Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
Natural Paradise
A Grand Lake lifestyle includes luxurious yet affordable homes among nature’s finest.
BY
Jennifer Bondurant
PHOTOGRAPHY
Aerial Photography by www.helicopteradvantage.com


Photo courtesy of Patricia Island


Photo courtesy of Amilia Rose Estates

In the morning, Deborah Welok looks out the window of her Grand Lake home to watch hummingbirds and orioles at play. Goslings trail their parents as they make their way to the water, and a raccoon runs across the yard. She takes in the peacefulness, the waters of Grand Lake rippling just beyond the dock, a short walk from her house. As executive director of Grand Lake Association, her job is to promote the Grand Lake area in northeast Oklahoma, but it’s a lifestyle she believes in heart and soul, a lifestyle characterized by affordable luxury that captures peaceful, natural beauty.

“The sales of homes, condos and townhomes are growing by leaps and bounds,” Deborah says, adding that most homeowners are couples in their mid-40s and up looking for a place to gather with family, relax on the water and have fun. “At Grand Lake, you are able to walk out to your own dock. Few lakes in the United States give you this luxury.”

She also cites low real estate taxes, little traffic and the serenity of the area as main draws for those looking for second homes or a full-time change of scenery. A variety of communities are available at Grand Lake to fit your style. Many of the communities are new in 2008, evidence of the area’s growing real estate demand.

AMILIA ROSE ESTATES
www.grandviewrealtyinc.com
Small and exclusive characterize Amilia Rose Estates, located in Ketchum. The community encompasses 10 lots; only six waterfront lots remain available. Lots start at $215,000 and have been available only since January. The community offers views of the main lake, plus cove protection and deep water. Home-and-lot packages are available with developer Phil Sinor, or buyers may purchase a lot and choose a builder. City water and paved roads provide convenience in this private, gated community.

APACHE COVES
www.elderco-realestate.com
Apache Coves occupies 37 acres west of Zena for an easy Tulsa    commute. Community restrictions ensure home sizes of at least 1,800 square feet per home and brick or stone exteriors. Lots range in size from one-half acre to three-plus acres and come in waterfront, lake-view or wooded options. Community docks, accessible by golf cart, make for easy water access. Apache Cove’s established infrastructure includes paved streets, underground utilities and several landscape features like statues, fountains and waterfalls. Homes range from $500,000 to more than $1 million in this gated community.

THE COVES AT BIRD ISLAND
www.thecoves.com
Located at the south end of Grand Lake, the Coves at Bird Island covers 662 acres. A gated community, the Coves features a private, 18-hole golf course, pro shop and a 16-acre practice facility. Homeowners are both full-time residents, primarily retirees, and weekend enthusiasts. Growing for more than 25 years, the community is a mix of luxury waterfront residences and comfortable homes on the golf course. Residents enjoy fishing and boating, plus 24-hour security, a swimming pool, tennis court and club house. Homes range from $200,000 to $1.5 million.

CROWN POINTE
www.crownpointeok.com
Located on Monkey Island, Crown Pointe offers luxury residences in a condominium setting unlike any other, on eight acres and 1,500 square feet of waterfront. Quality construction is evident throughout and includes such standard features as cultured granite, fireplace, entertainment center, wine bar, hardwood floors, Bosch appliances and Moen fixtures. Developer Grand Crown Ventures brings a background in five-star hotels to the project, creating a maintenance-free environment characterized by luxury and convenience. Boat slips and garages are available for purchase, and two pools and an outdoor living area provide comfortable space for socializing at Crown Pointe. Residences range from $275,000 to $950,000.

ECHO BAY
www.echobayvillas.com
Echo Bay offers harmonious living, a unique development that follows a plan to preserve the area’s wildlife and natural habitats. Homeowners in this development enjoy the sanctuary of more than 14 acres left in their natural state at the water’s edge. Turn-of-the-century flora and fauna, such as buffalo grass and berry shrubs, are being returned to the area, and residents enjoy four fishing ponds and bird habitats. Located on Monkey Island, this eco-friendly development    covers 147 acres and offers 57 lots designed for maximum privacy that range from .75 acres to five acres ($45,000 and up). An onsite medical clinic also is available.

FOX POINTE
www.foxpointegrandlake.com
Fox Pointe is located on 2,700 square feet of waterfront on the south end of Grand Lake, a one-hour drive from Tulsa and less than a mile from Duck Creek restaurant and marinas. The community features 30 lots — 14 lots are available with 30-foot covered boat slips and 16 feature waterfront locations with the ability to apply for a permit to build a dock to custom specifications. Lots range from one-half to one acre in size and $80,000 to $275,000 in price. The developer, Concept Builders, a custom homebuilder from Tulsa, will sell lots or custom home-and-lot packages.

MELODY POINT
www.melodypoint.com
This gated community is tucked in the woods and along one-half mile of Grand Lake shoreline. Oak trees line wooded trails, and waterfalls cascade from six large tiered ponds to make the most of the natural setting. The private community features Mission-style exteriors with native stone foundations and fireplaces, plus a maintenance-free lifestyle. Amenities include a hot tub, heated pool and cabana area with cooking station. Margaritaville is Melody Point’s entertaining area on the dock, featuring a grill, ice maker, sink, refrigerator and fish-cleaning station. Private boat ramp and boat slips are available. Homes range from $300,000 to $600,000.

PATRICIA ISLAND ESTATES AND GOLF CLUB
www.patriciaisland.com
Homeowners enjoy access to both golf and the lake at Patricia Island Estates & Golf Club. Established in 1995, this community currently features 94 homes (130 lots remain available). Amenities include an 18-hole championship, semi-private golf club and members-only swimming pool and tennis court. The golf course features Bermuda grass in the fairways and rough and L-93 bent grass greens. The estates are located just 10 minutes from Integris Hospital, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and many restaurants and only 15 minutes from Grand Lake Casino. Patricia Island offers the convenience of city sewer, water and gas services, plus city police and fire protection. Homes range from $250,000 to more than $1 million.

THE PENINSULA
www.peninsulagrandlake.com
Formerly known as Shangri-La Resort, The Peninsula Resort & Club offers residences, a four-star luxury hotel, conference center and more on a seven-mile wooded peninsula. A state-of-the-art, 500-slip marina, wellness center and spa offer recreational options, in addition to the Peninsula’s championship course, given 4.5 stars by Golf Digest. Covering 1,300 miles of shoreline on Grand Lake and 415 acres of wooded landscape, homeowners enjoy gorgeous views and resort advantages — concierge, fine dining and maid service. The Peninsula offers 76 residences with two, three or four bedrooms and an optional rental management program.

THE PRESERVE
www.discoverthepreserveatgrandlake.com
An eco-friendly paradise describes The Preserve at Grand Lake. Lots are hand-cleared to save trees, and green building is encouraged. Redbuds, dogwoods and oak trees add to a botanical garden-like atmosphere along the shore. The private, gated community features custom homes — residents may choose any builder and build when ready, following established covenants to protect value. Located on calm water but close to public activity, The Preserve features 53 home sites on 40 acres. Sales for this community began in early 2008. Lot prices range from $59,900 to $300,000 and include a boat dock at The Preserve’s private marina.

RED OAK ESTATES
www.elderco-realestate.com
Only five of 10 waterfront lots remain available, starting at $275,000, in Red Oak Estates. Sales for the community began in early 2008, and potential buyers can choose a lot or home-and-lot package. Location is a prime selling point for Red Oak — the community is close to downtown Grove and located on the Honey Creek arm of Grand Lake. Homeowners enjoy great views, deep water and good fishing in the spring-fed waters. One spec home is currently under construction.

VILLAS DEL LAGO
www.villasdellagos.com
Now under construction, this 38-acre development features Spanish architecture and landscaping and home-and-lot packages. Four different lakefront home plans are available, ranging from 2,500 to 3,200 square feet. In addition to the community’s 1,600 square feet of shoreline, two one-and-a-half-acre lakes with fountains and bridges add beauty to the development. Located on the southside of Grand Lake    between the Coves and El Cabo, Villas Del Lago waterfront lots start at $200,000. Villas Del Lago features 52 lots, including 10 with a private dock option. Boat slips are also available for purchase at the marina.