While many may dream of owning a vacation home here at Deep Creek Lake, the home we want may be out of our price range. Even if it’s not, however, it can often be difficult to work vacation time into our busy lifestyles. In fact, most vacation homes are used less than thirty days per year by their owners. They still must bear the costs of the property year-round.
In 2005, Second Homes at Deep Creek Lake Founder Pam Scott introduced a new term into the Deep Creek Lake real estate market — practical luxury. Specializing in fractional ownership, Second Homes at Deep Creek Lake offers a way to have a high end home with none of the headaches involved in second home ownership.
With fractional ownership, buyers purchase 1/5 to 1/7 of the home. Explains Pam, “Unlike whole ownership, with fractional ownership you pay only for what you actually use.” Costs are shared among five, six or seven owners, depending on the property, greatly reducing the individual cost of ownership. The management company takes care of all bills, housecleaning and maintenance as well as reserving time for owners use and upkeep of the home.
Pam also stresses that this is deeded ownership, not like a time share, where ownership often ends after a set period of time. “Like any other real estate, you can sell it, lend it to friends and family, or will it as part of your estate,” explains Pam.
“The luxury fractional buyer can easily afford to own a second home. Most are extremely busy people, however, who want to enjoy vacationing but don’t want the hassle of home maintenance. They want to show up, unlock the door, and enjoy quality time with family and friends in unparalleled luxury,” explains Pam.
There are three properties available through Second Homes at Deep Creek Lake and all are absolutely stunning in every way. No detail has been overlooked. From the comfortable furnishings and beautifully appointed kitchens, Pam has thought of every convenience you could desire.
The first property Pam brought into her system was the Overlook which sits atop Wisp Mountain and offers unparalleled lake views. This 3600 square foot, four bedroom home is decorated in a classic Tuscan style and features gorgeous murals, a fully outfitted kitchen, and spacious rooms. From the large deck overlooking McHenry Cove to the oversized cinema room, luxury abounds.
The second property, “La Maison de Montagne” is located in the Waterfront Greens area and is decorated in the French Country style. It has five bedrooms and has great lake views and a dock plus usage of the amenities at the development which include tennis courts, catch and release fishing pond, and nine-hole (par 3) golf course. It also has a game room, wine cellar and more. The shares in both of these homes originally sold out, but there are some resales available.
The third and most ambitious project is The Lodge at North Shore, designed by Architect Doug Storck of DCL Design Studio and built by Legacy Home Corporation. This “green home” was designed to be ecologically friendly. It is an Energy Star Certified home that features a chef-ready kitchen (with pizza oven), five bedrooms (including three master suites), a game room, library and is located on a beautiful level lakefront lot with dock.
If seeing the homes isn’t enough to persuade you to consider fractional ownership, just take it from her owners. Testimonials abound on her website (www.secondhomesatdcl.com) and include praises from the Oringher Family from Rockville, Maryland who say that buying their fractional home in Deep Creek Lake was “one of the best decisions we ever made. It is a haven of peace and tranquility and we have enjoyed building family memories with our three children.”
Fractional ownership is a smart and trouble-free way to own your piece of Deep Creek Lake. These spacious homes lend themselves to family reunions, time with friends or that special place to kick back and unwind after a long and busy week. Owner Jeff Ward of Leesburg, Virginia concurs “We are so pleased with our decision and look forward every time we leave for our next trip to our ‘Lake House’.”
According to Pam there are about 275 fractional real estate programs in the country and over 50,000 owners. In addition to only paying for the time used, many people purchase a fractional interest for ease of ownership. Pam’s properties are located in some of the most exclusive areas of the lake and exude luxury down to every last detail.
All details of property management are handled by Potomac Property Services, owned by Lisa and Will Riley. Lisa has worked with Pam since the inception of the company and is the artist behind the gorgeous murals and hand-painted furniture that decorate the homes. All costs are shared among the owners and a budget is created each year based on actual expenses. It is then split among all owners. The budget includes all expenses associated with the property other than individual mortgages and any personal charges such as house cleaning and concierge. Lisa also takes care of reserving time for owners, paying bills, cleaning and all upkeep and maintenance. All owners receive a minimum of eight weeks per year to use at their home. Times are not preset, and owners typically stay for a period of one week. On occasion, two simultaneous weeks may be available. The schedule is updated seasonally and if the home is unoccupied, owners may use it for last minute visits.
If you’re interested in learning more about this unique concept, visit their website at www.SecondHomesatdcl.com today or call Pam at 301-387-8066.
Written by: Linda Carr