
By Lydia Somerville
Sandi and John Hart have always enjoyed mountain vacations, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. John’s work as an executive for Major League Baseball has led the Harts around the country, but they ultimately landed in Orlando, Florida, where John serves as President of Baseball Operations for the Atlanta Braves.
Early in the development of the Lonesome Valley community, the couple visited the area and felt an instant connection. Situated on 800 acres, the property is dedicated to conserving and preserving the integrity of its natural surroundings.

“We came around a bend and saw this wonderful house perched on high ground and looking out over a trout pond,” John says. “We loved the building materials—the shingled siding and the metal roof. We knew right away it was perfect for us.” And once the Harts toured the interiors, they were ready to seal the deal. “The workmanship is just incredible, with shiplap paneling and high ceilings,” says John. “It’s the attention to detail that makes the cottage special.”