Watercrest

Land Description

WaterCrest is one of South-Central Georgia's most iconic properties. From the very instant one pulls up to the gate, it is apparent this is a special place. The founders, Julian T. and Grace Hightower, set out to create something few achieve, a property that assumes its own identity and transcends generations. Located minutes from Thomaston, Georgia, this 740 +/- acre property features the “Hightower House”, a landmark home of Georgia built in 1947 by famed architect Philip Shutze and completely modernized in 2015, overlooking a beautiful 68 +/- acre lake.

In 2015, a complete restoration was completed bringing the 8,690 +/- square foot home up to modern day amenities. Flooring made from three-quarter inch thick walnut can be found throughout. The extensive kitchen update features Wolf Stainless appliances, induction stove, Teppanyaki, Walnut and Quartzite counters with galley sink, deadhead cypress beams, pot filler, steam oven, regular oven and butler's Pantry. In 2021, the new owner did further renovations to the house, such as new marble flooring in the foyer, adding a powder bath on the main level, adding an elevator.and adding a new large master bathroom. So, the master bedroom now has a new full bathroom and a half bath. In total, the home has four bedrooms, five full baths, and three half baths. The downstairs boasts 12 ft. ceilings, while the upstairs has 10 ft. ceilings. There is a gym, laundry, and bank vault below grade. There is a two-car detached garage with half bath. For someone that appreciates great architecture combined with great land will recognize that this is one of America's most outstanding private estates.

While the awe inspiring WaterCrest main house receives national accolades, it's the lake house that has an almost magnetic draw. It would be difficult to envision, much less, create a better structure for families and guests to enjoy the outdoors. From the pin ball machines in the theater room, to the bar overlooking the lake and swim spa on the dock, there is something for everyone. Covered bays for two boats make it super easy for guests to enjoy the private 68 +/- acre lake. For cooler evenings, there is an outdoor fireplace as well as a lakeside fire pit. A unique feature is the live bait well. The lakes fish population is excellent with the last fish census being conducted in 2016 (it recommended harvesting 1,500 lbs. of bass.)

A quaint manager's house, guest cottage, small barn, and garage make up the balance of the improvements.

The woods and habitat are in the condition one would expect of an estate of this caliber. The acres around the lake have been left in a pristine state with no timber harvesting in what appears to be the last 25 years. The western side has been actively managed for both wildlife and timber with a very good fire frequency and a diverse and productive understory conducive for quail hunting. The type and diversity of timber, particularly large upland hardwoods are exceptional. The eastern portion of the property has been used as a private park and has not been hunted for a decade. However, there are approximately 18 +/- acres of food plots connected by exceptional road system. There is also a fenced and cross fenced 12-acre horse pasture and a flowing spring as well as an additional site for another lake.

This is a rare opportunity to own one of South-Central Georgia's iconic properties. The beautiful rolling topography, great wildlife, 68+/- acre stocked lake, the lake house with game/theater room, swim spa, boat slips and outdoor fireplace, the two cottages, and the amazing restored and modernized landmark home, makes WaterCrest a year round family-use property.

Note - there is the opportunity to purchase an additional 725 +/- acres with creek and shoal frontage just south of WaterCrest for (this 725 acres is two parcels; 372.88 acres ask price is and the ask price of the 356.66 acres is more information and maps, visit my website.