Lake Sinclair
David and Rebecca Smith thought about a long-term investment and desired a property they could eventually use as a full-time residence as they searched for a vacation home. David Smith, the owner of David H. Smith & Associates, a Snellville-based fire analysis and forensic engineering firm, chatted about their Lake Sinclair getaway.
Why Lake Sinclair: As a child, David Smith spent time on Lake Lanier, where his parents had a home, and other Georgia lakes, but he wanted to avoid the crowds. "I wanted a lake that was as least populated as I could find," he said. He also didn't want to buy in a traditional neighborhood, but in a more out-of-the-way setting, which he found on the lake in Sparta. Lake Sinclair has another benefit of being near Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville and the University of Georgia in Athens, where his teenage children may go to college.
How they found the home: The Smiths did extensive research on the Internet, which eliminated many of the choices. A must: Enough room to sleep at least 10 to 16 people for entertaining friends and family. "We wanted them to be able to use the property, as well," he said. The couple made three trips to look at 14 properties. When they walked into the home they bought, Smith recalls that he turned on the video function of his camera. His wife walked in, and she and the agent walked in one section of the home while he went another way and already liked what he saw. "My wife went downstairs. As I walked downstairs, she turned to the agent and said, 'This is the one.' I was video-ing," he said. "Both of us kind of independently fell in love with it."
Their place: A four-bedroom, 3 ½ (half)-bath lakefront home situated on more than half an acre in Sheffield Landing. It has hardwood floors, granite countertops and extras like a wine cooler. The basement has the "man cave" look with stone walls, wood ceilings and hardwood floors, Smith said. It has porches on both levels, and that was important for them because they wanted their children or guests to have a separate space on a different level. "Comparatively to all the other homes we looked at, it was far and above the other ones in the same price range," he said. They have also bought a boat and jet skis.
How far from home: About two hours from Snellville.
How often they're there: About twice a month now, and they plan to be there at least half of the summer.
What they love about it: "I work and I travel constantly," Smith said. "The main goal of the lake house is family time."
At a glance
The Smiths’ lake home has four bedrooms, 3 ½ (half) baths and about 3,500 square feet of livable space. They bought it in October.
Community overview
Lake Sinclair spans across parts of Baldwin, Hancock and Putnam counties, with 15,000 acres and 417 miles of shoreline. The Georgia Power-managed lake was completed in 1954. Nearby towns include Milledgeville, Eatonton and Sparta.
Information
Georgia Power
www.georgiapower.com/lakes
Milledgeville Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.milledgevillecvb.com
Re/Max Lake Oconee
www.lakeoconeega.com
Getting there
Take I-20 east to Exit 114 (U.S. 441) and turn right. After about 29 miles, you'll have your first glimpse of Lake Sinclair.
Recent sales
$270,000: 300 Barbara Point, Sparta 31087. A three-bedroom, two-bath lake home with a new dock and boat shelter.
$417,500: 2660 Lake Crest Drive, Sparta 31087. A five-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath (half) lake home with a boat shelter with a lift, gazebo, fire pit and screened porch.
For sale
$310,000: 2780 Lake Crest Drive, Sparta 31087. A three-bedroom, two-bath lakefront home with a covered deck, screened porch and walk-in closets.
$419,000: 199 Mays Road, Milledgeville 31061. A four-bedroom, 3 ½-bath (half) home with a full finished basement, and two kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel Frigidaire appliances.
Community information provided by Ann Foster with Re/Max Lake Oconee and compiled by Robert Inskip.
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