Bear Paw Resort Effectively Issues a Moratorium of New Home Construction Due to Water Supply

When it comes to building a new construction home, the availability of water is crucial. Bear Paw Resort is a great community here in Murphy NC and the utility company just issued a notice that affects all lot owners and prospective buyers of lot owners.

On April 21, 2023, Utilities, Inc. (formerly Carolina Water) informed the Bear Paw Service District that they do not have enough water supply to accommodate new construction homes. They have already invested a significant amount of money in drilling two new wells within the Service District, but unfortunately, these wells do not provide enough continuous water flow to meet further increased demand for water.

As a result, the BPSD has received advice not to issue any additional new house-build permits. It is important to note that water is crucial for any house to be built and to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Department in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Without an adequate water supply, new home construction simply cannot occur.

It is understandable to have questions about whether your proposed building plan will have access to water. In this case, it is recommended that you reach out to Utilities, Inc. directly to discuss your concerns and options. They can be reached at 1-800-525-7990 or their website is here at https://www.myutility.us/carolinawater

This news may be disappointing for those who were hoping to settle down and build their dream home in Bear Paw. However, it is imperative to prioritize the availability and sustainability of water resources for the entire community. The BPSD will continue to work with Utilities, Inc. to find a resolution and keep residents informed of any updates.

If you are considering purchasing a lot to build a house in Bear Paw, it is necessary to rethink your plans until this issue is resolved. Stay informed and updated on the situation, and we hope for a positive resolution in the near future.

Looking for real estate in the mountains of Western North Carolina and North Georgia? The Poltrock Team has you covered! Feel free to call us at 828-837-6400 or shop for real estate online at www.ThePoltrockTeam.com

Spectacular Hiwassee Lake Front Home For Sale in Bear Paw Resort in Murphy NC

This spectacular LAKE HIWASSEE in Murphy NC Information DEEP WATER LAKEFRONT home for sale in Bear Paw Resort Information in Murphy NC has SO much to offer! comboTwo 2 massive porches to enjoy the lake, sloping yard, pavilion on the water, and a private dock let you enjoy the lake any way you want –  imagine swimming and boating all summer. The living room has high ceilings and tons of light. The french doors virtually merge the porch to the interior. Inside you have a master suite, loft, and a second bedroom which offers lots of space!

The FULL FINISHED basement has a full bathroom and will make a great recreation room, sleeping quarters, and can easily be made to multiple more rooms. Located in Bear Paw, you have many amenities such as the marina, pool, tennis & basketball court, gated entrance, and more!

If you’re dreaming of lakefront living on beautiful Hiwassee Lake, let murphy nc real estate help you find your perfect retreat.

Condominium in Bear Paw with Beautiful View of Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC

This condominium has a beautiful view of Lake Hiawassee soCopenhaver (Main) big that it feels like you can drop a bobber in the water from your deck! That and the view of the mountains is quite spectacular in its own right. It is also mostly FURNISHED!  This condo in Bear Paw has practically no maintenance and features a charming kitchen with marble counter tops!  It also has a vaulted ceiling, living room with fireplace, a master suite, a second bedroom and bath, a dining room, and an office. Along with all this, you will have all the features of Bear Paw! A Gated Entrance, marina, pool, tennis court, pavilion, and so much more!

Click HERE for more Pictures and Information on this home for sale in Murphy, NC.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.comCall us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

2 Bedroom 2 Bath Home for Sale in Murphy on a Private Land

Amazing! This singlewide manufactured home for sale rests on approximately 7 ½ beautiful acres of land with lots of privacy right here in Murphy NC!

The home itself is extremely nice – it has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Not only that, it was built in 2005 with lots of upgrades – including a fireplace, TWO porches, a permanent foundation, extra insulation, an electric heat pump that provides central air conditioning and heat, and much more!

It’s got a great floor plan and comes with all the major appliances. It’s ready to go! There are even two nice storage buildings and a double carport to keep your tools and toys.

The land is beautifully manicured and is truly park-like. The landscaping is impeccable and is designed to be low maintenance. With the stream running through the 7.5+/- acres, there’s so much you can do! There are many home sites and it’s extremely gentle. Not only that, you’re close to Lake Hiwassee, Bear Paw, and two marinas! If you’re looking for a reasonably priced home in the mountains that’s first class, this is it!

If you’re looking for a home for sale in Murphy or nearby mountain land, we can help—connect with us today at murphy nc real estate.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Spring Break in Murphy NC

Here’s an article I wrote for the Cherokee Scout, our local newspaper. It was published in theirs magazine – Country Roadson Wednesday. Enjoy! 🙂

Spring Break – it’s the things legends are made of. Countless Hollywood movies have been created capturing hilarious Spring Break family vacations and college excursions. Here in the mountains, it’s a perfect opportunity for families to come and enjoy the bountiful selection of things to do that bond memories together forever.

On our website, www.iLoveMurphy.com, I wrote an article on Bear Paw Resort here in Murphy NC that said, “It is surprisingly common to have a middle-aged person come who spent their summers as a kid in Bear Paw and want to purchase a property so they can continue to enjoy and prolong those great memories that have captivated them for years.” I received a call from a gentleman a week or so ago saying, “I’m one of those guys!” Now, he wants to come back to Murphy, NC to create the same fond memories in the minds of his young children so they too can look back at family vacations and Spring Breaks in the mountains.

However, fond memories are certainly not confined to Bear Paw. There are lots of opportunities throughout Murphy and Cherokee County. Fortunately, we are not a “Panama City Beach Spring Break” type partying place. We are the retreat for both couples and families.

There are so many things to do here in Murphy NC! In fact, I have quite a comprehensive list on our website. Things like ATVing, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, antiquing, farmer’s markets, festivals, Field of the Wood, zoo, flying, and so much more leave something everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re an adult or 5, you’re bound to find something to do and build those memories that last a lifetime.

So many folks come here on Spring Break, or another vacation, and find they absolutely love it! Murphy is one of the few places on earth that the more you come, the harder it gets to leave. It grows on your soul and becomes part of you. That’s why so many people choose to buy land or a permanent/vacation/retirement home. Land offers the opportunity of owning a sliver of the place you love.  A home provides instant use so on the few times per year you can break away, you have that special place to come to awaiting your arrival. Or, if you’re lucky enough, you can move here full time and become a true Murphy-onian.

No matter your age, no matter the ages of your family or lack of, I hope you have a wonderful Spring Break. Make it something that touches the heart and soul of those around you. Be certain to explore the opportunities that lie close to you. Leave no rock unturned and genuinely enjoy the time off to recharge your batteries and create memories that last decades.

Thinking of turning your Spring Break in Murphy NC into something more permanent? Let us help—start your journey at murphy nc real estate.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – www.MyMurphy.com – John Poltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Town of Murphy NC City Zoning Ordinance Document and Information

Deed Restrictions and Zoning  are the common ways of ensuring properties are used as intended here in the mountains of North Carolina. Almost all of Cherokee County uses deed restrictions to accomplish this. You’ll find in city limits of Murphy, North Carolina there is zoning applied to control the use of properties in the best way.

If you’re buying in most anywhere else in Cherokee County (with one major exception with Bear Paw Resort), you’ll find that Deed Restrictions will be the most likely way of ensuring your real estate is protected.

Looking to buy real estate in Murphy? Email The Poltrock Team or use our online resources! You can Search the Entire MLS, View our Listings, or let us find your dream property for you – right from our website! Call today.

Have questions about zoning or deed restrictions when buying in Murphy NC? Let The Poltrock Team guide you. Contact us for murphy nc real estate.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – Call Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Skype: johnpoltrock

Bear Paw Resort in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Murphy, NC

 

It is quite an amazing area that leaves fond memories in the minds of children and adults. It is surprisingly common to have a middle-aged person come who spent their summers as a kid in Bear Paw and want to purchase a property so they can continue to enjoy and prolong those great memories that have captivated them for years. We’ve spoken to and worked with many people who have fit this exact statement.

Being in Bear Paw alone is a wonderful experience. It features lots of things to do in the community areas such as a swimming pool, convention center, pond, guarded entrance, playground, basketball court, marina, and many other amenities. Property owners come from all over the United States just to be part of this exclusive mountain community. Surrounded by U.S. Forest Service and TVA land, the community is completely to itself and likely will never loose its natural mountain and lake views. It is on Lake Hiwassee, and the lake itself houses approximately 6,090 acres to fish, boat, water ski, or whatever you please.

The History of Bear Paw

Tucked in among the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, bathed by a 6,000 acre Lake Hiwassee and virtually surrounded by 500,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, there is a place called Bear Paw. This information summary will help you understand why we think you may come to spend a day and wish to remain a lifetime.

The history of Bear Paw begins with a decision to build a series of dams, Hiwassee and Chatuge Dams on the Hiwassee River and Nottley Dam on the Nottley River, a tributary to the Hiwassee River. All three dams are operated as a unit for the purpose of flood control, navigation and power generation. Hiwassee Dam is one of 51 dams in the TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, water control systems that provide flood regulation in the Tennessee, lower Ohio and Mississippi Valleys. This system also creates a navigation channel on the Tennessee River and provides hydroelectric power. Construction on the Hiwassee Dam began in July 1936 and was completed in May 1956.

After the site of the dam was chosen, the first task undertaken by the TVA was the development of access roads to the site. The only roads available were winding mountain roads, unsurfaced and impassable during wet weather. Consideration was given to building a rail spur to the dam site. However, after the job was completed the spur would be abandoned and a good highway would have to be constructed as a permanent part of the development. It was decided to locate the job railhead at Turtletown, Tennessee, and to build a highway from there to the job site. Today the road is TN Highway 123 to NC Highway 294 to Hiwassee Dam Road.

Because Hiwassee Dam was built in a sparsely settled and isolated region, there was a shortage of available residential labor and a lack of housing facilities for the imported labor. These conditions necessitated building a complete construction village as a self-contained community unit. The village consisted of 42 permanent houses, 73 temporary houses, five men’s dormitories, one women’s dormitory, a cafeteria, hospital, a community building, personnel office, and a school for those children in the village that were in the higher grammar school grades. In addition, there were nine group garage buildings, a service station, bowling alley, and an observation building.

Estimates of the personnel requirement for the construction of the dam showed that housing facilities at the dam would be required for 1,100 people. Also, because of the remoteness of the site, it was important to not only provide housing for those who were building the dam, but also those who would eventually operate the dam and power plant. The site of the village was to be within walking distance, about 1,500 feet, from the construction site.

1959 – “Hiwassee Lake Resort Village” was organized to own land in Cherokee County. The tract of land described in the deed came from the United States of America acting through the Tennessee Valley Authority. The land recorded on February 17, 1959 included the Hiwassee Dam construction and operating village.

1963 – The property was known as “Hiwassee Lake Estates Subdivision.” It was divided into “Hiwassee Resort Village” and “Hiwassee Lake Estates.” Hiwassee Resort Village consisted of mainly a clubhouse, rental cottages and beach. Hiwassee Lake Estates consisted of subdivided lots for the construction of private homes.

One of the first sales offices was located in Atlanta, Georgia. Those who were interested were invited to the Peachtree Office Building for a buffet supper. Displays were presented depicting the property. Those interested were invited to the resort for a two-day stay at no cost. The adults and children explored the lake resort and subdivision.

By mid-year 1963, 210 home sites were sold. Three miles of road were constructed throughout Sections I, II and III. Before that, property was shown by boat and by horseback. The first new water well was completed and tied in with the original water storage and treatment system. Three estate homes had been completed and there were plans for twelve more. Work began on the parks in Sections I and II. The original Clubhouse facilities were for the exclusive use of the property owners and their guests were completed in April that year.

Later that same year, the first 12 cottages were offered for sale. They were located on the right side of Village Road starting near the social pavilion and extending to the entrance of Hiwassee Lake Estates. That entrance was near the intersection of Village Road and Highland Road. You can still see the “Bear Paw” at the intersection, imbedded in the rock face. It’s quite the landmark!

1965 – 589 home sites bad been sold, more than 50% of the available lots. Steps in the development were being finalized to make it a year-round resort. The first phase of the security system was put into effect. Sixteen homes were completed. A model home was constructed at the intersection of Village Road and Lonesome Pine. It is the gray house on the southeast comer. Another model is farther east on Village Road, the “A-frame” cottage on the top of the hill to the left.January 23, 1973 – The resort community became known as “Bear Paw” under the ownership of Dr. Robert Bretches, Errell Steele, Jr., and First Georgia Investment Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cousins Properties. They wanted to provide for the preservation of the values and amenities of the “Resort” and “Common” properties. “Common properties” were then known as the “Class A Residential Area,” which included the security gates, open spaces, roads and similar facilities. “Resort properties,” included a timber and fieldstone lodge, a gym and a snack shop. Surrounding the lodge were the tennis courts, swimming pool, ice skating rink, and playgrounds. Recreational facilities also included a sled slope, stables, and marina.

 

 

Bear Paw of Today

 

 

Bear Paw was 1,000 acres of woodland, of which 469 acres were exclusively devoted to privately owned permanent homes. Two hundred and 30 acres were designated specifically for condominiums. December 19, 1973, the lodge burned to the ground and was. subsequently replaced by the present-day clubhouse/office facility.

Today, the Bear Paw community consists of 1,090 lots, over 200 homes, 42 cottages, 23 condominiums and Mountain View Marina. More and more of the friendly people at Bear Paw are permanent residents. They choose to enjoy the services provided year-round, such as security, well-maintained roads and grounds, as well as hiking, fishing and boating. They also enjoy the summer months that are best for swimming and tennis.The Bear Paw community consists of the “Bear Paw Service District,” a special service district ratified by the State of North Carolina, that serves the common properties and the majority of the property owners. A small number of property owners are excluded and are members of the “Hiwassee Lakefront Property Owners Association.” The “Cottage Owners” and the “Condominium Owners” Associations are also excluded. However, both are under contract with the Service District to provide most of the services like security, roads and recreational facilities.

 

 

The benefit of the “Bear Paw Service District” is that as a special service district ratified by the State of North Carolina, it levies taxes based on the assessed value of property and homes in the district. A seven member board that is elected by the property owners in the Service District administers the income from the taxes collected by Cherokee County for the Bear Paw Service District. These monies are used exclusively to provide the services of security, roads, grounds and recreation. The Service District helps insure that every property owner shares fairly in keeping Bear Paw, on Lake Hiwassee, a premier private living and vacation community in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

 

Bear Paw Downloads

Download the Bear Paw in Murphy NC Current Zoning Ordinance Document (as of 2/9/09)

 

Need to sell your property in Bear Paw?

 

Call or email us! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com. You’ll receive aFREEcopy of our Seller’s Guide and a market analysis to find out what your property is worth in today’s market!

 

Want to buy property in Bear Paw?

Call or email us! You can even Search Homes for Sale in Bear Paw right here on our website! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com. We’ll immediately send you a list of all the properties in Bear Paw so you can see what is available. We can also notify you the instant new real estate comes available – all for FREE!

 

The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX –www.iLoveMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – The Poltrock Team – Call usToll Free at 1-866-687-7496for Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team!

Lake Hiwassee Information – Located in Cherokee County by Murphy NC

The Hiwassee Dam began construction on July 15, 1936. being 1376 feet long, it is quite an impressive structure. You can actually drive over the dam itself on Hiwassee Dam Access Road (off of Highway 294). Now over 70 years later, the Hiwassee Lake has become the gorgeous lake that we all now know. This article has some great “technical” information about the lake that is sometimes hard to find all in one place.

Impounded in 1940, Hiwassee was originally known as “Fowler Bend.” The name was later changed to reflect the name of the river which it is located on.

According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), it is 6,090 acres and located close to the center of Cherokee County, North Carolina (according to the Cherokee County Mapping Department, the actual lake 5,635.28 acres. With less than a 500 acre variation, that could be attributed to shoreline variations, etc.). From end to end, it is roughly 22 miles long and has over 163 miles of shoreline. There are many sections that are more than 200 feet deep! It’s quite a large lake with plenty of room to enjoy for boating and fishing. One of the most unique things about the lake is that only 7% of it has development! During the summer, the TVA targets to have the lake levels at 1515 to 1521 feet. On January 1, they shoot for around 1460. They try to maintain recreational levels from June 1st to August ST, with the exceptions of emergencies.

The lake is used primarily for power generation and regional flood control. Because of the flood control component, this is why the water level fluctuates. The TVA aims to have peak water level from June 1st through August 1st. It’s during the off season you see the water level drop 30-40 feet for flood control purposes. What’s amazing is it has an approximate flood water capacity of 3.6 billion gallons of water. One of the interesting things about the dam itself is that it has the ability to reverse flow and pump water back into the lake.

With only 7% of the land being developed, there is very little on the lake other than nature itself. The TVA transferred most of its original holdings to the U.S. Forest Service for it to be part of the Nantahala Forest, but kept lands in the Hiwassee Dam Reservation, the Micken branch area, and some land in Murphy. The majority of development on the lake is in Bear Paw Resort.

The TVA owns rights in one form or another up to the 1532 elevation, which means before you can do anything on the shoreline (dock, etc.) you must approve it with them.

For recreation, you have lots of options! There are four main marinas on Lake Hiwassee – Shooks, Dukes, Mountain View, and Harbor Cove. They provide boat rentals, fishing supplies, snacks, fuel, and much more. Not only that, the Hanging Dog Campground area has the best boat ramp on the lake. The US Forest Service offers several other boat launches that are completely free to use. Nice!

To get more information, contact the Hiwassee Watershed Team located at 221 Old Ranger Road; Murphy, NC 28906. You can call them at 828-837-7395

Looking for Real Estate? Let The Poltrock Team help you! Feel free to contact us any time, Search ALL the listings for sale in Murphy NC, or use our Dream Home Finder and let us do the work for you!

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll-Free (866) 687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM at REMAX Mountain Properties of Murphy North Carolina