It’s like ‘our own resort’

Back before 1962, the 21 acres at West Point Lake now owned by Arlynn and Matt Van Paepeghem were part of a 150-acre farm. When the Chattahoochee River was dammed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create the lake, 100 acres of the farm went underwater and the Keel family was left with 50. Forty-five years later, members of the family were ready to sell their land, and, over the course of a year, the Van Paepeghems were able to buy four adjoining lots.

Their choice of a lake: “We own several restaurants along I-85, including one in LaGrange,” says Arlynn. “Our office is halfway between LaGrange and our home in Marietta, so it made sense to find a vacation home at West Point Lake,” adds Matt. “We owned a home here until 2000 and later owned a home on Lake Lanier. Being on Lake Lanier feels like you are still in Atlanta; it is just too busy. When you are on West Point Lake, it’s more relaxing and you feel much safer. LaGrange is a nice quiet town and a great place to get away from the city,” says Matt.

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Photos by Christopher Oquendo / Special

Chilling out on the pontoon boat is a favorite pastime.

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Arlynn and Matt Van Paepeghem bought four lots on West Point Lake near LaGrange.

Getting there

Take I-85 south to Exit 18 (Ga. 109, Lafayette Parkway). Turn right, go through LaGrange. Continue on Ga. 109 to central West Point Lake. Just outside LaGrange, U.S. 29 goes to the southern part of the lake. Take Ga. 219 from the middle of LaGrange to the northern part of the lake.

Lots of land: The couple is still deciding exactly where to build a home, so for now they’ve put up a manufactured home. “It’s so private here, it’s like having our own resort,” says Arlynn. “One day we’ll build a nice home, but for now we are enjoying everything just the way it is.”

Lots to do: “I’m a big fisherman,” says Matt. “I love the water, and we enjoy using the Jet Skis and taking a cruise on the pontoon boat. Our grandkids really enjoy riding their four-wheelers, fishing and riding the Jet Skis. We had a new two-story dock installed by [local builder] Don Hale, and we enjoy swimming, fishing or just relaxing on the dock. We can also see a lot of wildlife on our property.”

West Point Lake

Arlynn says, “Everything is so convenient on West Point Lake. We can hop in the pontoon boat and go to the marina for dinner or lunch.” Matt adds, “The marina is so close they will pick up my boat for service and return it. That’s really great. LaGrange has some great restaurants and a nice downtown area with a movie theater. It’s getting to be a very desirable place to be.” Nicole Smith of Re/Max Results says people are recognizing the great investment potential in LaGrange, with thousands of new jobs moving to the area over the next two years. “Currently there are 26 lake homes on the market and truly something for everyone, from small cabins to an executive-style builder’s custom home. Rich in history, blessed with a talented arts community and abounding in recreational opportunities, LaGrange and the West Point Lake area are a wonderful place for a weekend home.”

Current listings

206 Thomas Drive: four-bedroom, three-bath ranch-style home with great views, beautiful deck, easy, level walk to lake and boat dock; $499,900

395 Grayson Trail: four-bedroom, three-bath home with 1,900-square-foot unfinished basement, screened porch and great deep water; $219,900

132 Morgan Drive: executive-style builder’s custom home, five-bedroom, five-bath, with dock and seawall; $795,000

Do you have a vacation home? We’d like to learn about it and see some photos. Send us an e-mail at vacation@ajchomefinder.com with the details of your home and include some family snapshots that really show it off.

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