Waterfront Living - Cherokee Lake
Real Estate Guide

German Creek Resort
Premier lake community a boon to Bean Station

Bean Station is one of those town names that are good for a quick snicker when you’re passing through Grainger County.

But the beauty of neighboring Cherokee Lake and the scope of the luxury condominium resort currently going up on its shores are making more than a few travelers stop and think seriously about calling the funny-sounding hamlet home.

Located on state Highway 375, four miles off U.S. 25E, the new German Creek Resort is proving to be a unique offering for those looking for a primary residence, vacation home or investment opportunity with prime lake frontage.

Sitting on a peninsula in the main channel of Cherokee Lake, the heart of the resort is virtually surrounded by water, providing direct access to the lake’s 30,300 acres of scenic beauty and recreational opportunity.

But German Creek Resort is attracting just as much attention for what it’s offering residents right on the shoreline – upscale condominium units and amenities, enhanced by clubhouse facilities, a new commercial marina, a retail enclave and a restaurant, all located on one site.

“This is going to be a premier lake resort, the only one of its kind on Cherokee Lake,” says John Mashburn with DionasWhelchel Commercial Group, the Knoxville company that is overseeing the property’s development, sales and financing. “This is a gated community with beautiful lake and mountain views in a wonderful setting.”

Leon Epling is the owner and visionary of German Creek Resort.

Phase 1 of the resort, referred to as The Bluffs, is a 3.5-acre tract featuring four 16-unit buildings that are located only 30 feet from the shoreline. Each four-story building has enough elevation, however, to give even the lowest floors unobstructed lake views. Each owner will also have the initial option to purchase one of 64 private slips being built just off shore.

Three floor plans are available in two-bedroom, three-bedroom and penthouse configurations. All units have balconies, while spacious, private, ground-level garages are optional.

The main clubhouse is on the opposite side of Highway 375 and offers residents access to meeting rooms, a game room, a fitness center and an outdoor pool with sauna, water feature and lush landscaping.

According to Mashburn, 80 percent of the Phase 1 units have been presold.

The 12-acre second phase will be built at a higher elevation on the south side of state Highway 375 and will consist of 120 to 144 units, most of which will be two-bedroom. Presales begin later this summer.

Enhancing German Creek Resort’s lakefront lifestyle will be the presence of a marina, shops and a restaurant, all designed to transform the resort into a true community that is well integrated with its surroundings. When completed, the marina will be the largest on the lake, and its 222 slips will serve boaters with high-tech style. Covered slips will come complete with cable television, Internet and telephone service and are being designed to match the architectural style of the resort.

A 10,000-square-foot retail development near the main clubhouse will feature shops offering lake-oriented merchandise – from kayaks and canoes to bait, tackle and sundries. Less than 100 yards away, a new 125-seat restaurant built over the lake will serve the community with both land and water access.

At 59 miles in length and bordering four counties, Cherokee Lake is one of the oldest in the TVA system, occupying more than 30,000 acres at full pool. It is formed by the damming of the Holston River and is also fed by German Creek, for which the resort is named. Unlike many other lakes formed by dammed rivers, Cherokee Lake maintains a relatively consistent water level, never dipping more than 20 feet below full pool level.

The lake has long been a destination for lovers of outdoor recreation such as swimming, sailing, water skiing and fishing. Its 463 miles of shoreline are dotted with public access areas, commercial docks, resorts (including golf courses), state parks and wildlife management areas.

It is particularly known for its fishing opportunities, Mashburn says. “You can fish year-round and even navigate to most of the other TVA lakes,” he adds. “There are lots of fishing tournaments around here.” Anglers can hook everything from crappie and walleye to sunfish and catfish. Bass, however, is the catch of choice, especially striped bass, although several other varieties also inhabit the waters.

“Everyone is happy about this project. It should be a boost for the local economy,” says Mashburn. “We hope it will help raise Grainger County up a notch. There’s already a certain charm and mystique about this part of East Tennessee. It’s beautiful.”

Cherokee Lake
Location: Borders four counties — Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins and Jefferson.
Size: 30,300 acres, 463 miles of shoreline
Number of boat ramps: 16
Location of marinas: German Creek Marina, Bean Station; Fall Creek Marina & Campground, Russellville; Greenlee Campground RV and Marine LLC, Rutledge; Cardinal Cove Marina and Resort, Rutledge; Cedar Hill Marina, Celina; Hamblen County Boat Dock Inc., Morristown
Recreational usage: Boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing

For more information:
www.tva.gov/sites/cherokee.htm
www.cherokeelakeinfo.com

German Creek Resort
Location: Near Bean Station, Grainger County
Builder/developer: Leon and Rhonda Epling and DionasWhelchel Commercial Group
Number of units: 64 in Phase 1; 120 to 144 in Phase 2
Floor space: 1,640 to 2,353 square feet
Special amenities: Clubhouse with pool, meeting rooms, game room and fitness center
Listing agent: Jim Klonaris, DionasWhelchel Realty Co.
For more information: 865-357-7700, www.germancreekresort.com