Welcome to B Lakeside, where we're all about showcasing the charm of lakeside communities, the latest in lakeside fashion and gear, and discovering unique lodging options around the most serene lakeside spots. I'm thrilled to kick off this journey with you and share my personal story that brought me to the breathtaking shores of Lake Keowee. And just as most stories go, this one was full of unexpected turns (and houses), from heartbreak in upstate NY to the beauty of Lake Keowee.
In the Shadows of Upstate NY: Our Lakeside Roots
Picture this: Upstate NY, where our fondest memories revolved around lakeside adventures—exploring quaint communities, boating on crystal-clear waters, and hiking the nearby mountains. It was where we felt alive, where we thrived. (Oh and if you are wondering who the “we is”: Meet my husband, Ryan! ) The dream, however, was to make this lakeside life a daily reality, not just a vacation highlight. We craved a life where we could step out our door and onto our dock, leaving behind the need to pack up for a lakeside adventure. The dream was big, the budget not so much.
The Lakeside Dream
The dream was simple but profound - to make lakeside living a daily reality, not just a vacation highlight. I became obsessed with living a life where we could step out our door and onto our dock, leaving behind the need to pack up for a lakeside adventure.
Initially, the idea seemed far-fetched, like REALLY far-fetched (just look at the price of a lakeside home on Lake George). While the dream was profound, the budget…not so much. We didn't have a multi-million dollar budget, not even close. But, fueled by determination and maybe a touch (or a lot) of "are we crazy?", we just dove headfirst into making that dream of living by the lake a real-life thing.
With perseverance and a bit of luck, we stumbled upon a fixer-upper on Saratoga Lake that actually fit our budget. I can't even put into words how pumped we were, but somehow we were on our way to living the lakeside dream!
Not So Fast
Seven days before we were scheduled to close (literally 7, our house was already packed up), I received a call from our lawyer that shattered our dreams—the sellers were backing out. In the height of the housing market craziness of 2020, we found ourselves homeless (we already sold our current home), emotionally devastated, and with no time to be sad.Since I had no clue where we were going to live (or what school my kids were going to attend) I called our realtor and immediately went on a hunt for a new house—a daunting task in the middle of the housing chaos of 2020. But ultimately we found a home, not one that we loved, but one that worked. A compromise, but a house nevertheless.
Texas: Opportunity, Yet a Compromise on Dreams
A year later, an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arose, BUT it required a drastic move to Houston Texas. So, just one year after settling into our compromise house, we packed up and made the 1,800-mile trek from NY to Texas.
Our home in Texas was beautiful (and massive! They weren’t kidding when they said everything is bigger in Texas). I loved it!
But living in Texas felt like a massive compromise on our dreams, hobbies, and, most importantly, how we wanted to raise our kids. I always envisioned my children growing up splashing in lakes, making memories hiking, and being in the great outdoors. I envisioned our family being part of a small community supporting local mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. I guess you could say I dream of living a stereotypical “Hallmark Christmas movie” lifestyle (but like the last 30 minutes where everything is perfect).
Lakeside Obsession: A Fixer-Upper Resolution
With much persuasion and a bit of begging somehow I convinced Ryan that we should buy a lake house, even if it’s a complete fixer-upper and a bit smaller plus created a financial gamble. As with everything at first, he thought I was crazy.
For the next 5+ months, I obsessed over every lake on the East Coast. Knowing that a lake in the Northeast wouldn’t be in the budget, I concentrated on southern states. I spent HOURS on Zillow; it was an OBSESSION.
A Christmas Miracle: Lake Keowee's Call
Hours on Zillow, countless lakes considered, and finally, Lake Keowee emerged as a possibility. Truthfully, I never thought it would be in budget. But by a Christmas miracle, a house appeared on the market in a town we never heard of, and despite doubts, we made an offer sight unseen. The offer was accepted, and then reality hit we were about to own a lakeside Keowee Fixer Upper house ( that we had never seen), on a lake we had never visited and in a town, we had never heard of.
During this long journey to find our lake house, my love for lake communities never diminished, perhaps only got stronger. It would be so hard to find real information about these lake communities and what the towns were like.
Welcome to B Lakeside: Where Dreams Meet Reality
So, what's the purpose of this blog, B Lakeside? It's more than a blog; it's a celebration of lakeside life. Join me as I uncover the charm of lakeside communities, share stories of local gems, and update you on our little fixer-upper's transformation into a cozy lakeside haven.
Get ready to dive into the world of lakeside living with B Lakeside—where dreams are made, memories are created, and the lakeside lifestyle becomes a reality.