John Mateyko PeachCap

John Mateyko PeachCap


John Mateyko: Designing a Life of Intention in Serenbe

Tucked away in the storybook village of Serenbe, Georgia, John Mateyko is crafting a life built on creativity, community, and quiet adventure. Serenbe’s lush trails, artistic spirit, and eco-conscious values form the perfect canvas for John’s many passions—whether that’s sports, theater, horology, or travel.

Where Community Comes First

In 2021, John took a simple idea—bringing people together through sports—and turned it into a thriving local institution. The Serenbe Athletic Association, which he founded and now leads as Commissioner and announcer, offers residents a joyful and inclusive way to connect through co-ed Chicago-style Softball and Kickball leagues. It’s about more than games—it’s about belonging.

That same spirit fuels John’s work in the arts. With a talent for theatrical production, he’s helped raise over $450,000 for Terra Academy through original and reimagined performances at Center Stage Serenbe. From The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge to It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and Die Hard: Once Upon a Time at Nakatomi Plaza, his shows are local favorites—entertaining and always infused with purpose. Next up: Mamma Mia.

Watches That Tell More Than Time

John is a watch collector—but not in the traditional sense. He doesn’t chase status symbols or limited editions. Instead, he finds joy in watches that are unpretentious, durable, and thoughtfully made. Casio G-Shocks, particularly the square models, are staples in his collection, admired for their timeless utility.

He’s also a fan of Seiko and its luxury cousins—Grand Seiko and Credor—where everyday wear meets refined craftsmanship. For John, the philosophy is simple: "The more boring, the better." To him, a good watch is like a good life—balanced, useful, and built to last.

Adventures Around Every Corner

Before settling in Serenbe, John’s journey took him on some unique adventures—including working as a stand-in for Christian Bale in Batman Begins and Public Enemies. It’s a chapter that adds a cinematic touch to his already colorful life.

He’s also a devoted traveler. He proposed to his wife Slavyana at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and honeymooned along the Amalfi Coast. Their love story has since grown to include their son Sasha, who now enjoys summers in Switzerland at the TASIS camp in Lugano.

John’s love for the outdoors has taken him to the depths of the sea and the heights of volcanoes. He’s scuba dived across the globe—from Hawaii to Portugal—and even swam alongside whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium. He’s sailed San Francisco Bay and biked down the volcanic slopes of Maui’s Haleakalā.

A Lifestyle Rooted in Simplicity and Substance

In a world that often prioritizes speed and flash, John Mateyko chooses something different: intention. Whether he’s coaching a team, producing a play, photographing a landscape, or admiring a well-crafted timepiece, he does it with care and meaning.

Serenbe isn’t just where he lives—it’s where his values thrive. And through each project and pursuit, John continues to shape a life that’s as quietly extraordinary as the village he calls home.

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