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Jacqueline & Paul Morris Step Out of Their Sunny South Florida Lifestyle to Develop Their North Georgia Equestrian Dream Farm
“My husband Paul and I met back in 1994 and were married the following year. We spent the next 25 years in Wellington, Florida raising our four children Kerstin 28, Kyle 26, Justin 24 and Julia 20. During this time we established and grew our real estate company, Gracious Homes Realty.”
Jacqueline Eve Morris, Broker Owner
BLUE EQUUS REALTY
Georgia & Florida Licensed
Selling Real Estate for 26 Years!
FL LIC #BK638022
GA LIC #313884
A Horse Tale Deferred in Wellington, Florida
Despite Wellington, Florida’s reputation as the Equestrian Capital of the World, Jacqueline’s journey back into the world of horses remained an untouched chapter during their time there. She explains “Our days were consumed by the demands of raising our 4 children and servicing our real estate clients. The allure of the equine world, although ever-present, took a back seat to the relentless pace of our daily lives. Growing up with my own horse, the bond we shared became an integral part of me. However I realized my equine passion was an all-consuming flame that I couldn’t indulge at that particular time in my life.”
Two Decades of Our Ongoing Love Affair with Blue Ridge, Georgia
Over the span of more than 20 years Jacqueline & Paul’s family vacations evolved into a continuous exploration of the charming Appalachian town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. What began as casual family getaways transformed into a deep and enduring connection with this idyllic destination nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“Our Family needed respite from the heat and hustle of South Florida. We found it in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia as we continued servicing our South Florida Wellington real estate business. Once our children were grown and on their own, we began to consider our own future dreams and a change of lifestyle. We decided to flip what we were doing. We’d vacation in Florida and live full time in Georgia!”
Simultaneous Dreams Unfold: Blue Equus Realty and Blue Equus Farm Take Root
Jacqueline expands their real estate business to include Georgia by opening Blue Equus Realty while developing their Blue Equus Farm. Both representing her passion for equestrian lifestyles with the charm of North Georgia. With 27 years of real estate experience and a keen understanding of the unique needs of those looking to immerse themselves in full-time equine farming, Jacqueline has tailored the brokerage’s focus to cater specifically to this niche market. Her expertise not only encompasses the intricacies of real estate transactions but also extends to the nuances of equine-friendly properties in North Georgia. While Paul continues to spearhead their South Florida brokerage with unwavering dedication, he and his wife Jacqueline form a powerhouse real estate team seamlessly bridging the gap between Georgia and Florida. As fully licensed real estate brokers in both states, their collaborative approach extends beyond state lines, allowing them to provide comprehensive assistance to clients across diverse markets.
“We commissioned EQ Graphics, renowned for their expertise in equestrian branding, to undertake the task of encapsulating the essence of Blue Equus Farm and Realty in a distinctive logo. The focal point of this design? Our beloved Horizon Structure Barn and our SE Arabian, Ameera.”
Crafting a Horse Farm Lifestyle in the Georgia Mountains
As experienced REALTORS, Jacqueline & Paul’s know the value of a beautiful barn. Their vision for their horse farm was inspired by the many opulent equestrian farms adorning their hometown back in Wellington, Florida. These luxurious structures not only showcase architectural excellence but also embody a commitment to the well-being of the horses. The grandeur and attention to detail in Wellington’s equestrian architecture became a source of inspiration, setting a standard for their own equine facilities they envisioned.
“It took us 3 years of casual looking to find our perfect 13 acres in Morganton, Ga where we would develop our very own dream horse farm. As luck would have it, this was just 2 miles from our cabin. I started combing Pinterest and following a barn design group on Facebook for land layout and barn building ideas. I found this one particular FB group to be very helpful with sharing many tips on designing a barn. It was there that I read numerous reviews from those who had hired Horizon Structures to build their barns. It was the reviews regarding their customer service that really impressed me. I had also read about many other people having nightmares with contractors that did not perform as promised. It was then that I began studying Horizon Structures‘ website. I spent weeks exploring each barn choice and their details. You could see they knew what they were doing, and they had quite a history of it.”
Horizon Structures: Setting the Standard in Exceptional Barn Design
Jacqueline knew exactly what barn style and design she wanted. It was a “white barn” search on Pinterest that revealed her dream barn inspiration. In selecting Horizon Structure for her barn design and build, Jacqueline not only embraced a brand known for its reliability but also partnered with a team that shared her passion for creating spaces where the equestrian lifestyle could flourish. The collaboration with Horizon Structure became a cornerstone in bringing her farm vision to life.
“Working with Justin Zook was such a joy. He was so patient with my questions, additions and he had many wonderful suggestions. We felt a true partnership in the process. Merv King took over the construction process and again we were treated so wonderful. The communication was superb! I really hope they invite us to the company picnic one day!”, Jacqueline jokes.
A Three-Year Journey: Crafting Our Equine Haven with Precision and Patience
The realization of our dream horse farm, complete with a meticulously designed barn, fencing, and farmhouse, unfolded over a three-year journey. While the process may have been a time-intensive endeavor, the end result proved unequivocally worth every moment invested.
The first year was dedicated to meticulous planning and designing with Justin and Horizon Structures, ensuring that every aspect of the barn design was covered. We also had to tackle the fencing, and farmhouse. This foundational phase was crucial in laying the groundwork for a space that seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetic appeal.
The second year construction began on the opulent barn, sturdy fencing to define the property boundaries, and the farmhouse that would serve as our haven. As each structure took shape, it became evident that the patience invested in the planning phase was translating into a space that not only met but exceeded our expectations.
The third and final year marked the completion of our beautiful horse farm. The barn now stands proudly, reflecting not only architectural beauty but also a commitment to the wellbeing of our horses. In a labor of love that spanned a little over a year, Jacqueline and Paul dedicated themselves to the meticulous task of hand-rolling FenceCoat Black Stain, a premier product from Lexington Paint & Supply product. The 3 board wood fencing provides both security and a picturesque backdrop, while the farmhouse became a sanctuary at the heart of our equestrian lifestyle.
The three-year process, though demanding, was a testament to our dedication to creating a space where the equestrian spirit could thrive. Every detail, from the layout of the barn to the finishing touches on the farmhouse, was a labor of love. “As we sip our morning coffee on the farmhouse porch overlooking our barn and pastures, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment affirmed that the journey, though long, was undeniably well worth every step.”
Meet the Harmony of Hooves and Paws on Our Beloved Farm
“Blue Equus Farm is not only a haven for equestrian pursuits but also a lively home for a diverse array of animals, each with its own unique story. Let us introduce you to the delightful members of our farm family.
First in line are our four canine companions. Brie, a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, brings her boundless beauty and intelligence to the farm. Cappuchino, our AKC Blue Merle Pomeranian is the little prince, while his imported white Russian Bride, Chai Latte, brings an elegant presence. Our newest addition on the farm is their little white fluffy cotton ball son, Smore. He was born with two beautiful BLUE eyes!
Of course there are horses on our horse farm! Ameera, our Straight Egyptian Arabian, graces the pastures with her regal presence. Smokey, a rescued Morab gelding, embodies resilience and spirit. They were the pioneers, the first to explore the farm pastures and luxuriate in the comfort of the barn.
Our feline companions, Indie, a beautiful Tortoiseshell, and Georgia, our lively Calico Kitten, bring a touch of practicality and mischief to the barn. As they navigate the nooks and crannies, they add a layer of charm to our rural abode.”
After a year of familiarizing themselves with the lay of the land and fine-tuning the daily chores, Jacqueline & Paul extended an invitation to their dear friend Modish and her two horses. It was a natural progression. In Jacqueline’s own words, “With two extra stalls available, it made perfect sense to share the space and joy with one of my very close friends. We share the same care standards and her presence brings joy to the farm!”