Janet and Len Nardone are paving a new way to build your dream home in The Reserve at Lake Keowee, and we are following their journey from breaking ground to move-in day right here on the official Reserve Blog! As the first Reserve owners to select a plan from the 22 designs in The Reserve’s new Builder Showcase Program, The Nardone’s broke ground this spring on their new Lake Keowee home and Ridgeline Construction Group, a Reserve Showcase Builder, has been hard at work ever since.
Progress Report: It may not look like much has happened, but Ray Foral, of Ridgeline Construction, confirms that site work and other necessary preparations have taken place: foundation is in, the underground plumbing and underground electric are complete, the lower level concrete slab has been poured and site preparation has helped open up the beautiful view of Lake Keowee! The Ridgeline team has been busy backfilling and building boulder walls in preparation for framing that begins in July.
Janet and Len live in Maryland, but make time to enjoy The Reserve as often as they can since they became members in 2006. Their decision to build a part-time residence—which they hope to eventually make their family’s permanent home—was influenced by the simplicity of the Builder Showcase Program. “The builder program was a good choice for us since we will be building our home from long-distance. The design phase was easier for us because we had something to start with, but could customize the home to make it our own,” says Len.
Download home plans and learn more about The Reserve at Lake Keowee Builder Showcase Program.
SUNSET, SC – When David and Liz Bruce went looking for a second home, they had to overriding desires. “We wanted to find a place within a two-hour drive of our home in Atlanta, so we could use it often,” says Liz. “And it had to have a wide range of recreational opportunities so we could enjoy plenty of activities as a family.” So it was an easy decision for the Bruces to settle on buying a home at The Reserve at Lake Keowee…
This year’s Independence Day celebration at The Reserve could not have been better —more than 700 Reserve members and guests gathered on the Great Lawn to enjoy beautiful South Carolina weather, food, music, and fireworks, plus another 200 or so boats anchored on Lake Keowee along the marina to watch the light show from the water!
The fireworks show is always the highlight, but the weekend was packed with activities like the RLK Family Olympics, a giant slip-n-slide down the Great Lawn, music, dancing and great food… something for everyone in the family! See all the photos here.
University of South Carolina alumni and fans are swelling with pride after the Gamecock baseball team defeated UCLA in the College World Series, earning the title of 2010 National Champions. The South Carolina Gamecocks sealed the championship with a thrilling 2-1 victory over UCLA in 11 innings at famed Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha.
This is USC’s first national championship in baseball, and they have received a joyous welcome back to the Palmetto state with a public reception in the Colonial Center arena that was attended by 14,000 fans, a parade through downtown Columbia, and a USC flag flying above the dome atop SC Statehouse.
The Gamecock players and coaching staff are still trying to grasp the reality that they are national champions. “That just sounds amazing. Just to put the university on our backs like that and to give all the other sports hope that they can do this, you know, it’s an unbelievable feeling” said Whit Merrifield, who singled in the game-winning run for Carolina.
Jackie Bradley, Jr., was named the tournament’s Most Valued Player. “It’s amazing, we’re national champions now,” said Bradley. “I don’t have any words for it.”
One of the Gamecock players from the Upstate, catcher and team captain Kyle Enders said, “I dreamed of this when I was a little kid growing up and going to high school. I would watch the College World Series and to be standing here as national champions, I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Speaking directly to his Upstate fans, Enders said, “I appreciate all your support. I love you mom.”
Reserve volunteers joined the local United Way for their annual “Day of Caring”—a nationwide event where volunteers gather together to make a difference in their respective communities by reporting to work sites at local nonprofit organizations and public schools to tackle meaningful volunteer projects. The Reserve at Lake Keowee joined more than 100 other volunteers in the effort to clean up, clear out, or lend a hand to various non-profit agencies in the Lake Keowee area community, Pickens and Oconee Counties.
One fortunate local beneficiary shares his gratitude, “I wanted to send a sincere thank you for organizing and donating your personal time to the community charities on Monday. As one of several sites, the YMCA tremendously benefited from this initiative. Two different contractors estimated the rebuilding of our retaining wall to be around $2,500 at a minimum. With Lowe’s of Easley helping with the materials and the labor provided by the United Way, we were able to accomplish this project for less than $500. I know the other charities would echo my thoughts in that providing volunteer time to these types of projects has a significant impact on our organizations in a positive way.” — Sid Collins, CEO Pickens County YMCA
Learn more about Outreach Programs through The Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation.
Start your summer off with Reflections—The Reserve at Lake Keowee newsletter, featuring updates on lake and water activities, concerts and gatherings, club and foundation events, golf and tennis, available home listings, and a Reserve 10th anniversary look back at the developer commitment from Greenwood Communities and Resorts.
NOW AVAILABLE! Click on the cover image or click here to download the PDF newsletter.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
PALM HARBOR, FL – Eric Dodson, CEO and Executive Director for Audubon Lifestyles said, “We are excited to welcome the Reserve at Lake Keowee into the Sustainable Golf Facility Program. By participating as a Pilot Member, The Reserve has set itself on a path to lead by example, and their commitment and efforts toward sustainable golf course management should be commended.” Read more here.
Lake Season is in full swing and Keowee is alive with boaters, swimmers, kayakers, skiers, and now paddle boarders!
A cross between kayaking and surfing—Paddle Boarding is a common water sport on the West Coast and is quickly beginning to catch on in the East. In fact, Paddle Boarders were spotted making a splash on Lake Keowee as part of The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Fitness Activities. What a great way to celebrate the First Day of Summer!
Congratulations to our 2010 Champions: Rick Beasley and Jim Mears!
The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s premier golf event, played annually on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course—Member-Guest is always an exciting weekend, but this year there was also some tough competition! The Beasley/Mears team beat out nine others in the final shootout, with three playoff holes to determine the winners!
In addition to the excitement of the oh-so-close final shootout, several other participants celebrated victories of their own:
Coach Steve Spurrier and Rick Veith
Coach Steve Spurrier – competing as a guest of Rick Veith – made a Hole-in-One during the tournament using his five-iron on #12 (165 yards)!
Brad Ricker showed off his short-game skills as the winner of the Putting Contest and team partners Jimmy Wallace and John Lewis took 1st and 2nd place respectively in the “Hot Shot” contest.
The highlight of the spring golfing season at The Reserve was a visit from legendary golf expert, Dave Pelz. The Reserve was thrilled to host Dave Pelz, his son Eddie, and lead instructor Ty Waldron as they conducted a short-game clinic for Reserve Members on the double-ended driving range and practice facility, and later entertained with stories of their golf experience at a reception in the Orchard House. A big thank you to Reserve Member, Trey Lee, who helped Reserve Pro Greg Rushing arrange this rare opportunity!
See Jack Nicklaus’ Signature Golf Course on Lake Keowee, SC here.
Together, the Annual Memorial Day Wine Auction and Pooches on Parade Events at The Reserve at Lake Keowee raised $4,000, plus a generous collection of shelter supplies, to benefit the Foothills Humane Society.
The events are sponsored and organized by Residents of The Reserve at Lake Keowee and held at the community park, Turkey Ridge.
“Both events benefit a very worthy cause. Adults enjoy the beach music and wine auction and children love the Pooch Parade. It is great to be a part of a community that does so much to give back,” said Tina Propper, a property owner who helped coordinate the events. Learn more about The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Outreach program here.
Offering a change of seasons, a stable real estate market, and more than 220 blue-sky days each year to enjoy a revitalized downtown area, Greenville, South Carolina was selected in the current issue of Fortune Magazine as one of 5 great places to retire. Read the full story here. Maps of Greenville and Upstate South Carolina are available here to help you plan your visit to the area.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee is once again a host site for the annual Bi-Lo Charity Classic—the nations largest single-day charity golf event. More than 100 players enjoyed The Reserve this morning, including breakfast on the veranda, a full compliment of practice facilities, and ideal conditions on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Lunch is served on course later today, and events conclude with a gala in Greenville later this evening.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee, just 20 minutes from Clemson University, has a history of working closely with Clemson faculty, staff and students to promote environmental stewardship. Dr. Desmond Layne, Professor of Pomology at Clemson University kicked off a new project last week, visiting The Reserve to offer “best practices” for The Reserve apple orchard.
Reserve orchard manager Eddie Brown from All Things Nature, local apple producer Dick Purdue, Reserve POA Manager Ken Tamsin and Dr. Layne walked The Reserve apple orchard and collaborated on the project. Dr. Layne stated that he was “pleased with the overall health of the apple trees and praised our disease management plan.” He recommended that we fertilize each tree this year and scale back on our winter pruning to expand the canopies and increase the fruit yield next season.
Dr Layne will perform routine orchard inspections so watch for more updates this fall on The Reserve apple orchard.
A stunning collection of watercolors and reverse paintings on shattered glass are on display in the Hill House Gallery through June 30th, along with a collection of pottery by Kathryn Copley and jewelry by Gerta Bowman! The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.
Artist Pam DeWitt uses a variety of techniques an media to make her work unique, “I love the luminosity that is possible to achieve with watercolors. No other medium can allow the light to glow in quite the same way. I especially enjoy teaching my students how to create glowing watercolors.
My most recent passion is painting on the back of shattered glass. I have created an exclusive and unique art form. The luminosity is unmatched, and under-paintings and collages add even more depth. Like a kaleidoscope, the paintings interact with the viewer. The glass pieces change with the changing light and constantly look different to the viewers as they move their eyes” — Pamela DeWitt
In addition to her gallery exhibit, Pam will be conduction a hands-on watercolor demonstration and class on June 14th at the Hill House.
Email kgravely@reservekeowee.com for details.
Reserve ladies paddle thier kayaks around The Reserve Marina on Lake Keowee
With the warm weather of Summer upon us it is a great time to explore our neighboring lakes in a canoe, kayak, skull, or other self-powered water craft. Whether you choose to venture out on Lake Keowee in a club kayak or canoe (located on the dock below the pool), or take your own craft up to Devils Fork State Park to paddle on Lake Jocassee, you will not be disappointed! Paddling is a great workout, plus you will have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as birds, fish, turtles, and more. When setting out for a paddling trip there are a few safety precautions you will want to keep in mind:
Research the water in which you are planning to paddle
Choose a trip appropriate for your experience and ability level
Tell someone else where you are paddling and when you’ll return
Pack plenty of water and snacks, a First Aid Kit, and a Map, GPS, or other Navigational Tool
Don’t forget your life jacket and whistle
Bring your cell phone, fully charged, in a secured, dry box or bag
Make sure your equipment is safe and appropriate before the trip
Wear layered, dry fit clothing or swimming attire
Wear sturdy supportive water shoes you will be comfortable portaging in if needed
Greenville’s TALK Magazine allows a look inside the Rubright family getaway on Lake Keowee, SC. Right away you’ll notice the excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail in this spectacular home built by South Carolina native Ken Berry, a Reserve at Lake Keowee Showcase Builder. One-of-a-kind and luxuriously simple— this is a Lake Keowee familty retreat you’ll want to see for yourself!
SUNSET, S.C. – Chris Smith – the grandson of Christopher Columbus Smith, the founder of Chris-Craft boats – along with Alan Smith, the elder Smith’s great-grandson, shared stories at The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Marina and Village on Friday, May 21, during a luncheon and boat cruise held in conjunction with Lake Keowee’s 2nd Annual Antique Boat Show. The Antique Boat Show, hosted by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, drew scores of passionate boaters with their vintage watercraft from different parts of the country to Lake Keowee on May 20-22. Each day featured boat cruises, followed by intimate get-togethers. The event is one of many signature celebrations planned throughout 2010 honoring The Reserve community’s 10th Anniversary.
Janet and Len Nardone are paving a new way to build your dream home in The Reserve at Lake Keowee, and we are following their journey from breaking ground to move-in day right here on the official Reserve Blog! As the first Reserve owners to select a plan from the 22 designs in The Reserve’s new Builder Showcase Program, The Nardone’s broke ground this spring on their new Lake Keowee home and Ridgeline Construction Group, a Reserve Showcase Builder, has been hard at work ever since. 
Reserve volunteers joined the local United Way for their annual “Day of Caring”—a nationwide event where volunteers gather together to make a difference in their respective communities by reporting to work sites at local nonprofit organizations and public schools to tackle meaningful volunteer projects. The Reserve at Lake Keowee joined more than 100 other volunteers in the effort to clean up, clear out, or lend a hand to various non-profit agencies in the 
