Now in its fourth year, The Reserve at Lake Keowee is pleased to once again sponsor the Artisphere Getaway Weekend contest. One lucky winner will receive a complimentary package to enjoy Artisphere, a nationally-ranked outdoor arts festival taking place May 10-12 in downtown Greenville, S.C. The contest has already kicked off and participants can enter to win on the Artisphere website or on The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s website here. Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 28.

One lucky winner will receive a two-night, three-day luxury experience in the nationally-acclaimed upstate of South Carolina. The Westin Poinsett Hotel, the city’s only four-diamond hotel located in the heart of downtown Greenville, S.C., joins the Getaway Contest this year by including a complimentary one-night stay for the winner on the evening of May 10. This historical hotel provides perfect, walking-access to the festival, as well as other must-see Greenville attractions.

On May 11, the winner will enjoy complimentary overnight accommodations within The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s picturesque Guest House, complete with on-site activities at The Reserve, two weekend VIP hospitality passes to Artisphere, and a $250 gift certificate to spend on art while at the festival.
…Read More.

» Learn more about Greenville, SC
» Watch video from the ARTISPHERE festival

» See our Spring Photo Gallery
» Learn more about our new neighborhood—the Homes at High Grove
» Visit our online calendar to see the latest line-up of Spring Events

Meet the artists on April 12th!
Our visiting artists are all part of the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville, a cooperative art gallery in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Join us for an Artists Reception April 12^th, 5-7 PM at the Hill House

Kathleen Wiley has been striving to capture the beauty of the natural world since 1997. She grew up on a horse farm in Western New York and though she attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for graphic design, she had a strong desire to communicate the sense of reverence and awe that she felt for nature in all its forms. In her wildlife paintings the smallest details of fine feathers and fur are a signature of her style.  Her landscapes transport the viewer to a place of tranquility one can escape to. Even her still life’s contain elements of nature and tell a story. Every painting begins with inspiration from Kathleen’s travels and encounters, providing necessary accuracy for her oil paintings. Kathleen now lives in Walhalla, SC where she paints in her renovated barn studio. Her work is available at the Artist Guild Gallery of Greenville.

Edith McBee Hardaway studied Studio Art at Columbia College, and earned a degree in Graphic Arts from Greenville Technical College. She worked in the graphic arts field for 10 years and continues to freelance for various businesses, art guilds, friends and family. Edith stays in the forefront of fine arts by continuously taking art classes and workshops. Over the past several years, she has entered numerous art shows in the southeast and has received awards for her work in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. She is an active member of the Glynn Art Association (Saint Simons Island, GA), Jekyll Island Arts Association, Spartanburg Artist Guild, Tryon Painters and Sculptors, Greenville’s Upstate Visual Arts, Greenville Metropolitan Arts Council, South Carolina Watercolor Society.

Gerda Bowman is originally from Ohio, and moved to the Southeast in the early 90′s.  Having always enjoyed drawing, Gerda enhanced and formalized her skills with five years of courses at the Lindentree Studio in Canton, Ohio.  Courses spanned basic drawing skills through three levels of portraiture.  Twenty-plus years later, the thrill of the creative process prompts her to continue sharpening my skills. The mediums she uses are primarily colored pencil, along with graphite, pen and ink and watercolor.  She generally uses high grade drawing paper for graphite or colored pencil works.  Watercolor paper works beautifully with pieces that have combined mediums. 

Gerda also enjoys creating wearable art in the form of beaded jewelry.  She uses high quality glass seed beads along with crystals, pearls and other complimentary beads and additions.  The breadth of possibilities and the diversity of the final products are endlessly intriguing. Gerda is a founding member of Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville.

Kathy Naley DuBose has been painting since childhood and finds her inspiration from the outdoors and traveling with her family.  Her preferred medium is acrylic and watercolors to create detailed landscapes, street scenes, and wildlife paintings.  Kathy is a mother of three, and lives in Easley with her husband Dial.  She is also active with charity and fundraising efforts. 

» The Hill House Gallery and Foundation Events are open to the public.
» Gallery Hours & Driving Directions
» See more upcoming Community Foundation Events

2012 Charitable Foundation Golf Classic Participants celebrate the “Big Check.”                              Save the Date: our 2013 tournament is October 22!

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation
is pleased to announce its 2013 Outreach Recipients:

Feed a Hungry Child – Pickens County

Helping Hands Children’s Shelter

Pickens County Meals on Wheels

Prevent Child Abuse – Pickens County

Pickens Senior Center

Chosen annually by the Community Foundation Board of Directors after nominees are voted on by the members of The Reserve at Lake Keowee, these organizations are the beneficiaries of all fundraising proceeds collected by The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation during 2013. The Charitable Foundation’s annual donation is funded by a portion of all Real Estate sales, the proceeds from our annual Charitable Golf Classic (scheduled for October 22), and ‒ new to us this year ‒ proceeds from the 2013 BMW Charity Pro-Am Tournament taking place May 13-19.
» Read the full press release here.

Help us make this year’s donation the largest ever!

Volunteer for the 2013 BMW Charity Pro-Am—
A tournament this size requires a host of volunteers to be successful, and the RLK Charitable Foundation is rewarded for each volunteer we bring on board. Sign-ups have already begun and it is simple to get involved using the online registration form.  PLEASE NOTE: you must designate “The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation” as your organization of choice to guarantee we will get credit for your time.

For questions about how to get involved as a volunteer for the 2013 BMW Pro-Am, visit the volunteer information website or contact one of our Reserve Volunteer Co-chairs:

Dick Bishop
Volunteer Course Co-Chair
(703) 216-4511
dbishop98@gmail.com

Jay Hall
Volunteer Course Co-Chair
(419) 260-3621
susanandjayhall@bellsouth.net

Behold the mastery of Jack Nicklaus.

“I really co-designed the course with Mother Nature—complementing the gorgeous, natural features already here. It was my job to find the course hidden in the hills and along the lake.” — Jack Nicklaus

Nicklaus prides himself on creating courses that enhance the natural environment and are both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels. One round on our Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course (the first one in Upstate South Carolina) and you’ll agree he’s achieved that here. The course winds through the incredible landscape around Lake Keowee, along lush rolling foothills, through dense forests, following mountain streams and taking full advantage of the signature holes along the lakeshore.

At The Reserve you’ll enjoy year-round golf and outstanding practice facilities. You’ll also enjoy our award-winning clubhouse, the Orchard House. This 20,000 square foot clubhouse features men’s and women’s locker rooms with card rooms and lounge space, a pro-shop, casual and upscale dining, a full-service bar and a long veranda overlooking the 1st and 19th holes where you can relive every shot.

Everyone’s home course should be this good!

“The Reserve was brought to life by an exceptional group of adventurous souls who embraced our efforts and ideals and made it their home. Our members have created a strong sense of community that is both unique and evident to all… and surely why we chose to live here.”
—Buddy and Elizabeth Thompson, Reserve Founding Members since 2000

Buddy Thompson and Dean Ricker began a search in the late ‘90s for lakefront property to enjoy with their friends and families. Upon discovering the land that would later become The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Thompson and Ricker were struck by its beauty and sensed right away that this special place was meant to be shared.  Within a short time, the two men had introduced more than fifty other families to the area and, together, the founding families formed the original investment partnership.

“We knew people would be drawn to this beautiful lake and mountain setting. So we wanted it to be spectacular,” reflect Dean and Barbara Ricker.

And so, the search began for a developer, to work alongside the founding families to transform ideas into an ideal lakefront community, expertly and responsibly. In the fall of 1999, Jay Nexsen and Chuck Pigg paid their first visit to the property on behalf of Greenwood Communities and Resorts, and stood upon a bluff that offered a sweeping view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the inviting waters of Lake Keowee. They shared ideas. They visualized a lakeside retreat that would attract hundreds of likeminded families—those in search of an ideal recreational retreat that offered nature and amenities at their finest. Together, they invested in a vision for this place that came to be called The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

“For most of us, it was not so much a financial investment as it was an emotional one,” Buddy Thompson explains. “This vision was made real by an outstanding team of land planners, engineers, architects and craftsmen all expertly led by Greenwood.”

In the ten years since, an award-winning community has taken shape and a vision has come alive. The dirt paths worn by tractors and ATVs have been replaced with 35 miles of paved roads. The first families who roasted oysters over a small fire where the Hill House now stands share the seven-acre Great Lawn with more than 650 families from 30 different states and several countries at The Reserve’s signature events.  The Reserve’s vision has been steadily validated by its maturity into a spirited, warm and active community that continues to charm.

A tale of two families | The Cummins and The Radfords

Two builders and their families, ten years apart in joining The Reserve, tell strikingly similar stories of a journey to find a special place for their second home, their discoveries of The Reserve, and what excites them about being here.

“We were pioneers,” Bobby and Carol Cummins explain. “It’s been a whole bunch of firsts for us.” The first full-time residents at The Reserve, Bobby and Carol chose one of the inaugural home sites available in 2000, built what they originally intended to be their second home, but soon moved from Atlanta after the home was completed.

“We came here every weekend for years, boated, sat on our dock, and watched roads go in, the golf course go up and the clubhouse open—all before anyone lived here! Great golf, a gorgeous, pristine lake that’s not overpopulated or crowded, an unlimited amount of activities—the two-hour drive was a small price to pay for this kind of beauty,” Carol notes.

Bobby went on to partner with fellow builder and Reserve resident Jeff Holder to construct The Reserve’s Guest House and is now one of the community’s Showcase Builders.

On what he’d define as the secret to The Reserve’s success, Bobby barely hesitates: “The developers have systematically underpromised and overdelivered. They had the foresight to build a strong foundation for this community and be prudent about its growth along the way.”

“People continue to come here for a combination of the aesthetics and the people,” the Cummins offered. And the Radfords, among The Reserve’s newest members, echo that sentiment through their own recent experience.

“We’d been planning on having a second home and had done a lot of shopping around, but we were never as confident as when we visited The Reserve this past fall,” goes the story of Kevin and Beth Radford, natives of West Virginia who became members in December. “This is one of the easiest big decisions we’ve ever made. It was a no-brainer.”

The Radfords, who have three children Sydney (19), Skylar (16) and Sutton (10), intend to eventually relocate permanently to The Reserve. They’ve already been down a second time to survey their homesite to begin the building process.  Kevin, a commercial builder by trade, will be building the family’s lake home.

In speaking to the Cummins and Radfords, it was almost as if one could have finished the other’s sentences. What their stories show us is that, while on the one hand The Reserve has matured, grown and changed in many ways, on the other,  many things—the time-honored things—remain the very same.

The Reserve’s defining difference is the spirit of its people.

From those who’ve been with The Reserve for a decade and beyond, to the families who are just beginning to build their memory banks here, it’s undeniable that the heart of The Reserve—that which separates it and, in the end, has become its competitive advantage over time—is its people.  Its leadership. The staff.  All of its residents. Each of its owners. Together, they resonate with that “special something” that can’t be taught… only felt, acknowledged, nurtured and appreciated by all who experience or are touched by The Reserve in some way.

“A spirited, vibrant community—that’s what sets us apart,” said Jay Nexsen, President of Greenwood and Reserve Member. “When we formed The Reserve, we already had a sense of how tight-knit we’d be. People simply feel that they belong here. You can’t really put your finger on it, but that’s what it is… this strong, completely natural sense of belonging. Above all, this is something to celebrate.”

From the strategically planned, timeless comfort of the amenities that feel as if “they’ve been here forever and wear well, like a good old shoe,” describes Chuck Pigg, to the know-your-neighbor sincerity that the residents share, The Reserve feels quite like that iconic place “where everybody knows your name.”

“The people made the difference,” Beth Radford states matter-of-factly. “We felt we could really be ourselves and let our hair down here. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, not pretentious in the slightest, so inquisitive and genuinely interested in us. You just don’t get that everywhere you go.”

Enter Carlisle Jones, Commodore of The Reserve at Lake Keowee Marina. Think of Carlisle as our concierge who connects you to the best on-the-water experiences and offers a cadre of services to make your “lake life” simpler, easier, and more enjoyable while you’re at The Reserve. As any good concierge would, Carlisle takes special care of the Marina and the families who use it as a resource, and over the years, many have come to consider him indispensable. He came to The Reserve in 2003, when the Marina opened, and has been the community’s only Commodore ever since.

“Over the years, the Marina has expanded our services to meet the needs of a growing membership. Our jobs are to make enjoying the lake as effortless as possible,” Commodore Carlisle explains.

The RLK Marina and its staff, led by Commodore Carlisle, offer the following services to assist you in maximizing your summer season on the lake:

Slips for lease
The Reserve’s Marina is equipped with 200 slips, which can be individually leased on an annual basis. Slip leases include complimentary power and water, one in-and-out service at the marina (your boat is put into the water in April and pulled out of the water in October, at no additional charge). Members can also choose to add hydraulic boat lifts to their marina slips to help protect their watercraft when not in use and keep the hull clean.

Day Docking
Many Members who own their own boats take advantage of the Marina’s daytime docking services. Certain slips are designated as day docks and are often used to park the boat while families enjoy the Pool Pavilion, grab a bite to eat or stock up on some groceries at The Market, check their mail at the Village Post Office, or attend Sunday worship services – all within easy walking distance of the Marina. Some even take a golf cart up to the range to hit a few balls or play a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Often, getting to The Village Center is quicker by boat than by car.

Boat Detailing
The Marina’s most popular service is boat detailing, which normally takes place in the spring when a boat is put into the water for the season. In the fall, the detailing includes cleaning the bottom of the boat before it is placed into storage.

Your Boat’s Ready When You Are
Let’s say you live out of town and want to have your boat ready to enjoy as soon as you arrive at The Reserve. Done! Simply call ahead and the Marina staff will put your boat in the water, top it off with gas, clean it, and inflate your innertubes. When you’re finished, Carlisle and his team clean your boat, cover it, pull it out of the water, and put it back into storage. And, as always, RLK Members can access marina’s dockside water hoses for cleaning at any time, free of charge.

Service Your Boat Without Ever Leaving Your Dock
Many members have their own dock with their own boat. Any service the Marina offers at its own docks can also be done at yours. A popular service is on-water, full-service fueling. A member of the Marina staff will come get your boat, fill it with gas, and return it to your dock.

Watercraft Repair and Maintenance
Carlisle and his team can act as liaisons to manage the necessary repairs or maintenance your boat, pontoon, and jet ski that requires. The Marina staff has relationships with the most trusted companies for watercraft repair and maintenance. For Members who do not own a trailer to pull their boat, Marina staff can pull the boat out of the water and take it for servicing. More minor repairs, such as the replacement of a battery, can be done on-the-spot at The Reserve’s Marina.

Watercraft Rentals
No boat? No problem! The Reserve’s Marina has a variety of watercraft rentals for Members to enjoy, including pontoons (tri-toons), two Cobalt-brand open-bow cruisers, innertubes, knee boards, and skis. Kayak and canoe rentals are complimentary for Reserve Members.

Lessons
Many members who are new to the lake want to ensure they are properly trained and comfortable on maneuvering their boat and solve basic troubleshooting issues that may arise. Carlisle and his team give boat driving lessons, concentrating on all major functions of the watercraft including emphasis in parking and docking the boat. Interested in learning how to wakeboard or ski? Allow the Marina to connect you with an experienced instructor! Lake Keowee is surprisingly calmer than most lakes of its size, even in the summer months, and is an ideal lake on which to refresh your skills and learn new ones.

Fishing Guides & Touring
The lakes of the Upstate – Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Hartwell – are a natural draw for avid and amateur fishers alike. The Marina staff can connect you with the lakes’ best fishing guides and, many times, can provide their own personal insights and knowledge of the wildlife found in our local waters. The Marina staff is happy to clean your catch for you, which you can then take back to your home or ask the Chef at the Orchard House to prepare to your liking.  For those who want to take in nature with a tour, kayak tours of Lake Jocassee are regularly held by RLK’s Fitness Director.

Winterizing and Boat Storage
The Commodore coordinates seasonal maintenance such as “winterizing” a member’s watercraft. The Reserve’s Marina offers complimentary, uncovered boat storage to all Members.

“A month after we bought our homesite at The Reserve, we met Carlisle and bought a boat. We were first-time boaters and knew nothing about what to do. We weren’t comfortable driving the boat because we’d never done it before, and Carlisle has been so excellent of a help. Having him to teach us made us feel very, very comfortable.
We can’t say enough good things about Carlisle. The first time we asked him to put our boat in the water, both batteries were dead and we had a house full of people. Within an hour, Carlisle had two new batteries in the boat, and we were good to go. We had a wonderful week.
Any of the folks at the Marina can help us if we are concerned or have questions. They are all always courteous and respectful, which we appreciate. When our guests leave our home, they say they can see why we decided to build a home here.  They all have such a positive experience at The Reserve.” — Erv and Cindy Burbach, RLK Members since 2010

 

“Our Membership prides itself on the condition of our course and practice facility, and our maintenance team works hard year-round to make sure they have the best playing surfaces possible. Being named one of the Top 50 Practice Ranges is an honor, and a validation of our commitment to excellence at The Reserve.” — Frank Santoro, Club Manager

» Read the full Press Release

Furman University, Greenville, S.C.

“Even if it wasn’t a college, the natural beauty of the lush South Carolina landscape, Asia-inspired gardens and sparkling lake at Furman University would be deemed postcard perfect. Add to this a collection of buildings as diverse as a former Buddhist temple, now called the Place of Peace, an environmentally sustainable show home, the school’s signature Bell Tower and some very fine examples of Georgian architecture and you have a beautiful spot to invest the next four years of study.” — Forbes.com

Furman University – located in one of the South’s favorite cities, Greenville, South Carolina – is getting high praise from Forbes for its beautiful campus, but Furman is also known for its academic excellence. As one of the nation’s premier undergraduate liberal arts colleges, Furman offers a wide variety of outstanding academic opportunities for a broad range of talented students with a passion for learning, a robust visual and performing arts program and NCAA Division I athletics. Not to mention a host of events and activities that enrich the community, like the university’s free lakeside summer concert series and continuing education offerings in its new, state-of-the-art Herring Center.

» Read more: Forbe’s list of America’s Most Beautiful College Campuses