Natural Paradise in Oklahoma: Grand Lake Living

In the morning, Deborah Welok looks out the window of her Grand Lake home  to watch hummingbirds and orioles at play. Goslings trail their parents as they make their way to the water, and a raccoon runs across the yard. She takes in the peacefulness, the waters of Grand Lake rippling just beyond the dock that is a short walk from her house. As executive director of Grand Lake Association, Welok’s job is to promote the Grand Lake area in northeast Oklahoma, but it’s a lifestyle she believes in heart and soul, a lifestyle characterized by affordable luxury that captures peaceful, natural beauty.
“The sales of homes, condos and townhomes are growing by leaps and bounds,” says Welok. According to Welok, most homeowners are in their mid-40s and up, couples looking for a place to gather with family, get on the water and have fun. “At Grand Lake, you are able to walk out to your own dock,” she says. “Few lakes in the United States give you this luxury.”
Welok also cites low real estate taxes, little traffic and the peacefulness of the area as main draws for those looking for second homes or a full-time change of scenery. A variety of communities are available at Grand Lake to fit your style. Many of the communities are new in 2008, evidence of the area’s growing real estate demand.

Villas Del Lago
Now under construction, this 38-acre development features Spanish architecture and landscaping and home-and-lot packages for Grand Lake living. Four different lakefront home plans are available, ranging from 2,500 to 3,200 square feet. In addition to the community’s 1,600 sq. ft. of shoreline, two one-and-a-half acre lakes with fountains and bridges add beauty to the development. Located on the southside of Grand Lake between the Coves and El Cabo, Villa Del Lago waterfront lots start at $200,000. Villas Del Lago features 52 lots, including 10 with private dock option. Boat slips are also available for purchase at the marina.
http://www.villasdellagos.com

Echo Bay
Echo Bay offers harmonious living, a unique development that follows a plan to preserve the area’s wildlife and natural habitats. Homeowners in this development enjoy the sanctuary of 14+ acres left in natural state at the water’s edge. Turn-of-the-century flora and fauna, such as buffalo grass and berry shrubs, are being returned to the area, and residents enjoy four fishing ponds and bird habitats. Located on Monkey Island, this eco-friendly development covers 147 acres and offers 57 lots, designed for maximum privacy, that range from .75 acres to 5 acres ($45,000 and up). On-site medical clinic is available.
http://www.echobayvillas.com

Patricia Island Estates and Golf Club
Homeowners enjoy access to both golf and lake at Patricia Island Estates & Golf Club. Established in 1995, this community currently features 94 homes (130 lots remain available). Amenities include an 18-hole championship, semi-private golf club and members’ only swimming pool and tennis court. The golf course features Bermuda grass in the fairways and rough and L-93 bent grass greens. Located 10 minutes from Integris Hospital, Wal-Mart, Lowes and many restaurants and only 15 minutes from Grand Lake Casino. Patricia Island offers the convenience of city sewer, water and gas services, plus city police and fire protection. Homes range from $250,000 to $1,000,000+.
http://www.patriciaisland.com

The Coves at Bird Island
Located at the south end of Grand Lake, the Coves at Bird Island covers 662 acres. A gated community, the Coves features a private 18-hole golf course, pro shop, and a 16-acre practice facility. Homeowners are both full-time residents, primarily retirees, and weekend enthusiasts. Growing for more than 25 years, the community is a mix of luxury waterfront residences and comfortable homes on the golf course. Residents enjoy fishing and boating, plus 24-hour security, swimming pool, tennis court and club house. Homes range from $200,000 to $1.5 million.
http://www.thecoves.com

The Preserve
An eco-friendly paradise describes the Preserve at Grand Lake. Lots are hand cleared to save trees, and green building is encouraged. Redbuds, dogwoods and oak trees add to a botanical garden-like atmosphere along the shore. The private, gated community features custom homes – residents may choose any builder and build when ready, following established covenants to protect value. Located on calm water, but close to public activity, the Preserve features 53 home sites on 40 acres. Sales for this community began in early 2008. Lot prices range from $59,900 to $300,000 and include boat dock at the Preserve’s private marina.
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Melody Point
Melody Point is a gated community tucked in the woods and along one-half mile of Grand Lake shoreline. Oak trees line wooded trails, and waterfalls cascade from six large, tiered ponds to make the most of the natural setting. This private, gated community features mission-style exteriors with native stone foundations and fireplaces, plus a maintenance-free lifestyle. Amenities include a hot tub, heated pool and cabana area with cooking station. Margaritaville is Melody Point’s entertaining area on the dock featuring grill, ice maker, sink, refrigerator, and fish cleaning station. Private boat ramp and boat slips are available. Homes range from $300,000 to $600,000.
http://www.melodypoint.com

Crown Pointe
Located on Monkey Island, Crown Pointe offers luxury residences in a condominium setting unlike any other. Quality construction is evident throughout, including such details as cultured granite, fireplace, entertainment center, wine bar, hardwood floors, Bosch appliances and Moen fixtures – all standard features. Developer Grand Crown Ventures brings a background in luxury, 5-star hotels to the project, creating a maintenance-free environment characterized by luxury and convenience. Boat slips and garages are available for purchase, and two pools and an outdoor living area provide comfortable space for socializing at Crown Pointe. Covering 8 acres with 1500 ft. of waterfront, residences range form $275,000 to $950,000.
http://crownpointeok.com/

Red Oak Estates
Only five of 10 waterfront lots remain available, starting at $275,000, in Red Oak Estates. Sales for the community began in early 2008, and potential buyers can choose a lot or home-and-lot package. Location is a prime selling point for Red Oak: The community is close to downtown Grove and located on the Honey Creek arm of Grand Lake. Homeowners will enjoy great views, deep water and good fishing in the spring-fed waters. One spec home is currently under construction.
http://www.elderco-realestate.com

Apache Coves
Apache Coves occupies 37 acres, west of Zena for an easy Tulsa commute. Community restrictions ensure home sizes of at least 1800 sq. ft. per home and brick or stone exterior construction. Lots range from one-half acre to three-plus acres in size, waterfront, lake view or wooded. Community docks, accessible by golf cart, add easy water access. Apache Cove’s established infrastructure includes paved streets, underground utilities and several landscape features -- statues, fountains, and waterfalls. Homes range from $500,000 to $1+ million in this gated community.
http://www.elderco-realestate.com/

Amilia Rose Estates
Small and exclusive characterize Amilia Rose Estates, located in Ketchum. The community encompasses 10 lots; only six waterfront lots remain available. Lots start at $215,000 and have only been available since January 2008. Amilia Rose Estates offers views of the main lake, plus cove protection and deep water. Home-and-lot packages are available with developer Phil Sinor, or you may purchase a lot and choose a builder. City water and paved roads provide convenience in this private, gated community.
http://www.grandviewrealtyinc.com

Fox Pointe
Fox Pointe is located on 2700 sq. ft. of waterfront on the south end of Grand Lake, a one-hour drive from Tulsa and less than a mile from Duck Creek restaurant and marinas. The community features 30 lots. Fourteen lots are sold with 30-ft. covered boat slips, and 16 feature waterfront locations with the ability to apply for a permit to build a dock to your own specifications. Lots range from one-half to one acre in size and $80,000 to $275,000 in price. The developer, Concept Builders, a custom homebuilder from Tulsa, will sell lots or custom home-and-lot packages.
http://www.foxpointegrandlake.com

The Peninsula
Formerly known as Shangri-La Resort, The Peninsula Resort & Club offers residences, a four-star luxury hotel, conference center and more, tucked on a 7-mile wooded peninsula. A state-of-the-art, 500-slip marina, wellness center and spa create your choice of recreational activities - in addition to the Peninsula's championship course, rated as 4.5 stars by Golf Digest. Covering 1,300 miles of shoreline on Grand Lake and 415 acres of wooded landscape, homeowners enjoy gorgeous views and resort advantages -- concierge, fine dining and maid service. The Peninsula offers 76 residences (2, 3 or 4-bedroom), each luxuriously appointed, and an optional rental management program.
http://Www.peninsulagrandlake.com

Dripping Springs Landing
This brand-new development located in Dripping Springs features waterfront lots for less than $100,000. Two log-sided spec homes are available for purchase, both with one year’s free slip rental. Roads are currently being constructed for this new community on the east side of Grand Lake.
http://www.grandviewrealtyinc.com