A look at the 10 most expensive Oconee County homes sold in first half of 2023

Land, luxury and prime location are what you can find with Oconee's priciest properties.

From a $2.5 million Crystal Hills mansion to a 67-acre horse farm, the high-end homes sold in the first half of 2023 in Oconee County are stunning and spacious. With Athens and UGA just a short drive away and frequent additions of family-friendly entertainment, such as Wire Park and ESP's Miracle League Complex playground, make this area a hotspot for homebuyers with kids. According to Zillow, the average home value in Oconee is $492,531, however the monthly median listing price for a house has been over a half-million since November 2021, according to Realtor.com.

Here's a look at the 10 most expensive home sold in Oconee County so far this year:

1788 Wild Azalea Ln., Athens, Ga. 30606

A mansion on Wild Azalea Lane tops our list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
A mansion on Wild Azalea Lane tops our list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price:  $2.54 million (sold in June)The specs: 5.22 acres, 5,431 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms

The owners of this Crystal Hills mansion are able to entertain, cook and rejuvenate at a premier level. White oak floors throughout the house, professional commercial grade appliances in the kitchen, high ceilings and two French doors that lead to a covered patio are among the luxury options listed for this home. A guest suite on the main floor with a private patio and large master room, plus a home gym in the basement are all included. This gated mansion is conveniently located off 441.

See full listing here.

1981 River Bank Ln., Watkinsville, Ga. 30677

This River Bank Lane home is the second most expensive home sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This River Bank Lane home is the second most expensive home sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $2.45 million (sold in May)The specs: 3.59 acres, 9,061 sq. ft., 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with 2 half baths

This 7-bedroom Legends at Oconee River home features two master bedrooms, an in-law suite and an outdoor entertainment deck that overlooks a 3.59-acre lot. There’s a formal dining room with a wet bar, a walk-in storage area that could be converted to another bedroom and an exercise room on the main floor. The terrace level boasts a living space with exercise and recreation rooms, complete with a bar for overnight family or friends' visits. It’s a great location near downtown Watkinsville and short drive to UGA campus.

See the listing here.

1570 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, Ga. 30677

This Colham Ferry Road home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Colham Ferry Road home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: over $1.94 million (sold in February) The specs: 28.9 acres, 5,125 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms

Entertaining comes easy with this country home near downtown Watkinsville. This is a custom-built home that overlooks a private lake with a den, billiard room, bar and bedroom with a full bath in the terrace. To stay active, there’s also a tennis court, salt water pool with a water fall and grill. Two shop buildings sit adjacent to the property with enough space for an office and includes a kitchenette and a half bath and one that replicates a country store with animal fencing.

See listing here.

1908 Spartan Estates Dr., Athens, Ga. 30606

This Spartan Estates home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Spartan Estates home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.795 million (sold in June)The specs: 6,798 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Located in the new development near the Clarke-Oconee border, this home is conveniently located to enjoy the best of both counties. With nearly 7,000 square feet to utilize, including a large finished basement, owners of this home will have lots of options how to use the new build.

See listing here.

1041 Thornwell Dr., Athens, Ga. 30606 

This Thornwell Drive home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Thornwell Drive home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.75 million (sold in February)The specs: 2 acres, 7,830 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms

The great outdoors are sure to be enjoyed with a salt water infinity edge pool that featured in a secluded backyard. The kitchen has been updated to meet the modern needs of any family gathering. Plus, there’s a gym/entertainment room off the family room to suit all needs.

See listing here.

1990 Rivers Edge Dr., Bogart, Ga. 30622

This Rivers Edge home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Rivers Edge home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.65 million (sold in March)The specs: 2 acres, 5,937 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms

The River's Edge home features white oak flooring, a chef's kitchen and a vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom. The vaulted ceilings can also be found in the living room where there's also a cast surround fireplace for gatherings with family and friends. There's an extra room above the garage for those who work remotely or need extra space.

See listing here.

1831 Spartan Estates Dr., Athens, Ga. 30606

This Spartan Estates Drive home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Spartan Estates Drive home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.625 million (sold in April)The specs: 1.28 acres, 6,672 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms

The listing for this home noted that it is arguably the most private lot in Spartan Estates — an attractive quality in a new development. Entertaining is made easy with the gourmet kitchen and walk-in pantry. A "garden bathtub" and custom shower are luxury upgrades in the master suite. This home features nearly every high-end finish you could expect in a house.

See listing here.

2791 Elder Mill Rd., Watkinsville, Ga. 30677

This Elder Mill Road home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Elder Mill Road home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.625 million (sold in March)The specs: 67.62 acres, 4,467 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 half baths

Talk about country living near the city! This country farm home, located in south Oconee County, is equipped with fenced-in pastures, a barn with interior and exterior stalls, tack room, grooming area and a separate wash rack. Above the garage is separate living space, complete with its own kitchenette and full bathroom. The unfinished basement, previously used as a workshop, offers options to use space as-needed.

See listing here.

1111 Shoals Dr., Athens, Ga. 30606

This Shoals Drive home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This Shoals Drive home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.55 million (sold in June)The specs: 7 acres, 7,529 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 2 half baths  Overlooking the rolling shoals of Barber Creek, this home in Crystal Hills features high-end upgrades such as Italian porcelain tile flooring in the kitchen and heated tiles in the upstairs master bathroom. The beautiful backyard is accessible from double arch doors that lead to a heated, saltwater swimming pool. This home also includes four fireplaces, a built-in Sonos speaker system and a firepit area for entertaining or family time.

See listing here.

1700 W. Fitzgerald Ln., Watkinsville, Ga. 30677 

This West Fitzgerald Lane home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.
This West Fitzgerald Lane home made our top 10 list of most expensive homes sold in Oconee during the first half of 2023.

Sales price: $1.5 million (Sold in March)The specs: 1 acre, 6,194 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms

A cozy craftsman in the Rowan Oak gated home features an owner’s suite with two walk-in closets and dual vanities in the full bathroom. Three bedrooms are on the second floor, along with en-suite full baths and walk-in closets. The residents may relax with family and friends in the outside heated saltwater pool, hot tub and fire pit.

See listing here.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Oconee County's most expensive homes sold in first half of 2023