Lake Toxaway Treasure

One of our greatest pleasures at Hammerton is witnessing the creation of a Hammerton home ‘from the ground up’. Or, more accurately stated for this breathtaking lakefront retreat in North Carolina, from the bedrock up.

Indeed, almost half of the three year project timeframe for this majestic 15,000 square foot Lake Toxaway residence was dedicated to preparing the site for construction. This included demolishing a pre-existing structure, sinking 188 piles down to bedrock for the foundation, creating an elaborate pumping system to overcome five underground springs below the house, and establishing 550 linear feet of seawall without changing the lake’s water level (which remains constant at 3,010 ft above sea level).

The homeowner’s vision was to capture a timeless mountain elegance nodding back to the stately rustic grandeur of the inns that dotted the Lake Toxaway shoreline over a century ago. Architect C. Allen Browne and Shephard Construction brought that vision to life with a thoughtful assembly of stone-flanked facades and gabled rooflines, a long airy porch wrapped along the lakefront length of the home, and ample use of reclaimed woods. Over 50 custom and modified light fixtures from the Hammerton Chateau and Log & Timber collections extend this aesthetic of old world elegance throughout the home and surrounding exterior spaces, as shown here.

The completed property makes the most of its magnificent setting with stone terraces and meandering pathways connecting a large boathouse, several outdoor seating areas, fireplaces and a rustic footbridge. Interior recreational amenities include a lakefront swim spa and hot tub, golf simulator, theater and fully outfitted game room.

About Lake Toxaway: North Carolina’s largest private lake, this scenic jewel sits nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains fifty miles southwest of Asheville. Early in its 130 year history, Lake Toxaway — widely known as the “Switzerland of America” at the time — reigned as a distinguished summer resort with notable dignitaries including the Fords, Vanderbilts, Rockefellers and Edisons regularly patronizing the grand inns and lodges along its picturesque 14-mile shoreline.

When the lake’s dam collapsed in 1916, the area plunged into obscurity and lay abandoned for nearly a half century before the Lake Toxaway company purchased the land and rebuilt the lake in the 1960’s. Today, Lake Toxaway has returned to a 21st century version of its initial glory as one of the most highly sought-after private resort communities in the U.S.. Luxury lakefront cottages and estates have replaced the original inns and lodges, and current homeowners include Fortune 100 CEO’s, politicians, sports legends and rock stars.

Scroll through the images below to get a closer look at some of the Hammerton lights used throughout the project.