Allen Fitness

Local Developer Defies Real Estate Market

With Affordable Vacation Homes on Lake Seminole

In The COVE At Trail’s End Resort & Marina™

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By John Beyers

            With all the talk about how bad the real estate market is around the country there are a few bright spots to be found. One gem is located right on the banks of 38,000 acre Lake Seminole along the Chattahoochee River, in the COVE at Trail’s End Resort and Marina™.

            Lucas Stewart, CEO, has taken the concept of lakeside property to a whole new level without the incredible costs usually associated with owning waterfront property.

            Through hard work, ingenuity and determination, Mr. Stewart has created a mini real-estate boom in a gorgeous section of Southwest Georgia by developing a luxury houseboat community in a full service marina that has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.

            Located an hour and a half from Valdosta, the COVE at Trail’s End Resort has experienced explosive growth at the same time as the real estate market has witnessed serious lulls and slashed prices.

            As the COVE rapidly sells out of mooring slips, current houseboat owners are enjoying huge percentage spikes in equity. The COVE features Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboats.

            The COVE has only 61 remaining slips available and Phase 1 sold out in just 14 weeks. Phase 2 had its grand opening and units are now being reserved. Once this phase closes the COVE will be nearly half occupied with ownership expecting closeout to occur within the year at this pace.

            Since the Army Corps of Engineers oversees the pristine waterways in and around Trail’s End Resort, there will not be any expansion of the development, thus protecting the houseboat owners’ investment and equity appreciation.

            Compared to the price of land along the river with the attendant costs of developing the property if even allowed, a buyer could expect to spend well over $250,000. Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboats, which start at just $149,900* at the COVE, has made it affordable and desirable to have your vacation home on the water at Trail’s End Resort.

            Asked about the novelty of the luxury houseboat concept, Mr. Stewart replied, “It is actually more of a reflection of what has been happening in the boating industry. For years, there has a been a shift towards non-propulsioned units and floating communities.”

            “We are one of the nations first and foremost proponents for establishing a nationwide dealer network to sell and service luxury houseboats into existing marinas and for sale onto private lakes and waterways.”

            “The entire Harbor Homes™ concept is not unique, but our execution has been unparalleled. We already have nearly a dozen dealers who will be building large scale houseboat developments across the country. It is a form of homebuilding whose time has come. People familiar with older style, tiny houseboats, what you could call ‘toy homes’ are about to be impressed.”

            The two most prominent features about Harbor Homes™ houseboats are the outstanding size and value of the homes. There are also a lot of benefits and advantages to owning a houseboat that overshadow cabins, lodges, lakeside homes, and other types of property.

            First, a Harbor Homes houseboat is built as a marine, seaworthy craft (U.S. Coast Guard inspected) on a large three bulkhead system for the hull, which allows the placement of a very large footprint home above.

            The houseboats at the COVE are all 850 square feet for the base. Unlike cramped pleasure craft, Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboats offer normal sized rooms including full living and dining areas, a complete kitchen with regular warranted appliances, full bathrooms, or a second private commode, a full stateroom that fits a queen or even a king bed, and children’s bunk stateroom.

            Every luxury houseboat has a private deck on the stern outside the master stateroom, where parents can relax alone. The units also feature a forward deck which can either be open air, screened-in, glass-enclosed, or can support a second story sundeck with spiral staircase. With the addition of a swim platform on the front owners can easily dock other fishing boats for quick access and immediate launching.

            The COVE has transformed a hidden riverside jewel into what is now being called Lake Seminole’s premiere family destination.

            Complete with a brand new private pool and clubhouse, children’s play area, community party room, and floating tiki huts, Trail’s End Resort and Marina™, online at www.teresort.com, has a long list of amenities that make owning a luxury houseboat there even more appealing.

            From the hot tub to the huge flat screen TV in the community party room, owners will have access to a full kitchen, laundry, showers, game room with a pool table, air hockey and even a business conference center. With nature trails, a volleyball court, a full restaurant – Pop’s Dockside Grill and Raw Bar, and the General store for groceries and licenses, the COVE has everything you want or need to play or relax. They even rent pontoon boats, paddle boats, and have covered boat slips with water and electric for cleanup.

            Mr. Stewart stated, “In years past, guys would go off hunting or fishing without their families. Now with award winning fishing and hunting right here on Lake Seminole, we have established an all-inclusive resort atmosphere.”

            “In addition to the luxury houseboats for sale, with the upscale cabins on-site for rent, the modern RV park with full hookups and the rustic camping, Trail’s End Resort can accommodate family renunions, corporate functions, fishing and hunting clubs and all kinds of other groups.”

            “What we have created here at the COVE is a product and an atmosphere where the entire family can vacation every weekend, feel comfortable, pampered and truly enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way. We have families going fishing now, cruising, and relaxing all in a manicured setting. We also offer picnic tables, hammocks and grills on-site so you can gather any time and have fun.”

            “Often the entire neighborhood comes together for parties, picnics, or just to watch the spectacular nightly sunset across the Chattahoochee River from the houseboats.”

            Visitors will notice as night falls, people line the docks, or sit on their decks sipping drinks and wrap themselves in the sounds of the evening. When the sun starts to slip below the horizon, fish bob to the surface of the lake to snap at a last meal, birds swarm in coordinated droves along the waterway and catch the air currents as they fly home to rest for the night.

            The total peace and serenity of the COVE cannot be matched. Because of its location at the end of Georgia Highway 253, this private, gated community is the end of the line at the riverbank, and the beginning of paradise. Bordering a wildlife refuge, you won’t hear or see another soul as the evening takes over. No city lights, no extraneous noise.

You really are back to nature, while enjoying the totally modern comforts of a luxury houseboat. It is the best of both worlds.

            The resort manager, David Allen, told us about some of the advantages to ownership.

            “What buyers have to realize is that owning a luxury houseboat here is a win-win situation. Not only do you get the full deduction tax advantage offered by the IRS, as a second vacation home, you can also deduct the houseboat under your business as an expense if applicable.”

            “Harbor Homes™ houseboats are truly marine worthy boats that can cruise the river at 11mph with the optional engine package. They don’t have property taxes like waterfront real estate and you don’t have to spend a quarter million dollars for a tiny spit of land at water’s edge.”

            “The way the COVE is set up you get all your utilities and the amenities included in one low monthly mooring fee. Currently an owner pays less than $300 and gets their water, sewer, metered electric, cable television with 48 channels, WIFI internet and access to everything else at the resort! Other marinas charge more than twice that just to moor your houseboat and you get none of your utilities. We’ve made this as attractive as it can be.”

            “Also, owners have to remember, we have a rental reservations system in place with on-site property management. That means if they choose to rent out their houseboat they can recoup the entire monthly cost of owning the unit all year!”

            “We’ll handle the check-in, check-out and cleanup, and you never have to worry about your home. Our staff does the grounds maintenance so unlike owning a lake cabin, you don’t have to show up on Friday night and mow the lawn or pick weeds. Once you get here all you HAVE to do is relax.”

            Also the COVE at Trail’s End recently contracted with fishing professional, Paul Tyre, to act as the spokesperson to the professional bass fishing community. Paul has participated in tournaments all over the country. When he is not touring he is available as a fishing guide. Just ask the manager about booking.

            Grant Nichols, National Sales Director for Harbor Homes™ and Valdosta native told us, “The COVE represents the wave of the future. Right now, you can afford a slice of vacation paradise right on the river. But we encourage potential buyers to act soon, because prices on the houseboats are only going up and the number of slips is going down.”

            “When you compare a Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboat for fit, finish and quality of construction to any other houseboat on the market, you will note two very important things: One, our units have many features standard that others consider options, and two, our indoor construction facility  helps preserve the materials that go into your new home so we  deliver a top notch product at a price that is less than HALF of other custom models.”              

“Owners get to choose from various floor plans, colors for the interior and exterior and even other items, to create a completely unique home on the water.”

            All of the manufacturer’s construction specs, photographs and options are online at www.harborhouseboats.com.

            “A Harbor Homes™ luxury houseboat is the premiere investment opportunity in a sour market, and the COVE at Trail’s End Resort and Marina is the prime place to join the future – a secure, gated floating vacation community you can call your home away from home.”

            To reserve your spot for a private tour you can reach the sales office at the COVE direct at 888-577-4562 or fill out a tour request at www.teresort.com.

            The resort is open every day.

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            *Models start at $149,900 complete. Options available. Financing available. Average monthly cost is $980 financed or about the price of two car payments. Based on a $150,000 purchase price with $30,000 cash down payment. 240 monthly payments. 6.9% APR with approved credit. Financed amount does not include state taxes, monthly slip fee or additional options.