Tag: lake community

A Spotlight on Lake Whitney and White Bluff Resort

Posted on Camille Smith

During the pandemic, demand for lake houses has increased as more people want their own socially distant slice of paradise. On Lake Whitney, White Bluff Resort embodies this peaceful atmosphere that people are seeking. This spacious gated community with 3,500 acres and 62 miles of road is outside the Dallas/Fort-Worth area. To learn more about White Bluff, we talked with Lake Homes Realty real estate agent Emily Morris and her marketing manager Tish Robinson. They shared with us what makes this lake and community special. 

Setting on Lake Whitney

Though few homes on the market are located directly on Lake Whitney, White Bluff Resort has unique access to this impressive lake. Spanning 223 miles of shoreline, Lake Whitney was built on the Brazos River in the 1940s in response to floods in the early 1900s. Emily Morris adds that a major distinction of Lake Whitney is its beauty. She comments, “Lake Whitney has huge limestone bluffs that keep the waters crystal clear.” Many visitors frequently cliff dive from these bluffs. Other popular activities include boating, scuba diving, and water skiing. Fishing is major activity, as Lake Whitney is known as the “striper capital of Texas.” Another benefit of this lake is that it’s not overpopulated. Tish Robinson explains, “Compared to all the other lakes in North Texas, Lake Whitney is uncrowded. It’s a secret, in a way.” Because it’s relatively unknown, visitors and residents can avoid boat traffic and competition for the best fishing spots. She adds, “There are great nooks and crannies for getting off your boat to swim.” Given all these plusses, it’s unsurprising that Lake Whitney is a top 20 real estate market for Lake Homes. 

Amazing Amenities

Located right on the shores of Lake Whitney, White Bluff Resort has only gotten better since its opening 26 years ago. In recent years, it has undergone several changes that benefit its residents. One of the Property Owners Association’s most exciting additions is the complete renovation of White Bluff’s two 18-hole, professionally maintained, championship golf courses. Rated four stars by Golf Digest, the courses were designed by PGA tour winner Bruce Leitzke. If you aren’t a golfer, you can try your hand at tennis or pickleball. 

Besides sports, White Bluff Resort residents appreciate a host of other amenities like a club and restaurant, Mulligan’s Grill. Although the property is adjacent to Lake Whitney, there’s no shortage of water activities within the community. White Bluff has four pools, two catch-and release-interior lakes, and streams that run through the property at different locations. Other attractions include two RV parks, a playground, several picnic pavilions, and a chapel. White Bluff’s non-denominational chapel is well-attended by residents and is a hub for both social and charitable organizations. Soon, residents can look forward to the marina’s refurbishment and bigger tournaments on the golf course.

Affordable Properties

Individuals own most of the 6,000 lots available at White Bluff Resort. Many homeowners also own two or three additional lots. Emily adds, “We have many vacant lots available, and some buyers never intend to build, but they want to use the amenities.” If you’re interested in buying a home on White Bluff, there’s a wide range of home prices (between $200,000 and $1 million). The minimum size home is 1,700 square feet. Even at this home size, you have access to all amenities. If you’re a horse lover, you can look for a home in the equestrian area. “It’s a very affordable lake to live on compared to most North Texas places,” Tish comments, “You don’t have to be wealthy to live here.” If you’re not ready to buy, you can still check out the property by renting a log cabin or condo. 

A Peaceful Community

Although buyers enjoy the guarded entrance and the countless activities, Emily says that they appreciate the people most of all. White Bluff’s initial residents were mostly retirees, but over the last five years, an intergenerational community has developed as young families moved in. This mixed-age group participates in a myriad of organized activities. From motorcycle groups to quilting clubs, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. Although the community is tight-knit, it isn’t a noisy environment.

On the contrary, White Bluff is also known for its tranquility. Many community members enjoy watching the abundance of wildlife, and residents are often posting pictures of various birds. Lively, yet peaceful, White Bluff is truly the best of both worlds. 

Emily Morris recognizes the property’s special qualities on a personal level, as she is a resident in the equestrian area. “I feel that real estate is my calling,” she says, “I am personally in my 4th home in White Bluff in 21 years.” 

If you’re looking for both a lake home and a vibrant community, White Bluff Resort on Lake Whitney might be a perfect fit. Learn more about Lake Whitney HERE.

Uninterrupted Nature: A Spotlight On Moosehead Lake, ME

Posted on Camille Smith
Moosehead Lake Aerial View during summer

Three hours north of Portland, Maine, you’ll find a lake that American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau described as “a gleaming silver platter at the end of a table” with gorgeous land that is “uninterrupted.” Moosehead Lake, its name derived from the lake’s shape when viewed from Mount Kineo, certainly lives up to Thoreau’s words. Stretching 120 square miles, Moosehead is the second largest New England lake after Lake Champlain. It’s also bordered by the charming town of Greenville, where you can discover shops, boutiques, golf courses, and fun restaurants such as the Stress Free Moose. This town certainly retains its local culture, just as the surrounding woods still boast their natural beauty. Unassuming yet magnificent, this tranquil Northeastern lake deserves its spotlight. And who knows — you may end up finding a new vacation destination or dream spot for your lake home.

The History

Henry Perley, better known as Chief Henry Red Eagle
Photo courtesy of The Moosehead Historical Society & Museums.

The background of this extraordinary lake begins between three and six thousand years ago when several Native American tribes used the waterways for transportation and hunting large animals. They also valued the minerals on Mount Kineo, felsite, and rhyolite, which were instrumental in creating tools such as spearheads. In the 19th century, Native Americans living in the region guided Henry David Thoreau through Moosehead’s expansive woods by foot, canoe, and boat. He wrote about his travels in his book, The Maine Woods. Moosehead Lake also holds a noteworthy place in the history of aviation and steamboats. You can still experience the latter by riding the Katahdin Steamship, also known as “Kate.” Today, the Moosehead Historical Society commemorates various aspects of Moosehead Lake’s history with attractions such as the Lumbermen’s Museum, the Moosehead Aviation Museum, and the Center for Moosehead History. 

The Great Outdoors

Father pointing to Moosehead Lake with daughter

This idyllic natural paradise in Northern Maine certainly has no shortage of outdoor activities. No matter the season, you can engage with nature and explore the stunning scenery. This time of year, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing are popular activities for the whole family. You can check out the best ski and snowboarding trails to hit the slopes as soon as possible. Once the weather is a bit warmer, trade your ski poles for hiking sticks and discover the bounty of mountains and waterfalls that Moosehead Lake has to offer. In particular, the famous Mount Kineo offers several different trails with varying intensity. If you’re unafraid of arduous trails and want to get the most breathtaking views, opt for the six mountain hiking challenge called the Pinnacle Pursuit. You may be lucky enough to spot a native falcon or moose while you’re there.

After you’ve earned your trailblazer badge, try casting your fishing line at over 40 ponds and lakes in the area. Moosehead’s irregularly shaped shoreline encloses an abundance of fish such as salmon and trout, making it a popular fishing destination. For more high energy outdoor attractions, you can rent an ATV and ride through the woods. Or if you’re looking for a bird’s eye view, Moosehead offers scenic plane tours where you can get an aerial glimpse of this incredible lake region.

Moose walking along Moosehead Lake

With a plethora of outdoor activities and local attractions, you can tap into both your adventurous and serene sides at Moosehead Lake. This region, with its unique wildlife, little light pollution, and majestic mountains, is certainly a rarity, making it an ideal place to vacation or reside. 

To learn more about this northeastern lake paradise, click HERE.

Lake Arrowhead – A True Georgia Gem

Posted on Staff

Tucked away along the peaceful, rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a one of Georgia’s best kept secrets: Lake Arrowhead.

The lake itself is the focal point of the Lake Arrowhead neighborhood, a gated, master-planned private community located on the outskirts of the Atlanta metro in Waleska, Georgia.

Lake Arrowhead is one of the largest privately owned reservoirs in the Peach State, spanning 540 acres in Cherokee County.

But there is much more to this lake community than this pristine, azure beauty.

The area’s world-class amenities, recreational opportunities and charming nature all contribute to Lake Arrowhead’s allure.

The Neighborhood History

The Lake Arrowhead area was first inhabited as early as 11,000 years ago by the Paleo-Indians, and ultimately by the Cherokee Nation many years later.

In fact, the town of Waleska was named for a Native American princess, Warluskee, who had to abandon her land in the 1830s to join the Trail of Tears.

In 1856 John B. Puckett purchased a large part of the area now known as Lake Arrowhead. On that land he and his wife built Lost Town plantation, named after the original Native American settlement that once stood there.

Today the chimney is all that remains of the original structure, which is now at the bottom of the lake. However the two-acre Puckett family cemetery is preserved within the community.

Established in the 1970s, the Lake Arrowhead development encompasses more than 8,000 acres and is owned by The Johnson Development Company Georgia, LLC.

Lake Arrowhead Amenities and Activities

In addition to the lake, Lake Arrowhead is home to a variety of on-site amenities, including two outdoor pools, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a 40-acre outdoor recreation park.

The development also features about eight miles of walking trails, fitness classes and a community library.

Residents enjoy fishing, boating, swimming and sailing on Lake Arrowhead’s clean blue waters.

Community members can also take part in wine tastings and horseback riding.

Beyond the gates of Lake Arrowhead is convenient boutique shopping, charming small-town dining, and historic Reinhardt University.

At the University visitors can tour the Funk Heritage Center or catch a show at the Falany Performing Arts Center.

Further out, Lake Arrowhead community members can enjoy local theatre at the nearby historic Canton Theatre, or take the afternoon to explore metro Atlanta’s myriad attractions, from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History to the Georgia Aquarium or ZooAtlanta!

Lake Arrowhead Real Estate

On average the lake community has 40 homes for sale and 90 land listings. Homes here list at an average price of about $350,000.

Despite its proximity to “HotLanta,” Lake Arrowhead is a friendly, close-knit community with all the warmth and familiarity of a small town.

Whether you are planning to relocate and raise a family, to vacation or to retire, Lake Arrowhead might be the perfect place for you.

For more information about this Peach State gem, contact Lisa Steele, Lake Homes Realty’s Lake Arrowhead expert.

If you would like to view available listings for Lake Arrowhead, then you visit our website here: https://www.lakehomes.com/georgia/lake-arrowhead

If you would like to view available listings for Lake Arrowhead, then you can visit our website Here.

Five Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Lake Home

Posted on Staff
five questions to ask before choosing a lake home

If you are shopping for your first lake home, there are several factors to consider. Between lake geography, utilities, property restrictions and hidden costs, buying lake property can be full of unexpected surprises. Be sure to ask these five questions before choosing a lake home.

1. What are you looking for in a lake home?

This is the simplest, most important and toughest question!

Lake homes can come in a surprising range of prices, conditions and access to amenities, even on the same lake.

Will this be your primary home, or a second home? Are you looking for an existing home, or a lot to build your dream house on?

man holding glass on wine next to door on lake beach - lake front access

What is most important to you – the view, the activities, boating or fishing, the local community, having fun with the grandkids or just getting away from it all?

Thinking about these things will help you find just the right kind of lake home, and narrow down the wide array of choices you have available.

For example, if this will just be a summer home, a large waterfront property that needs weekly upkeep may not be the best choice.

On the other hand, if you want a house big enough for the extended family to visit, a larger home a short distance from the water might be the best fit for your budget.

2. What kind of water access do you need?

When it comes to lake homes, there are three general kinds of water access: lakefront (also known as waterfront), lake access, and lake community.

Lakefront property goes right up to the water line, or within a few yards of it. This is the most expensive option, but also lets you enjoy the lake directly.

You have instant access to boating, swimming, fishing and other activities.

boat dock during sunset

“Lake access” is property that is close to the water, but not on the lakefront itself.

These properties often have a clear view of the lake and are a short walk to the water. These are often significantly less expensive than waterfront property.

“Lake community” property is part of the overall lake neighborhood, but without direct access to the water.

These can be anywhere from a few blocks to a mile or two from the lake. Owners still enjoy the lake lifestyle, even if they aren’t directly on the lake.

Homes in lake communities have more limited access, but are often much more affordable.

3. What restrictions does the lake have?

Many lakes have restrictions that you might not know about as a visitor.

They are often regulated by power companies, neighborhood associations, even the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each lake, has its own regulations.

These entities work to preserve the wildlife, culture and natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding neighborhood. Becoming familiar with them will give you a big head start on finding your ideal lake home.

Some common restrictions address factors such as: boat usage, docking, exterior fixtures (such as gardens and doghouses,) light fixtures, seawall maintenance and leasing or rental agreements.

4. How are the utilities set up?

Knowing about the area’s utilities can save you a world of stress when choosing a lake home.

In rural lake communities, modern conveniences like cell phone service and high-speed internet may be hard to come by.

Water access is something to be mindful of, too. Not lake access, though – the plumbing!

choosing a lake home - bills to watch out for HOA, water, internet, cell phone service

Some lake properties draw water from a well. Find out if the property uses a sewer system or a septic tank, too. Each of these can bring unexpected costs or upkeep.

If you intend to build, see what the cost is to set up utilities for the property – specif.

You want to know this before you purchase it, not after!

5. What conveniences are nearby?

Many who are choosing a lake home often just look at the property itself. Don’t make this mistake!

Marinas, golf courses, country clubs and campgrounds are all important parts of the lake lifestyle.

choosing a lake home - waterfront community

Take the time to learn about the off-lake community, too.

Nearby hospitals, restaurants, police departments, shops and grocery stores are all things to take into account, too.

Many lake communities have local websites where you can learn more about the area. These are often hidden gems, and from them you can learn a great deal.

Getting to know the local culture can turn a property from, “let’s think about it,” to, “this is the one!”