Waterfront Living - Norris Lake
Real Estate Guide

The Villages at Norris Lake a scene stealer

"It's almost like stadium-style seating," Jim Formichella says, looking out over the shimmering blue-green waters of Norris Lake.

Formichella, marketing coordinator for Land Resource Companies, is standing amongst the lush trees of The Villages. It's a 615-acre development and a rare find on Norris Lake, which is owned mostly by TVA.

The extraordinary secluded location is attracting empty nesters for year-round living and families seeking vacations homes within a three-hour radius of Ohio, Lexington and even Atlanta.

During just the first phase that wraps around the alluring shoreline, 100 of the initial 150 home sites have already been snapped up. A few of the hot waterfront properties are still up for grabs.

Josh Wilson, marketing coordinator for The Villages, points out that development has been carefully planned to include mostly log and “natural element” homes. Basically, stone or wood and only partial brick are allowed.

"That just goes back to the natural element of our company," Formichella explains. "In general, we believe in having hidden, natural houses, not structures that are going to stick out."

Guidelines are in place for the footprint of the homes – aimed at protecting the surrounding trees and idyllic hillside from being completely bulldozed.

Land Resource, two-time developer of the HGTV dream home, has a recognized builder program of people used to building in these conditions. Or buyers may hire their own contractor.

A 600-slip boating marina, clubhouse and swimming facilities are also planned for the waterfront.

"It's all about the natural setting. Fifty percent of the property will be used as preserve," explains Formichella. "Nature trails and the marina will capitalize on the area and lake, and that's what sets us apart."

Phase 2 along the ridgelines begins next year with a $49,900 starting price. "People will have access to the lakefront, but they don't have to pay their life savings to get it," Formichello points out. Not to mention the walking trails and planned manmade lakes.

The hard graft of putting in road infrastructure and running utilities underground is almost complete. Just in time for the first homes to be built next spring.

"You really can't get much better than Norris Lake, in my opinion – the purity and openness of it," Wilson enthuses. "And the little coves and spots to park your boat and enjoy the lake all day. We have 20 communities throughout the Southeast, and this is by far the nicest lakeside community we have."

The Villages at Norris Lake
Location: Norris Lake, 15 minutes from LaFollette, 25 miles north of Knoxville

Development and construction: Land Resource Companies

Number of lots: 600; 150-160 available in the first phase

Number of waterfront properties: 20; a third of the lots have water views.

Lot price: $49,900-$425,000

Minimum house size: 1,700 square feet

House style: Custom designed, with only partial brick, mostly stone and wood subject to Architectural Review Committee approval
Special amenities: Proposed 600-slip boating marina, waterfront clubhouse, swimming facilities, boat ramp, nature trails and a gated community.

For more information: 866 956 5263, www.villagesatnorrislake.com