Is Food the New Golf Course? A Georgia Community Bets on Culinary Living

CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, GA – April 29, 2026 – For decades, the blueprint for luxury residential development has been predictable, built around sprawling golf courses, exclusive wellness spas, or striking architectural design. Now, a new project breaking ground just 30 minutes southwest of Atlanta is proposing a radical new organizing principle: food. TNG Communities and Oxford Development Project have officially unveiled CERES Chatt Hills, a 94-acre community that positions the culinary arts not as a mere amenity, but as the foundational pillar for daily life, social connection, and economic growth.

With construction commencing on April 17, the development is being heralded as the country's first "Culinary Centric Community." It represents a significant bet that the modern homebuyer's desires have shifted from the fairway to the farm-to-table, and that a life lived deliciously is the ultimate luxury. Set within a burgeoning region known for its pastoral landscapes, CERES aims to prove that a community can be built, quite literally, from the ground up.

Beyond the Agrihood: A New Recipe for Residential Living

Located adjacent to the globally recognized wellness community of Serenbe, CERES is poised to write the next chapter in lifestyle-oriented development. While Serenbe helped pioneer the "agrihood" concept in the early 2000s with its 25-acre organic farm, CERES is intentionally reimagining the model with a more integrated and accessible approach.

Instead of centering life around a large-scale agricultural operation, CERES weaves smaller, highly usable food elements directly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The vision is one where residents can access fresh ingredients just steps from their homes, without the commitment of living on a working farm.

"We believe people should have access to food just steps outside their front door – without living on a farm," said Dominique Love, the project's founder and a local Chattahoochee Hills resident. Love explains that the community's design incorporates edible landscaping, private kitchen gardens, community greenhouses, and orchards. Critically, these elements will be managed and supported through the homeowner's association, removing the burden of expertise from residents and ensuring the culinary landscape thrives.

This strategy is designed to bring "deliciousness to your doorstep," making the connection to food a seamless and enriching part of the daily routine rather than a rustic novelty. The development’s first phase will feature a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, with residential prices starting in the $900,000s, alongside approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial space.

The TNG Incubator: An Economic Engine for a Gourmet Cluster

Perhaps the most ambitious component of CERES is its plan to become a regional economic catalyst. The model draws inspiration from European "gourmet clusters," where food-led development has successfully ignited local economies, driven tourism, and forged a strong sense of place. The engine for this vision is the TNG Incubator, a dynamic culinary hub designed to be a "living laboratory for culinary talent."

This innovative chef incubator will operate as a multi-faceted establishment, featuring three to four independent, chef-driven concepts at a time, ranging from fast-casual to fine dining. Every 18 to 24 months, the culinary talent and restaurant concepts will rotate, providing a constantly evolving dining experience for residents and visitors. More importantly, it will serve as a launchpad for emerging chefs. Participants will receive hands-on business training, expert coaching, and mentorship in finance, operations, and branding.

Upon graduating from the program, chefs will be encouraged and supported in launching their own brick-and-mortar restaurants within a ten-mile radius of the community. This strategy is designed to create a ripple effect, fostering a thriving local food culture that benefits area farmers, artisans, and purveyors.

"Chattahoochee Hills is a burgeoning city, and we see an opportunity to help shape its identity through chef-driven concepts and small businesses fueled by local farmers and artisans," Love added. This positions CERES not as an isolated enclave, but as an integral part of the region's cultural and economic transformation.

Food as the New Luxury Amenity

The emergence of CERES aligns perfectly with powerful trends in the real estate market. The wellness real estate sector is booming, growing from a $225 billion industry in 2019 to an estimated $548 billion in 2024, with projections to surpass $900 billion by 2028. Studies show that affluent buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium of 10-25% for homes in communities that prioritize health and well-being.

Furthermore, research indicates a direct correlation between a vibrant culinary scene and rising property values. Neighborhoods with diverse and high-quality dining options not only attract residents but also see faster home value appreciation. By creating its own culinary epicenter, CERES is proactively building long-term value into its foundation.

This focus on shared experience is central to the project's philosophy. "Food is the foundation of what we're building at CERES, but it also serves as a catalyst for connection," explained Ellen Buckley, Founder of PROSPERA Real Estate Collective and a managing partner for the project. "From shared meals to immersive experiences, this is a community designed to bring people together in meaningful ways."

Future phases will deepen this commitment, with plans for a boutique inn, a dedicated cookery school, and a private members club, further cementing the community as a destination for food lovers.

Balancing Development with Nature

Despite its sophisticated culinary and residential offerings, CERES is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings. The development plan dedicates more than 60 acres—over 70% of the 94-acre property—to permanently conserved woods and green space. This commitment adheres to the strict zoning regulations of Chattahoochee Hills, a city that prioritizes the protection of its natural resources.

This careful balance aims to create a "jewel box in the woods," where thoughtful architecture and community design are harmonized with the surrounding ecosystem. The development team, which includes architectural partners like Yellow House Architects and ai3, alongside a builders guild led by Vince Longo Custom Builders, is tasked with creating an environment that nourishes both its residents and the land itself.

With 10% of its homesites already reserved before the official launch, early interest in this new model of living appears strong. As construction on the first phase of residences and retail gets underway, all eyes will be on Chattahoochee Hills to see if a community centered on the shared joy of food can become the new standard for luxury living in America. Phase II of the project is anticipated to begin in 2028.