More Than Just a Lake House

The only thing that Alan Wright and his wife, Marilyn, regret about purchasing their lake home at Lakefront Estates is not doing it sooner. “It’s a special property,” Alan says, as he talks about how both Lisa Matlack and developer Walt Dixon had a big hand in making their home feel special. From the finished walk out basement they completed with pool table and flat screen TV, to the recently screened in porch with fireplace creating a 4 season room, the house is full of special touches like these. One of the best features in the home is that every room has a lake view, thanks to Walt’s unique vision for lakefront homes. But the real luxury of the home goes beyond the material and views. It is the bridge that brings this family together.

“We are recent empty-nesters and wanted a place the family could enjoy together.” Alan says. “We are close to our sons and want to maintain that closeness.” The Wrights have three sons, all of who still live in Tennessee either working or in school. Alan and Marilyn currently live in Mississippi, where Alan took a job. The house has been a great way for them to stay connected, the Wrights being able to go up every 3-4 weeks and on holidays. “We’ve gotten to know Michael’s girlfriend over the summer on the water,” Alan says, laughing as he adds that he is glad his son thought they were cool enough to meet her. Their youngest son, Brian, just got back from a summer internship in Myrtle Beach, so the family took advantage of the lake house and the Labor Day weekend to catch up.

The Wrights’ lakehouse is already full of memories. “Probably our best memory is drinking champagne on the dock the day of closing and making plans.” Alan says. “Or pulling Marilyn up on [water] skis for the first time in 30 years.” He laughs remembering how impressed his sons were that their parents could still ski in their 50s. Alan also reminisces on just spending time on the dock with his boys, talking with them about their careers, school, and sports.

Alan notes that in the two-and-a-half years of owning the lake house, nothing has gotten old. “Having a second home on the lake gives us a vacation home lifestyle any time we choose to use it,” he says.

“My approach is to slow the day down and relax with family and [friends] when on the lake,” Alan says. Instead of using a gas grill they charcoal grill their meals, keeping to the idea of no set time or schedule. Or, sometimes Alan gets his open bow ski boat out and they all boat to one of the Marina restaurants close by. “[We] keep it simple. Having happy hour while slow boating to dinner is very fun.”

The Wrights’ house in Lakefront Estates is definitely a special property. “It is the idea of having a close relationship with our sons and ultimately [having] them bring their families here.” Alan says. “It’s also a retirement plan we can enjoy along the way.” The lifestyle on Lakefront Estates is one they didn’t know existed until they came there, but are happy to have discovered it and use it as a way to stay close with their family.

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