The Story of LakeHaven

In February 2021, we embarked on an extraordinary journey—one rooted in a deep appreciation for nature and a vision to create something truly special.

From our first meetings with the previous owners, we were struck by their profound love for this land. Their connection to its beauty and history inspired us, and we felt a responsibility to honor that legacy while shaping it into a retreat unlike any other.

At the heart of this landscape was a stunning, J-shaped, spring-fed pond—already a gem in its own right. But as lifelong waterskiing enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but dream bigger. Could this land sustain a pristine, spring-fed ski lake, designed for world-class slalom skiing, yet still harmonize with its natural surroundings?

Bringing this vision to life required dedication and expertise. We partnered with a consulting firm to carefully study the feasibility, navigate complex permitting processes, and craft a design that seamlessly blended sport and nature. The journey was anything but swift—over a year and a half of meticulous planning and approvals—but with each step, we moved closer to realizing our dream: a private waterskiing sanctuary, built with passion and purpose.

The first step in bringing LakeHaven to life was thoughtfully clearing the land—harvesting and repurposing the trees to make way for the lake and the natural contours that would emerge from excavation.

While some trees had been affected by historically high-water levels, the majority were carefully harvested, a process that echoed the original vision for the property years ago. By approaching this transformation with intention, we ensured that the land could evolve while still honoring its past.

Below, you’ll find a glimpse into this pivotal moment—capturing the first steps in shaping LakeHaven into the tranquil retreat it was meant to be.

With permits secured and the land prepared, we reached the next pivotal stage—shaping the waters of LakeHaven.

To bring this vision to life, we partnered with a highly skilled contractor known for executing complex projects with precision and care. Watching their team in action was nothing short of remarkable—the seamless choreography of trucks, backhoes, and bulldozers was a testament to both expertise and craftsmanship.

This was no ordinary excavation. The original pond presented a unique challenge, requiring careful integration on one end while being filled on the other. Adding to the complexity, natural groundwater frequently emerged throughout the dig, requiring strategic water management and continuous pumping. To navigate this, the team engineered a channel to guide water from the lake’s northeast side to a pump on the southwest, ensuring the site remained dry enough for progress.

Over three and a half months, we witnessed an incredible transformation—one that turned vision into reality. Below, we’ve shared photos capturing key moments of this ambitious undertaking, as the foundation of LakeHaven took shape.

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One of the most thoughtful design decisions during the lake’s construction was whether to incorporate turnaround islands—a feature that could elevate both the beauty and functionality of the water. After consulting with experienced slalom skiers who had skied courses across the country, we chose to integrate offset turnaround islands at each end of the lake. This addition was designed to optimize the skiing experience, ensuring a smooth approach, consistent water conditions, and a seamless flow through the course.

Watching these islands take shape was nothing short of remarkable. The contractors meticulously sculpted each island from sand, carefully shaping and refining their form before reinforcing them with stone for lasting strength. Their precision and craftsmanship were evident in every detail, transforming vision into reality with skill and care.

Below, we’ve shared images capturing this incredible phase of the project—a glimpse into the artistry and expertise that helped shape LakeHaven’s waters into a premier skiing retreat.

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Each time we arrive at the lake, we are reminded of the incredible journey that brought it to life. What once existed only in our imagination has now become a breathtaking reality—one that continues to leave us in awe.

We are deeply grateful to the exceptional consulting firm and skilled contractors who approached this project with the same care and dedication as if it were their own. Their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in transforming our vision into something truly extraordinary.

Stretching over 2,000 feet in length and approximately 300 feet in width, the lake is spring-fed with a pristine sandy bottom, making it as functional as it is beautiful. Excavation required moving more than 240,000 cubic yards of sand, shaping a rolling, picturesque landscape that frames the water perfectly.

Though the lake itself is complete, our work is far from over. We are now focused on restoring and enhancing the surrounding environment, planting trees and native vegetation to create a thriving, natural landscape—one that not only complements the lake’s beauty but also nurtures the local wildlife.

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When we first stepped onto the property, we were welcomed by a charming house and a guest cottage. While we loved the home’s character, its one-bedroom, two-bath layout simply wasn’t spacious enough for our family—let alone the friends we envisioned gathering here.

Rather than tearing it down, we saw an opportunity to give it new life. In January 2024, we were fortunate to find wonderful new owners who relocated the home and buildings to other properties, ensuring they would continue to be cherished for years to come.

However, one piece of the property felt too special to part with—the chalet. Instead of letting it go, we carefully moved it down the lake, adding a bathroom to create a cozy, secluded retreat. Now, this one-bedroom haven offers a peaceful escape, just a short walk from the main house.

Below, we’ve shared photos capturing this transition—an exciting step in LakeHaven’s evolution, blending past and present to create something truly special.