Berrong-Oakley House
History
Built in 1905, the Berrong-Oakley House is one of the last remaining historic homes in Hiawassee and the only example of Victorian architecture still standing in Towns County. Miles and Maggie Berrong, who built and lived in the home, were true community leaders. They worked to bring better roads, improve education through schools and 4-H Clubs, and even advocated in Atlanta to ensure fair legislation for mountain communities.
Their home was more than a residence; it was a gathering place. Neighbors came to learn, share ideas, and build fellowship under its roof.
That same spirit guides our vision today. This is not “just another restoration project.” When restored, the Berrong-Oakley House will once again serve as a place where community and heritage meet, functioning as an event center, cultural resource center, and a welcoming space for learning, sharing, and connection.
Passed down through their family, it was acquired by their descendants, the Oakley Family. In 2023, in order to save the historic home, the City of Hiawassee purchased the home to save it, turning the restorations and management over to the historical society.
For a more in-depth history of the house and family, click here.
Photo: Doug Greene
Plans for the Historic Home
The Berrong-Oakley House is more than a historic structure; it is part of the cultural fabric of Hiawassee. Once home to the Berrong-Oakley family, the property was a gathering place for learning, celebration, and community life. Today, it stands ready to reclaim that role in a way that honors the past while serving the needs of the present.
The City of Hiawassee has entrusted the Towns County Historical Society with the care and revitalization of this historic landmark. The vision is to restore the Berrong-Oakley House as a Community Event Center and Heritage & Cultural Center, surrounded by a landscaped greenspace pocket park that invites both residents and visitors to gather, learn, and enjoy downtown Hiawassee.
Click the document below to explore the Restoration & Reuse Plan developed to guide the use of the property.
Moving Forward
Over the past 2.5 years, we have raised $70,000, which has allowed us to begin exterior restoration. But there is still more work to do. We must now fund the interior restorations and create a community park that will connect people with both history and nature.
Every donation, large or small, helps preserve this important piece of Towns County’s past and ensures it has a future as a community space.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The entire project is being funded by a combination of donations and grants. All donations are tax-deductible. The restoration of the Berrong-Oakley House is more than a preservation effort – it’s an investment in the heart of Hiawassee, bringing history, community, and growth together. We invite your support to help make this vision a reality!
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Naming opportunities are available so that you can leave your lasting legacy or remember a loved one, while helping save our local history! Click the button below to view and download the naming opportunities form.
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If you would like to make a contribution online, click the Donate Now Button to make a tax-deductible donation via Zeffy. 100% of your donation will go towards the project!
Restoration Photo Gallery
Entrance to the house when it was turned over to us
The state of the house when it was turned over to us
Due to the amount of overgrowth around the house, the entire yard was regraded to remove this and direct water the best we could away from the structure.
Entrance to the house when it was turned over to us
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Conducted a comprehensive home survey with no major issues
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Completed preservation report to outline key focus areas
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Graded yard to improve drainage and access
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Removed overgrown and dying trees to protect the structure and improve the appearance
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Identified options to save and preserve historic rock steps
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Identified and designed a parking area to maximize space
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Identified areas to implement ADA compliance
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Completed and passed the historic registry preliminary process
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Involved the community through surveys and public speaking events
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Planned and executed fundraisers
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Cleaned house and organized for worker access
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Installed a drainage system to remove water away from the foundation
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Installed fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and stabilize interior conditions
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Repoint and repair the last remaining chimney, remove dilapidated stove pipe chimney
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Installed a new roof to protect the structure from water intrusion
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Installed underground electric and restored power to the house
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Completed electrical inspection with no issues
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Installed an immediate water source
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Roughed in 1st floor plumbing
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Replaced basement stairs
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Installation of a new water line from the main, replacing the antiquated galvanized line
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Sourced materials for porch restorations, including spindles (recreated based on an original), columns, and handrails (milled on site to match original).
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Sourced replacement front door based on description from the Oakley family
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Reinstalled remaining interior doors and inventoried what was missing
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Window restoration began with restoring each window to operability
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Transom window hardware is cleaned and being reinstalled