
Moving from Albany, New York down to Holly Springs, North Carolina presents a significant life change. The Flanagin family decided it was time for that very change in 2019. With a career opportunity and former academic roots, the trio consisting of Kelly, Teal and their son, Bolton, packed up for a Top Rated City and Town and Best Places to Live winner called the Triangle.
Albany had been home for many years, and both Kelly and Teal had well-established jobs; Teal in medical sales and Kelly as the broker in charge at a successful real estate firm. They had become well-accustomed to the cold winters, fast paced northern lifestyle, trips into the big city, and even the higher taxes. Holly Springs, specifically the 12 Oaks community, would prove to be a divergence from their previous life. 12 Oaks proudly sits within the borders of the Triangle as a critically acclaimed master planned golf course community boasting luxury southern-inspired homes, resort-styled amenities, and a Jack Nicklaus design 18-hole course.
For the Flanagin family, choosing a Saussy Burbank house in Holly Springs, NC was not a coincidence. Everything was carefully considered and they knew exactly what they wanted. Kelly speaks more about the path that lead them to make the choices they did and furthermore call 12 Oaks and Saussy Burbank home sweet home.
How they found Saussy Burbank
I was Googling–because of course that’s the first thing you do these days! When you don’t know anything about an area you get on Google and ask all your questions. Where is the best place to live? Best places to eat? Best neighborhoods?
We wanted new construction, but not just any new construction. We didn’t want something standard. We wanted character, charm, and something with a certain quality level to it. We found out about Saussy Burbank because they were listed as a top builder in the area. On top of that, web and marketing presence was phenomenal.
On choosing Saussy Burbank as their 12 Oaks Builder
Let me paint the picture. We were leaving family to move down here. We wanted a real sense of belonging. That’s what we felt as soon as we walked through the door of the model home; the charm, the built-in cabinets and shelves, the oversized doors, the windows everywhere. It was all so bright and beautiful. We loved the shiplap fireplace, such a beautiful little accent to the family room. Yet it wasn’t too much–not overdone–it was done classically-we liked that. Saussy Burbank had clean lines; simple trim, modern, yet craftsman style.
What stood out when working with Saussy Burbank
In the midst of final negotiations, I asked for a fence to be put in. Saussy Burbank was really accommodating for us–safety is so important being we have a son who is 18 months old. He loves walking, or should I say running around, and we wanted a place he could do that. We felt heard. We felt like they understood what we needed and made it happen. In our first few hours here at the house our son has spent more time outside today than the whole time we lived in New York!
Favorite Spaces
Open concept family room and kitchen area! We came from a galley style kitchen in Albany that was a lot smaller. With our family, even though we only have one child now, the space was feeling very enclosed. This on the other hand is so inviting. Its open, but we still get the more formal dining space. The space has access to everything–dining room, butler’s pantry, breakfast nook, and screened-in porch.
Why 12 Oaks is Special
My undergrad was at East Carolina University and my MBA was from back in upstate New York, but most of my sorority sisters are down here still. One sister lives right here in 12 Oaks. I visited her once and knew I wanted the pool, the golf course and the tennis courts! It’s almost like we are retiring early but we are still working! We get to enjoy the more relaxed, community and amenity-driven lifestyle.
I have family all over; a sister in the Netherlands, a brother in Manhattan, little siblings still in the upstate area. We know this will be a destination for them as they come to visit and we get to entertain and show them the community. We’re excited and hope everyone will enjoy it. Travel here is so much easier now. There are direct flights to Raleigh and we aren’t too far from the airport (RDU, Raleigh-Durham International Airport).
Looking forward to
The simpler life and the weather! As well as living in the home that checked off all the boxes. We thought it would be so hard to find but here we are! We look forward to creating memories with our family and new friends.
Does 12 Oaks sound like home sweet home to you? View our available homes here and book a private appointment with our Sales Consultant to tour our model and listings! We hope to see you at our doorstep soon.
