Tag: lake austin

Top 10 Quaint Lake Towns

Posted on Camille Smith

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Lake Homes Lifestyles explores 10 quaint lake towns and what makes them so appealing to homeowners:

When you choose a lake home for you and your family, there are a million factors to consider. At Lake Homes Realty, our lake expert agents know that it’s not just the lake but also the surrounding community. On Lake Homes Lifestyles, we’ve talked about some important community-level aspects of lake living, such as nearby amenities, food, and boat clubs. However, while these attributes can easily be checked off a list, some qualities of lake towns are intangible. There’s no way to quantify the appeal of the small-town charm that encapsulates so many of our lake areas. Today, we’re taking a look at 10 quaint lake towns—and what draws lake homeowners to their endearing vibe.

Austin, Texas

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia

To many, Austin is hardly a quaint town. The capital of the state and the largest city in Travis County, Austin is bustling with urban appeal. However, although Austin isn’t small, its quirky, artsy aesthetic makes it a top contender as a quaint lake town. Home to Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, and others, this city is full of people who appreciate a unique city and embrace the word “weird.”

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Photo courtesy of Lake Minnetonka Association

This quaint lake town is home to Lake Minnetonka, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. Its name derives from the Dakota Soix word for “great water,” which is certainly fitting. Although the town is small, it’s also luxurious. Minnetonka homes are ranked some of the most expensive in America. As Minnesota’s version of the Hamptons, you’ll find high-end restaurants, boutiques, and long stretches of beach peppered with gorgeous homes.

Summersville, West Virginia

Photo courtesy of Only In West Virginia

Known as the “Bahamas of the East,” Summersville is a small town in the center of West Virginia. Located on the pristine waters of the state’s largest lake, Lake Summersville, you can spend time scuba diving, paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting when you’re not busy exploring the town. Otherwise, check out some of the scenic wineries in the area, such as Kirkwood.

Okoboji, Iowa

Photo courtesy of MidwestLiving

One of the most unique aspects of this quaint lake town is its proximity to six different bodies of water. In addition, the city of Okoboji is bordered by three lakes, West Okobji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, and Spirit Lake, which are also known as the Iowa Great Lakes. These beautiful, glacier-carved chains of lakes serve as the area’s year-round tourist attraction. Big Spirit Lake, Iowa’s largest natural lake, and West Okoboji, which is one of only three blue water lakes in the world, are both must-see natural wonders that have intrigued visitors from all over the world. These lakes are a central part of the thriving community, which also includes museums, amusement parks, and other exciting attractions.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Photo courtesy of TravelDreamsMagazine

Better get used to biking on Mackinac Island because there are no cars allowed. This small island on Lake Huron is known for its quaint charm. Bed and breakfasts, carriage tours, and ferry rides are the relaxing, luxury lifestyle that this town has to offer. While you’re in town, check out the world-renowned fudge shop for a bite of chocolatey goodness.

Lake Placid, New York

Photo courtesy of Lake Placid

Both the name of the lake and the town, Lake Placid is one small town that won’t disappoint. Nestled in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains and just an hour’s drive from Lake Champlain, there’s no shortage of natural scenery to enjoy in this area. Lake Placid is also the former host of two Olympic games (1932 and 1980), marking it as an important historical spot.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Photo courtesy of Town of Lake Lure

Another instance where the town name matches the lake, Lake Lure has captured the attention of residents, visitors, and movie producers. Films like Dirty Dancing and Thunder Road have shot scenes on this lake, captivated by the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. This quaint resort town includes restaurants, museums, and parks for all ages.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce

Referred to as the oldest summer resort in America, this town, situated next to the stunning Lake Winnipesaukee, encapsulates New England charm. While you’re wandering the charming streets, you might run into one of many celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon who own houses there!

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of Visit Lake Geneva

This charming town of Lake Geneva is home to the stunning Geneva Lake. Due to its proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago, this lake town is a popular destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Known for its antique mansions that decorate the shoreline along the Shore Path, this lake is regarded as a summer paradise. This popular retreat city for Midwesterners also offers plentiful antique shopping, an award-winning magic show, and access to beautiful public beaches.

Burlington, Vermont

Photo courtesy of Lang House

Whether you visit in the winter for skiing or the summer for wakeboarding, Burlington, Vermont, is the perfect town for spending time on the lake. Located along the shores of Lake Champlain, this quaint town offers plenty of shops and restaurants that line the walkable Church Street Marketplace.

These quaint lake towns provide the perfect balance of rural charm and city-life amenities where you’ll find picturesque storefronts, stunning foliage, and gorgeous lakeshores. In addition, these towns offer a sense of warmth and community that is emblematic of the lake lifestyle.

Austin Lake Home Living: Scenic & Serene

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

This stunning home perches high above beautiful Lake Austin and epitomizes easy lake living for a couple seeking their lakeside dream home. Situated along the west bank on a steep 1.2-acre wooded lot, the dwelling was originally built in the 1950s as a rustic, hexagon-shaped waterfront cabin. In the 1970s, the structure was renovated with a small addition. Captured by the site’s exquisite location and scenic beauty, the new homeowners didn’t hesitate to purchase the property. In 2014, they called on Austin architect James LaRue of LaRue Architects and interior designer Laura Britt of Britt Design Group to assess the initial design concept and thoughtfully integrate a new modern aesthetic that would also pay homage to the home’s architectural heritage.

Modern Makeover

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

Intrigued by the original construction of the building, the design team knew immediately they wanted to remove the 1970s addition yet keep the hexagon shape that was formerly the main living area. “The challenge was to intergrade a modern home design concept into the hexagon geometry while ensuring the final architecture became a cohesive building,” says LaRue. The site also had dramatic topography—environmental constraints due to its waterfront location and several large trees required to remain—so the design team had to address the heavily treed, steep lot that slopes down 120 feet from the back of the house to the shoreline. “The site constraints drive the entire design of this home,” says the architect, “and the finished result responds in a very beautiful way to those constraints and to its heritage.” The team collaborated with Classic Constructors during the build. 

Dogtrot Design

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

LaRue’s initial design concept was to convert the hexagon living space into the master bedroom suite with expansive lake views. “We then connected the hexagon building with a long, narrow form—or dogtrot—running parallel to the shoreline,” he explains. “This design concept allowed us to address the steep nature of the site, preserve the large pecan trees, and allow every space to have views of the lake,” he sums. The exterior materials include expansive glass windows and doors, metal panels, and limestone.

Eclectic Energy

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

Dappled with natural sunlight, the new hexagon master suite boasts spectacular lakefront views. “A hand-woven wool rug and sumptuous bed linens bring an element of softness to balance the refined rusticity of antique wooden pieces,” says Britt, who worked closely with LaRue to ensure her interior design concepts would complement the home’s modern architectural style.

Gracious Guest Space

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

The new four-bedroom house is constructed in a long single-story L-shape with the private spaces anchored by the re-configured original structure on one end and a semi-detached guest suite on the far end of the horizontal design.

The spacious 4,100-square-foot Hill Country contemporary residence is now the owners’ primary dwelling. “The couple live an active lifestyle and love to travel but consider this their home base,” Britt explains. “They enjoy their living room space frequently, and their welcoming guest house is almost always in use.”

Effortless Ease: Indoor/Outdoor Access

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

The newly designed house now has a strong connection to the outdoors, with large expanses of glass throughout. “The public spaces are aligned along the center of the building with views of the lake and joined together by the open dogtrot-style outdoor living space, which overlooks a beautiful pool as well as Lake Austin,” says LaRue. “The outdoor space has a generous roof overhead with a warm wood-clad ceiling that protects it from the scorching Texas heat and intense thunderstorms,” he notes. In addition, this all-seasons area features a bug screen, lounge furniture, and a grand fireplace that allows for cozy gatherings during the winter months.

Panoramic Punch

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

“This home is all about panoramic views to the lake and expansive sky,” says Britt, “so the color palette features a generous dose of soft blues and greens. The living room showcases an expansive wall of glass, and an art piece commissioned by Austin artist Andrea Pramuk is specifically detailed with saturated blues and sea green hues that are also echoed in the ‘Tree of Life’ rug that anchors the room,” she adds. The serene blue and green shades immediately connect you to the water and sky beyond, and peach accents in the rug and pillows complement the cool blues.

“This home is a study of restraint in design—the color palette and textiles are tranquil,” says the designer. “There is a little bit of texture, but it’s sleek. The steel, stone, and woods are smooth, almost glassy—and there’s a sense of movement and texture in the lighting. The textiles and hand-woven wool rug bring an inviting nubby touch to the living room.”

The furniture is intentionally elevated and not heavily upholstered to keep the space visually open and avoid obstructing the views. The settee has an open notched back to allow the light in as well as the lake view. In the adjacent dining room, a custom-built steel and wood table was crafted from reclaimed wood from the original site.

Elevated Style

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

Custom cabinetry throughout the kitchen is designed to feel like beautifully detailed furniture pieces. “Elevating the cabinetry on wooden legs creates physical and visual space between the floor and cabinets,” says Britt. “A glass-front refrigerator adds to the sleek appeal of this unique kitchen, and a custom armoire stores coffee-making equipment.”

Grand Elegance

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

Thoughtfully planned lighting plays an essential role throughout this home and provides a sculptural counterpoint to the minimalist modern architecture. Natural finishes and a subtle palette reflect the homeowners’ style and complement the tranquil scenery outside.

“The clients have a wonderful collection of art objects and furnishings they’ve collected from their travels around the world,” says Britt. “Weaving their personal story into the fabric of the overall design was a fun challenge. One important element to their story is their involvement in winemaking—they own a vineyard in Argentina, personally select the blends, and even custom-design the wine labels,” she adds. The entryway to their home features a Steinway grand piano and an impressive wine collection.

Decked-Out Dock

Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger, FAIA Architectural Photography

Designed by LaRue, the boathouse overlooks Lake Austin, offering yet another prime spot for these homeowners and their family and friends to take in the surrounding scenery. Perched high above the shoreline, the rooftop deck provides an ideal outdoor lounging area perfect for boat and bird watching.

Interested in the Lake Austin area? Visit Lake Homes Realty for more details and enjoy the lake life!

6 Things You May Not Know About The Highland Lakes’ History

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

What do Buchanan, LBJ, and Lady Bird all have in common? Besides being presidential figures, they’re also all names of beloved lakes on Texas’s Colorado River. Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin make up the Highland Lakes, the largest chain of lakes in all of Texas. (Lady Bird Lake is technically not a Highland Lake since it’s controlled by the City of Austin rather than the Lower Colorado River Authority, but it’s still an honorary member). These human-made lakes are about more than recreation. Over 1 million Texans in the surrounding communities rely on the Highland Lakes for their farming and businesses. Although these lakes are essential and cherished among Austin residents, do you know about the history of the Highland Lakes?

Austin’s First Dam Was a Big Failure

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In Texas, only one natural lake exists — Lake Caddo. As such, all the Highland Lakes are human-made, designed to provide hydroelectricity and prevent flooding. However, the state’s first attempt to create a dam didn’t work out. In the 1890s, Mayor John McDonald built a dam on Lake Austin (then named it Lake McDonald, after himself) to promote Austin as an industrial city. However, in 1900, the dam collapsed in massive storms, and Lake McDonald evaporated. This event is known as the Great Granite Dam Failure. It wasn’t until Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1940 that things got better. In 1942, the Mansfield Dam was constructed, giving rise to Lake Travis. In 1960, the Longhorn Dam was built, and Lady Bird Lake came into existence. But you can still visit the Austin Dam Memorial today.

Marble Falls’ Waterfalls Are Submerged

Photo courtesy of 101HighlandLakes.com.

Visitors to this region may wonder — why is it called Marble Falls if there are no falls? There are! They’re just hidden beneath the water’s surface. However, in the 1800s, water levels were lower, and the falls were visible. Settlers fell in love with them, referring to them as “marble falls,” mistaking the limestone construction for marble. In 1854, Adam “Stovepipe” Johnson was so mesmerized by the falls that he launched a town around them. But in the 1950s when the Colorado River Authority dams were built, the falls became submerged. Although you can’t see the falls today (unless the lake’s depth is lowered by 7 feet), there’s plenty to do in town. For instance, Marble Lake is known for its nearby vineyard where you can book wine tours. 

There are Islands on Lake Travis… Sometimes

Photo courtesy of kut.org.

Depending on the rainfall, you could visit several small islands on Highland Lakes. These landmasses appear on Lake Travis— well, sometimes. Aptly called the Sometimes Islands, this irregular topography beneath the lake’s surface becomes elevated when water levels are low. During a 2011 drought, so much of the Sometimes Islands were exposed that it created a peninsula. In 2014, an entire field of bluebonnets grew on a nearby piece of exposed land. Although these islands may not be the most idyllic beaches, they’re certainly an intriguing feature of this particular Highland Lake. 

A Woman Became Mayor Before Women Could Vote

Ophelia “Birdie” Harwood
Photo courtesy of kut.org.

In Marble Falls, Ophelia “Birdie” Harwood became mayor in 1917, just three years before the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. During her short two year term, she made an impact on the town. One of her achievements was creating comprehensive traffic laws in an area without stop signs and traffic signals. She was also known for her belief in a transparent government. By publishing the city’s budget twice a year, she practiced what she preached. As an equestrian, the townspeople could see Mayor Harwood often riding her horse through town. But her career didn’t end at Marble Falls. In 1936, she became the first female municipal court judge.

Old Rules Still Apply at Lady Bird Lake

Photo courtesy of kut.org.

When you think of lake activities, swimming likely comes to mind. However, this isn’t true for Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town Lake, if you’re a local). Since four years after its creation in 1960, swimming in Lady Bird Lake has been illegal. Unfortunately, there are tragic beginnings of this law when Inez and Cynthia Rendon were swept away by the water’s currents. In addition to this heavily enforced law, it’s illegal to have motor vessels on Lady Bird Lake. Despite the downsides of these restrictions, these laws make the lake excellent for paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing. 

A Lost Civilization is Buried Under Lake Buchanan

Photo courtesy of TexasObserver.org.

Before the Buchanan Dam was built in 1939, a small town of Bluffton thrived. Corn farming, pecan trees, a school, a cotton gin, and a community center served the town’s 50 families. But when dam construction began, residents of Bluffton had to sell their land to the Colorado River Authority and move to higher ground. While residents built New Bluffton 7 miles away, remnants of Old Bluffton sank beneath Lake Buchanan. However, when Texas droughts hit in the late 2000s, the town’s remains resurfaced. The Texas Historical Commission excavated the land and found tombstones, homes, and remains of a hotel. Today, you can discover these findings on a history cruise. 

Click here to learn more about the Highland Lakes region: Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin.

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The Best of Both Worlds: A Look at Five Urban Lakes in the U.S.

Posted on Camille Smith
Texas Urban Lakes
Photo courtesy of Wide Open Spaces.

For anyone who enjoys both the fast-paced city life as well as a peaceful lake environment, choosing to buy a house in an urban lake area may provide the perfect balance you’re seeking.

According to the Encyclopedia of Lakes and Reservoirs, an urban lake is defined as an inland body of water, which is larger than a pond surrounded by an urban environment. An urbanized area encompasses both the region’s city and surrounding areas, such as towns and suburbs.

To qualify as an urban area, a city and its neighboring parts should have a high population density (at least 50,000 people). In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing balance of cityscapes and landscapes, urban lakes have several practical functions. They encourage biodiversity, assist in flood control, and provide a recreational spot for the city’s many residents.

Aerial view with clouds over city

Further, there are several personal advantages to living on an urban lake. There’s the apparent advantages — the opportunity to have that high-powered city job while also going boating, swimming, and fishing on the weekends.

But there’s also the lesser-known benefits of living by a “blue space.” For example, research suggests that living by water has a positive impact on physical and mental health. While scientists have yet to determine the reason behind this correlation, it certainly has implications for the benefits of urban lakes.

If you’re already sold on the possibility of living adjacent to both natural beauty and a concrete jungle, check out these five thriving urban lake areas in the U.S. 

Continue reading “The Best of Both Worlds: A Look at Five Urban Lakes in the U.S.”

Lake Living in the Lone Star State – Lake Austin

Posted on Staff

One of six lakes in the Highland Lakes chain, Lake Austin features 24 miles of high cliffs, lined with some of Texas’ most luxurious waterfront homes.

A highly revered lake haven, the reservoir offers residents a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities to high-end shopping, making it the perfect place to enjoy the lake lifestyle at its finest.

Lake History and Construction

Before it was the Lake Austin area locals know and love today, the area in which the reservoir lies was originally Lake McDonald.

The first Austin Dam formed this lake in 1890, but it was severely damaged by flooding in 1900.

Dam reconstruction began in 1915, but the site was abandoned shortly thereafter, and what remained of the dam was destroyed in a storm later that same year.

In 1938, the Lower Colorado River Authority began building the Tom Miller Dam, from which Lake Austin was born in 1939. The lake has since been used for flood control, quality drinking water, electrical power generation and recreation.

Adventures on Lake Austin

Privately owned Lake Austin is a premier fishing and boating destination. Although anglers enjoy catching their fair share of sunfish and catfish, the reservoir is renowned for its excellent largemouth bass fishing.

male wakeboarder in the air on Texas' Lake Austin

Apart from fishing, the lake also welcomes waterskiing, jet skis, swimming and rafting.

Lake residents can also enjoy scenic cruises aboard the lake’s authentic riverboat cruise line, which takes a tour through the reservoir’s limestone cliffs with spectacular views and abundant wildlife.

The tour also passes under the famous Pennypacker Bridge, also known as 360 Bridge.

The area around Lake Austin is teeming with restaurants, museums, and historical landmarks, providing plenty of options for off-water adventures, too.

Austin, Texas’ state capitol, is located at the southern end of the lake. It is home to The Congress Avenue Bridge, famously known as the home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. You will also find The Governor’s Mansion and the Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum not far from Lake Austin’s shores.

Celebrity-owned restaurants like Sandra Bullock’s “Walton’s Fancy and Staple” and NFL legend Vince Young’s “Vince Young Steakhouse” are also popular local haunt

Lone Star Lake Living

LakeHomes.com’s 2019 Summer Lake Real Estate Market Report named Lake Austin as the third-largest lake real estate market in Texas, with listings valued at nearly $390 million.

Inventory in this market is tight, with fewer than 150 listings at any given time. As summer settles in, this market features roughly 130 lake homes for sale and 30 land listings.

With an average home price of about $2.8 million, Lake Austin is the most expensive lake home market in the state, but with so many wonderful things to see and do, the quality of life and local culture makes Lake Austin a must-shop market for an outstanding Texas-based lake home.

If you are interested, click here to view current available listings around Lake Austin: https://www.lakehomes.com/texas/lake-austin