It is commonly believed that in 1775 North Carolina became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain. It was in that same spirit of independence and self-reliance that brought the early Scotch-Irish settlers and German settlers, Colonel John A. Zachary and family, to what is now the town of Cashiers. With limited transportation, rocky soil and rugged terrain, the area remained relatively untouched, and the Zacharys and nearby Norton family cultivated a simple yet hearty lifestyle that revolved around family, friends, and the rugged wilderness. Today this same lifestyle is what makes the area a sought-after retreat for those desiring a relaxing atmosphere.
1800’s
Legend has it that back in the 1800’s a man named Andrew Jackson Wood lived in the Tuckasegee woods. He farmed and hunted to get by, and liked to keep his pack of hound dogs lean during hunting season. The nickname “Boney” was given to one particularly thin dog. One day Boney gave chase to a deer. They were too fast for Wood to keep up and, when he finally came to the edge of a cliff, he found his best buddy Boney and the deer lying at the bottom. Wood named that cliff Boney’s Defeat. Bonas Defeat, as it’s now called, is a world-class hike at the south end of Bear Creek Lake in Panthertown Valley.
2003
In late 2003, Bear Lake Reserve resort lifestyle was little more than a beautiful vision. The lake and vistas were there, of course. After careful planning and regard to the natural beauty of the area, Bear Lake Reserve became a reality.
2004
As the first homes began to take shape and the Greeter’s Cottage became a reality, more and more people saw the potential of this one-of-a-kind mountain community. Hundreds of resort and second-home buyers from across the country visited the property, participated in the parties and events, and decided that this was the perfect place to own their second home. Virtually every time a new property or home became available, it was purchased on the weekend they were offered.
2005
In 2005, a number of homes were completed and residents began spending time discovering the rich landscape. Construction of The Lake Club and Summit Golf Course began. Bear Lake Reserve℠ became a community that hosted frequent weekend events. Hands clapped and toes tapped at open-air concerts on the Events & Performance Lawn. The first fish were caught at the Mill Pond Pavilion and miles of new trails were explored throughout the property.
2006
In a little over two years, nearly all of the planned property in the seven-hundred acres of Phase I had been purchased. The Phase II release included 11 lakefront homesites with custom docks and swim platforms already in place, as well as 34 mountainside homesites, many with 180 degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Situated at the widest part of the lake, these large homesites have an enviable location in the very center of the community that is within walking distance of the Lake Club.
Present
In 2008, Terramesa Resort Properties purchased Bear Lake Reserve from Centex Development Group and inherited Centex’s legacy and tradition. Terramesa is committed to delivering the best possible resort community experience to present and future homeowners. Drop in anytime to see the resort for yourself, or take one of our guided tours. We enjoy serving our lake community and are dedicated to maintaining the beauty and splendor that is Bear Lake Reserve℠.
