We discovered this beautiful wooded property in Oglethorpe County, nestled on  shores of Lake Oglethorpe, in 1983 and purchased it the following year. At the time, our businesses were located in Athens, and the easy 20-minute rural drive through peaceful countryside made the location ideal.

What first captured our hearts were the serenity of the setting and the magnificent oak, hickory, and beech trees that grace the land. While finalizing our home plans, we built a dock as our first project and spent many evenings enjoying candlelight picnics by the water as our dream home took shape.

Our home was completed, and we moved in on October 13, 1985. The following spring, our first child was born, and over the years we raised two children here—creating a lifetime of cherished memories filled with swim parties, cookouts, and lakeside gatherings.

This home and property offer a rare combination of natural beauty, privacy, and timeless charm. Below are some of its most extraordinary features.

Property 

• Spacious lots provide exceptional privacy while maintaining a warm sense of community with nearby neighbors.
• Minimal light pollution allows for breathtaking views of the night sky—perfect for stargazing right from your front door.
• Conveniently located just 15 minutes from East Athens and 20 minutes from University of Georgia and Sanford Stadium.
• Positioned on the deep end of Lake Oglethorpe, where the water stays refreshingly cool—ideal for swimming, boating, and diving directly from your private dock.
• Protected views and added privacy on the left side of the property, where construction is prohibited due to the earthen dam.
  

Recreation

• Swimming: Lake Oglethorpe is among the cleanest lakes in the Piedmont region, frequently tested and studied by University of Georgia students for its exceptional water quality.
• Canoeing & Kayaking: The 80-acre lake is perfect for paddle adventures. Enjoy peaceful morning outings or host fun “progressive dinners” by canoeing or kayaking from one dock to another.
• Walking: The community offers 4–5 miles of quiet, safe roads ideal for daily walks and neighborly strolls.
• Road Cycling: The surrounding countryside provides miles of scenic, low-traffic roads—perfect for cyclists of all levels. As an avid cyclist, I’ve personally logged thousands of safe, enjoyable miles starting right from the driveway.
• Gravel Cycling: Just across Wolfskin Road, the Oconee National Forest offers hundreds of miles of pristine gravel roads, ideal for adventure and endurance riding.

House
1985 – Original Construction
Built by respected Athens homebuilder Rodney Wages, this custom-designed home began with plans carefully selected and reimagined for a more open, light-filled layout. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in, while recessed lighting with dimmer controls creates a warm, flexible ambiance throughout. To achieve the open-concept design, steel I-beams were specially ordered to support the second floor—resulting in a spacious, elegant main living area.

• 1994 – Garden Room Addition
  Seeking more space and natural light, the screened porch was enclosed and expanded into a stunning Garden Room, designed to maximize wraparound windows and blend the indoors with the surrounding forest. Custom iron bracing was installed to support the expansive glass design, giving the feeling of being immersed in nature.
• 2003 – Major Addition & Renovation
  Working with architect David Matheny of Armentrout, Matheny & Thurmond, a three-story addition was created featuring a new entrance way, two bedrooms, one bath, a spacious screened porch, and a large storage area.
  • Added back deck and covered area with a concrete pad ready for an outdoor kitchen.
    Front walkway and garden designed by landscape architect Connie Cottingham.
  • Concrete foundation walls poured and sized to accommodate a potential two-car garage.
• 2015 – Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom cabinetry with soft-close drawers, cabinets and pull-out shelving.
  • Extra-wide (30”) granite countertops with only two seams.
  • Corner cabinet featuring a rotating lazy Susan.
  • New GE gas cooktop and electric oven.
  • LED rope lighting installed under upper cabinets for soft task lighting.
• 2016 – Dock Upgrade
  • New decking installed and bench seating added to the lake dock.
• 2017 – Utility Upgrade
  • Two new 50-gallon hot water heaters were installed.
• 2021 – Exterior Maintenance
  • House pressure washed; damaged wood and siding replaced as needed
• 2022 – System & Accessibility Updates
  • Water pressure tank inspected.
  • New iron filter and water softener system installed.
  • Sturdy steel handrails added to the front steps.
  • Wheelchair ramp added to back stairs for improved accessibility.

HVAC
The home features three HVAC systems that efficiently manage climate control throughout the entire house. All systems were installed and are professionally serviced by Stanfield Air Systems, with maintenance performed twice a year—in the spring and fall—to ensure peak performance and reliability.

• 2025: A new American Standard system was installed to serve the downstairs living areas.
• 2017: A smaller unit was added to manage the master bedroom and two additional upstairs rooms.
• 2003: The original system, which serves the two bedrooms added during the 2003 renovation, remains operational but may be approaching replacement age.
  
  All three units are housed on a poured concrete pad and protected by a custom lean-to structure, shielding them from weather and debris while maintaining easy service access.
  

Landscaping
We’ve always been avid gardeners and spent countless hours creating winding pathways and lush gardens throughout the property’s two acres. During the 2003 renovation, we installed an automatic irrigation system that draws fresh water directly from the lake—an efficient and sustainable way to keep the landscape thriving. The system features four programmable zones that operate on staggered schedules early each morning to ensure even watering and healthy plant growth.

Summation
From the moment we discovered this tranquil haven in Oglethorpe County in 1983, we knew it was something special. What began as a dream of peaceful country living soon blossomed into a lifetime of memories—raising our children, hosting family and friends, and savoring the serenity of nature by the water’s edge. Thoughtfully designed and lovingly maintained, our home combines craftsmanship, comfort, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. The towering oaks and beech trees, the sparkling waters of Lake Oglethorpe, and the starlit skies have all been an enduring part of our lives. With its ideal location near Athens and the University of Georgia, exceptional recreational opportunities, and timeless character, this property offers a rare blend of privacy, natural beauty, and warmth that welcomes you home.