Lake Anna has dual personalities. One side is very private while the other is more public. There is also a hot side and a cold side or a warm side and a cold side, or a private side and the main lake. So many names with so many connotations but what do they mean?
The entire 13,000+ acre lake was created by and belongs to Virginia Dominion. Virginia Dominion has an easement around the entire lake. The North Anna River was dammed in order to create the lake and to build a nuclear plant. The plant required cooling lagoons for the reactors and so Lake Anna was divided into two sections, one most often referred to as the private side which is made up of the three lagoons.
The land around the lake belongs to individual owners. Those with waterfront property have exclusive use of that particular piece of shoreline known as Virginia Dominion's easement. As property owners they may use that part of their property for recreation and agriculatural purposes only, not for building any structures. Subdivisions also have common areas for the use of the property owners within that particular community.
Waterfront property owners have boat houses/shelter or docks on their waterfront. Permission must be obtained from Virginia Dominion and building permits are required from the county.
The main lake is approximately 9,600 surface acres of water. Located in Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties with a small area with Orange County, the main lake has several marinas where people can take their boats by water for gas or servicing. There are four places where you can arrive by boat, dock and get something to eat*. This can be a fun thing to do and is very popular by many residents and others spending time at the lake. Lake Anna State Park with all its amenities is located on the main lake. The only commercial waterfront land is located on the main lake. There is absolutely none on the private side.
The main lake is also known as the public side and the cold side.
The private side of Lake Anna has 3,400 surface acres of water and is located in Louisa County. There are channels linking the three lagoons to one another so that residents on the private side are able to access the complete private side.
In the map to the left you will see where the three dikes are as well as the dam. The channels can are also shown.
As there are no marinas on that side with launch areas, the general public is not able to put their boats in that side of the lake. Gas cans are filled at stations or marinas or other arrangementss are made. There are no restaurants or any type of commercial property anywhere on the shoreline.
No matter which side of Lake Anna one is on, there is more than evough space. It is amazing how large both sides are. There is more than enough room for lots of boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and all the other water activities that people love to indulge in. Come and join the fun.
By no means is this all to say about Lake Anna's dual personality. It does, however, give you a pretty good idea of the differences on the two sides.
The big question always is, "Which is the best side?" To me it is like asking a parent with two children which is their favorite. Either they do not have one or they are each the favorite for different reasons.
Whichever side one chooses as their spot on Lake Anna is generally based on finding the house that best suits their needs or the lot that speaks out to them.
One thing is certain, you cannot go wrong no matter which side becomes home for you. You have picked a winner!
If you do not have your Lake Anna home or lot as yet, I'll be more than happy to help you.
*Last night Jim and I went out to dinner. We had a very enjoyable time at The Anna Cabana, a new lakeside restaurant with a large deck for outdoor dining. We had perfect weather, great service, and very, very good food. I'll be writing and sharing pictures of this new spot on Lake Anna shortly.
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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.
Call Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web sites and blog at http://lakeannaandbeyond.com/ or http://lakeannacountry.com/
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