Waterfront Living - Watts Bar Lake
Real Estate Guide

Tennessee National
Greg Norman puts his Signature on resort community

Enjoy your day’s first cup of java from your deck overlooking the peaceful, pristine waters of the Tennessee River. Watch as the osprey tends its nest atop the channel marker. Catch a glimpse of the finest yachts in East Tennessee as they sail upstream or down.

Living on the water is a lifestyle being realized at River’s Edge on the Tennessee. This new development on Watts Bar Reservoir offers upscale waterfront living along with an extremely convenient location.

“River’s Edge offers unbelievable building lots on the water just 20 minutes from Turkey Creek,” says Rick Wilkinson, co-owner and co-developer of the project along with his brother, Dave Wilkinson.

Located just three miles from the Loudon County exit on I-75, the lots in River’s Edge range from one-half acre to two acres. The development includes a community party pavilion, boat dock and boat ramp, and all lots have access to the water.

Once on the water, Watts Bar Reservoir offers a vast array of recreational opportunities. Situated in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley in Roane, Meigs, Rhea and Loudon counties, the lake covers more than 39,000 acres and 780 miles of shoreline.

Watts Bar extends 72.4 miles between the Watts Bar Dam and Fort Loudon Dam with a maximum depth being approximately 70 feet near the dam. Part of the Tennessee River system, the waters of Watts Bar connect boaters to the Mississippi River and all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the largest lakes in the South, Watts Bar was built in 1942 by TVA for flood control, power generation and recreation. Located about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, it is one of nine TVA dams on the Tennessee River. The lake attracts millions of recreation visitors each year for boating, fishing, swimming, camping and outdoor activities. A scenic overlook near the dam provides visitors with a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding countryside.

The locks at Watts Bar handle more than a million tons of cargo a year, and the reservoir plays an important role in flood control. Without dams like Watts Bar, Chattanooga and other downstream communities would have suffered several major floods and many smaller ones over the years that would have resulted in losses approximating $4.9 billion, according to TVA.

Today, Watts Bar is probably most famous for its superb fishing. Anglers can choose from wide-open flats to narrow, winding river channels. Jumbo crappie, lunker, largemouth bass, smallmouth, trophy stripers and a wide array of freshwater fish are abundant. The best fishing is reportedly between April 15 and Nov. 1, when the lake is at the summer pool level of 741 feet above sea level.

Just minutes away, Loudon County and Lenoir City offer all the conveniences of a popular and growing community. According to the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce, the county is among the fastest-growing counties in East Tennessee, with a population approaching 40,000.

“Located within a day’s drive of 70 percent of the nation’s population, its numerous waterways, 10 golf courses and scenic wonder partner beautifully with the area’s heritage and culture to provide an exceptional quality of life,” says Teresa Ward-Keenan, president of the chamber.

“Loudon County offers the natural beauty of waterfront living and a graceful country atmosphere in the midst of a strong sense of community,” she adds. “The splendor of our lakes and rivers, the breathtaking views of the mountains and the rolling hills are simply spectacular.”

Watts Bar Reservoir is fed by three major rivers, including the Tennessee River, and at least six large creeks. Boaters enjoy unlimited coves and islands with natural sand beaches. Area marinas provide 500 boat slips, large and small boat rentals, houseboats, cabins and supplies. In addition, the lake is particularly suited for family vacations with numerous commercial resorts and boat docks.

While vacationers reluctantly leave the scenic waters of Watts Bar, the fortunate homeowners along its banks enjoy the round-the-clock advantages of waterfront living.

“This property is perfect for people who enjoy the privacy and peacefulness of waterfront living with all the conveniences of city accommodations. For boaters, the location is ideal, just 15 minutes by boat below the Tellico Dam,” explains Chris Gibbs, a land management consultant at JCG & Associates, which has helped prepare for the River’s Edge Priority Selection Event Sale, scheduled for Saturday, June 24.

This special sale will present the neighborhood’s 22 building lots, ranging in price from $79,000 to $369,900. Prospective buyers can make an appointment for a personal showing during the event by calling Wilkinson Land Development Company (toll-free) at 866-781-5263.

“Great properties like this sell fast,” Wilkinson asserts. “Anyone can have a great property, but that’s no good if buyers don’t know about it or if financing isn’t available. That’s why we’re hosting this special event.”

During the Priority Selection Event Sale, Wilkinson says financing options have been pre-arranged for consideration by buyers. In addition, a builder will be on-site to talk with customers about construction costs and suggestions of how to build on a specific lot.

“This is the best time for people and investors who’ve been looking for lakefront property,” says Wilkinson. “This property is initially being offered six figures under current market prices.”