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Lake Anna Location
Lake Anna is located in central Virginia between 3 major cities; Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Richmond, and only an hour and a half from Washington, DC. A Lake Anna home or land property is convenient for a week ending summer get away and yet perfect for the full time family that commutes to work, or enjoys the lake each day in glorious retirement.
Lake Anna History...and some trivia
Lake Anna is the second largest lake located entirely in Virginia, with 250 miles of shoreline and 13,000 acres of beautiful, clean water. The lake is 17 miles long and surrounded by rolling farmlands, and hardwood forest. Many lovely homes are built along the shore, each on at least an acre of land.
In 1968, Virginia Power purchased 18,000 acres of farmlands in three counties along the North Anna and Pamunkey Rivers. Many of these holdings were at one time, large working plantations and these historic homes still stand in many of our lake communities adding to its charm.
The lake was created to support and act as a cooling water supply for the North Anna Nuclear Power station. By 1972 the lake bottom was cleared of all timber and the dam was nearing completion. It was projected to take 3 years to completely fill the lake when along came hurricane Agnes and did that job in 11 months. The first communites broke ground at about that same time and from that beginning, the lake has grown to over 120 different communities doting the shore....something for everyone.
Because we are not connected to a central water or sewer supply, each home site is a least 40,000 sq. ft., just short of an acre with most being an acre plus.
Since the rivers existed before the lake, the area was a natural staging ground for Confederate troops preparing for the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. General Custer was commissioned a captain in one of the existing homes. Many of the communities have their own civil ar story surrounding their "home" plantation.
The ancestral home of Alex Haley, creator of "Roots" the classic TV series, was also here at Lake Anna. Those interested in history will find much right here in our backyards as well as in nearby Fredericksburg and Charlottesville.
Two Lakes in One
Lake Anna has been referred to as two lakes in one. The main or public lake consists of 9,600 acres and hosts marinas, restaurants and other commercial establishments. The Lake Anna State Park is located here as well as over 75 of our lake communities and the majority of our residents.
The private side is separated by three rock dykes from the main lake and consists of 3,400 acres and acts as the cooling lagoons for the power plant. There is no public access unless you own property on that section. There are no public boat ramps or marinas though many lovely homes adorn the shoreline.
Each section should be explored fully by a prospective buyer. Most decide on the particular house or lot and are happy with whichever section in which it may be located.
Lake Anna Fishing, Boating and Other Fun Stuff
Anglers will rejoice as over 30 species of fish populate these waters including large mouth bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, bluegill and white and yellow perch. Weekly fishing leagues keep our full time and local residents happy while sanctioned tournaments bring fishermen and women from afar. Lake Anna is a fishing hot spot!!
Boats of all sorts and sizes are welcomed on our lake. There are no restrictions as to size or number. Sailboat enthusiasts will prefer the more open, wide water appeal of the southern end of the lake, while the fishing crowd has lots of hot spots in our northern "on Golden pond" look end.
Beside all the water sports, the lake has a garden club, car club, walking group and assorted hobby clubs. The communities, (over 120 in all), each offer social get togethers and their own unique fun things to do. In addition, our many active civic organizations and church groups can always fill a weekend with their dinners, bazaars and fairs.
Lake Anna State Park
The State Park, here at Lake Anna, has a beach area with snack bar, docks, an exhibit center showing how the lake was created and miles of hiking and horse trails. The original plantation house still stands in ruins and a hiking trail leads you on a pleasant walk to it. Don't miss a trip here!
Finding your Lake Community
and Other important things
Like Where Do I Shop?
Prospective owners will have much to choose from in our communities. From large communities with 300 plus homes, each on an acre with tennis courts, boat slips etc., to the smaller community of 14 lots, some on 5 acres with horses. Lake Anna has it all.
Each community has their own set of rules and regulations - covenants....some have many rules, some only address minor issues. Each area has its own charm waiting to be discovered.
Shopping - we are located between 3 major cities, Fredericksburg, Richmond and Charlottesville and also have our little towns of Louisa, Mineral and Culpeper for convenience. Need bread, milk or gas? A small family store will be nearby as well. Where you will shop most will be determined by where on the lake you find your dream home.
Louisa, which is a county seat does get most of our day to day business and hosts the local doctors and medical center facility as well as dentists, restaurants, 2 chain supermarkets, auto dealers, CVS drug store and lots of antique stores! It's small town charm and friendliness is a hidden bonus to living at Lake Anna.
Rules and Regulations of the Lake
Yes, We Have Some
Our lake is bordered by 3 different counties, Louisa, Spotsylvania and Orange. Each county has its own zoning and building department and hence different rules. Check the link on this site for more information on these county regulations.
All properties around the lake are zoned either resort residential, agricultural or commercial.
Spotsylvania County, which takes in most of the north east end of the lake is also subject to the regulations of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. This means that developing a home site in Spotsylvania county involves more permitting and time than in Louisa or Orange counties.
The shoreline development must also be approved by Virginia Power which owns all of the shoreline around lake to an elevation of 255 feet above sea level. However, landowners in all three counties, through a legal chain of title, have a reservation of easement for the exclusive use of their shoreline. Boat houses, gazebos and other structures may be erected after permits from Virginia Power are obtained. Almost all property owners have boat houses or docks on their shore land. Virginia Power promotes and encourages use of the shoreline for recreational use of Lake Anna. You will find them pleasant and helpful in discussing your lot plans.
To Build or to Buy, Lot or House
and How to Choose One
How much do you plan to invest in your property? That is the place to start when determining which avenue to take.
Waterfront lots range from $50,000 an acre for a lot with minimum navigable water and a small amount of view to $275,000 for a larger piece of property or one with a great huge view and hundreds of feet of shoreline.
Waterfront homes range fromm $150,000 for an older home on the water to over $850,000 for the "estate" home.
Water access homes are in a community which will usually have boat slips for the residents and always a ramp for boaters and many times other amenities like tennis or walking trails. Access homes often have a water view as well. They range in price from $65,000 for a small vacation cottage to $300,000 for a 3,500 sq. ft. full time home with every upgrade.
Access lots range from $7,000 an acre to $45,000 for water view acre or larger tracts.
As you can tell, there is indeed something for everyone here at the lake. Choosing your home or lot is an important decision, one in which you and your realtor should invest the time in to check all your options.
Buyer looking for an Agent
Agent looking for a Buyer
How to be Sure Your Interests are Protected
Before you begin your search for lake property, it is important to understand the relationship between yourself and an agent.
In the past it was simple - all agents represented the seller or property owner and the buyers were basically on their own. The agent was looking for a buyer for his wares.
Today, you have the option of working with an agent who will represent your interests both in the most suitable property and in your negotiations when that property is found. This is known as a buyers agent and that is how I will represent you in our search for your dream. This is at no cost to you, the seller pays all compensation from the marketing fee that the seller agreed to pay the selling company.
Ready To See More?
I hope that this introduction to our Lake Anna has made you excited to see for yourself what a hidden gem we have here.
When that time comes, please call or contact me with the information shown on my home page. You will find that I am a "low pressure" agent. My personal philosophy is not to "sell" you anything. Only you can decide if this area is right for you and your family and what is most suitable for you. My job is to get you to those areas and homes that seem the best fit based on what you tell me - and to make the process educational and fun and bring you to a smooth settlement of your property.
Whether you are considering Lake Anna for your full time home or as a weekend getaway, it is most important that you, not me, feel comfortable with your choice. This may happen the very first visit or it may take many trips and lots of work on both our parts, for you to find "it"!
Whichever, I am more than willing to work with you towards that dream without you needing to feel any sense of pressure from me. My goal (and a big part of why I do this) is to see you and your family happily enjoying our lake and to find some new friends in you and your family.