to on VRBO, they expect to fetch something in the range of $600 000, though in the meantime they gladly rent it throughout the year and during Masters week. This year will be the fifth Masters the Breys rent out the house, and although it’s not a Summerville mansion, one can’t help but envision kicking back after a glorious day at Augusta National and looking out at the river. The house has four stories with four bedrooms and three baths and a glass sunroom overlooking the water that sits on top of a fully furnished deck. Interestingly, the Breys didn’t even know about the Masters when they bought the place. “During the process, the realtor told us, ‘You know, you can rent out your house for the Masters,’ ” said Janienne Brey. “We were like . . . ‘What?’ ” WILLIAMS’ FIVE-BEDROOM PALACE is inviting from the street. A long walk- way through the soon-to-be perfectly manicured front yard leads to a brick staircase that climbs to the front deck. The front door opens to a first floor that feels like one big room. The state-of- the-art kitchen is situated to the right, and the living room is straight ahead. Sliding glass doors offer a view of the backyard. The outdoor area features a RENTAL PRICE: $30,000 Kathie Williams’ house is tucked in a modest neighbourhood called National Hills, but its proximity to Augusta National makes it an attractive location during the Masters.
propane fire pit and more than enough room for the type of outdoor activities that always require a beverage in one hand. Should the weather not cooper- ate, or if guests are just looking for a different place to hang, the upstairs me- dia room, complete with an 80-inch TV, is the relaxation zone. Williams says she got a verbal agree- ment from a player last year, though he couldn’t yet be locked in for multiple years because he’s not sure he will be back in 2024, so we know the mystery man is not a Masters winner. That said, a two-time Masters winner has stayed in the house before, something Williams did not know. The previous owners, the Witt family, and their daughter, Chris, had some stories to share. “We were fortunate,” Witt says, before casually breaking the news that Seve Ballesteros had made their home his go-to spot for multiple years in the early 1980s. Ballesteros would come a week early, along with his manager, his father and sometimes his brothers, for practice. Witt’s mother always made sure to prepare a big meal for one of the nights (Louisiana catfish was a huge hit for the Spaniard who grew up in a fishing town), and her father would always make a big breakfast. Ballesteros and the family became friends, but the Spaniard was not shy about asserting himself in their house. Once Witt grabbed the TV remote to put on the NCAA basketball; March Madness was popular with their family. Ballesteros came in, grabbed the remote from her
a year without needing to report the rental income on their individual tax return. This rule was originally created to protect Augusta residents for Masters week, though it now applies to any taxpayer who owns a home in the United States, provided the home is not a primary place of business. The Augusta Rule is of great importance for homeowners who, unlike Mack, don’t command six- figure sums for their properties. Take Janienne and Garth Brey, for example. They bought a house on the Savannah River for about $300 000, and once the couple is finished renovating the “Riverfront Retreat,” as it’s referred
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 77
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