Where do you grocery shop at Lake Anna?  For years I've been asked this question as I drove buyers around Lake Anna looking at property.  It was very apparent that we did not have a large supermarket at the lake.  Although I would always tell them about the convenience stores scattered around the lake but the complete answer, of course, was to go to Louisa, Fredericksburg, or some of the other cities that surround (but not too closely) Lake Anna.  Now I have a completely different answer for buyers.

That is why there was so much excitement surrounding the thought of a supermarket coming to Lake Anna.   For many years we had heard that there might be a store built so when this one was first announced there may have been some skepticism.  Thankfully it was true and not only a supermarket materialized but an entire shopping center.

Ever since construction began it has been a topic of conversation.  It has been fun to see from the way it has grown from the ground up.  The first sign was a huge mountain of dirt.  Heavy duty equipment was at work.  Soon walls emerged and before we knew it we could see what was to come.

Chase Development did a very nice job of designing a shopping center that fits into the country atmosphere around Lake Anna.  It was exciting to drive by and see the changes as the construction took on a life of its own.  Now it is exciting to actually walk through the doors and go shopping.

Love that Welcome sign!

What else is coming to Lake Anna? Change has come slowly to Lake Anna and many of us have not minded this one bit.  Lake Anna is located in a very interesting spot.  It is in Central Virginia making it an easy drive to a number of places such as Richmond (the capitol of the Commonwealth), Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and not even that far from Washington, D.C.  Yet, it is in a very rural area.  I'd say we have the best of both worlds.

Now some changes are coming.  Through the years we have seen some signs of growth now and then.  Two nurseries have been established and provide many of the Lake Anna residents with great choices for landscaping their yards.  We certainly have marinas where we are able to not only buy boats but all of the paraphernalia that goes with life on a lake.  Mom and Pop shops have kept us supplied with basic groceries and gas for many years now.  We've had a few places to dine at or very near the lake with even a couple accessible by boat.

Today we have a Food Lion and a number of other new businesses with more to come.  Much has happened this past year.  The face of Lake Anna is being changed. 

This sign gives us a look at what else is on the horizon.  This is part of the very first shopping center here at Lake Anna.  We're looking forward to the other businesses opening up in the near future.  We wish them success and believe they will be happy with the reception they receive.

Lake Anna is red bud heaven.  This time of year is absolutely beautiful here at Lake Anna.  The red buds are out enforce and are dotted along the banks of the lake canals and the country roads.

Growing up in Connecticut I don't recall ever seeing any red buds nor when I lived in northern Ohio or upstate New York, not even in Texas.  Virginia has them by the thousands and I am grateful for that.  

We planted three in our yard soon after our house was built.  The woods have encroached on two.  They are struggling for sunshine and looking a bit sad.  Lesson learned too late for them.  Our third tree continues to delight us with a triumphant display of pink flowers.  Yes, pink, not red.  The buds are red hence the name.

Last week I was coming home from a book club meeting and could not resist taking a walk along Carr's Bridge over Lake Anna, to feast my eyes on the numerous red buds mingled among the other hardwoods along the banks.  Naturally I had my trusty camera with me and was able to get these shots.  

I'll have to remember to look at them in the dead of winter next year.  I'm sure they will cheer me up.

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If it's about real estate, ask KATE

540-226-1964 cell

lakeanna.kate@gmail.com

lakeannacountry.com

lakeanna-realestate.com (Blog)

It is very, very seldom that we have this much snow at Lake Anna so it seemed like the perfect time to go out to take some pictures.  As I had no plans of venturing very far from home most of the pictures are of home.   You will also get an idea of my neighborhood.  We live in the country so we do not really have a "neighborhood".  That's OK.  We have neighbors and that's what counts.

Our Home in the Woods at Lake Anna

Closer

Closest

Up the driveway or down the driveway?

Come on in!

Across the road from home.

Country Charm!

Who's going where?

Lake Anna's Big Foot

There are so many great places around the lake, some neighborhoods and other areas that are called non-subdivision.  Whereever you are fortunate to have a home will become your favorite spot.  Buyers often ask me where the best places are at Lake Anna and that is what I always say...wherever you find your spot...that's the best place of all.

To see photos of Lake Anna during other seasons of the year, check out these posts:

Spring Inspiration and Positive Views of Lake Anna, VA

Autumn at Lake Anna, Virginia 

Falling for Fall

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2008 - During the past year we saw a slow down in the real estate market across the board.  There were 50 Lake Anna waterfront homes sold between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.

The least expensive home was located at 200 Lakeview in Aspen Hill Subdivision.  This home was initially priced at $444,900.  Then it was reduced to $424,900 and finally to $174,900.  It sold after 356 days on the market for $179,900.  The remarks in the listing state that the home was priced according to the apparent condition and was being sold as is.  Buyers were advised to obtain requirements from the county on prior permits.  The house had 115' of waterfront and 1800 sq. ft. of interior living space.  (See least expensive home sold in 2007.)

The most expensive waterfront home sold last year sold for $1,300,000.  Located in Bear Castle, this home had 5500 sq. ft. and approximately 700' of waterfront.  Originally listed at $1,700,000 it was subsequently reduced to $1,395,000.  It was on the market for 187 days.

Avg. List Price      $734,347         Avg. Sold Price     $684,859

Med. List Price     $659,450          Med. Sold Price     $632,500

Low List Price      $174,900          Low Sold Price      $179,900

High List Price   $1,500,000         High Sold Price   $1,300,000

Avg. Days on Market     178        

Med. Days on Market     139

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

2007 - There were 69 waterfront homes sold at Lake Anna between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007. 

The least expensive home sold was the same one, 200 Lakeview in Aspen Hill, which sold again in 2008.  It was listed at $329,000 and sold for $300,000 in 127 days.  At that time it was 1000 sq. ft.

The highest price paid was for a home located at Bear Castle Drive in Bear Castle Subdivision.  Listed initially at $1,750,000 it was reduced to $1,375,000 and sold for that price.  It was on the market for a total of 67 days.  This home had 5136 square feet and 250' of waterfront.

Avg. List Price       $691,828          Avg. Sold Price          $654,993

Med. List Price       $675,000          Med. Sold Price          $625,000

Low List Price        $329,000          Low Sold Price           $300,000

High List Price    $1,499,000          High Sold Price       $1, 375,000

Avg. Days on Market        142

Med. Days on Market          90

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®.

Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate. 

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Copyright © 2008 By Kathleen "Kate" Elim, All Rights Reserved. *Lake Anna Waterfront Homes Sold in 2008 vs. 2007*.