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Cool Mountain Escapes

Cool Mountain Escapes

Top Rated Real Estate Company in Walhalla, SC-
Lake Keowee & Oconee County Homes

Are you looking to buy or retire in one of South Carolina's most desirable locations? Lake Keowee, located in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers stunning lakefront homes, recreational opportunities, and a peaceful lifestyle. Walhalla, SC, and the surrounding areas of Oconee County are rapidly becoming a top choice for retirees, investors, and those seeking a second home. As a top-rated real estate company in Walhalla, we can help you find your dream property near Lake Keowee or any of the nearby lakes.

Why South Carolina is the Best Place to Live or Retire

South Carolina, especially the Oconee County area, is known for its affordable real estate, low property taxes, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to retire or invest in vacation homes, the Cool Mountain Escapes area, which includes the charming towns of Long Creek, Mountain Rest, Salem, Seneca, Walhalla, and West Union, offers one of the best real estate values in the country.

Discover Lake Keowee Homes for Sale
Lake Keowee is one of the region’s most popular lakes, offering beautiful lakefront properties and peaceful retreats. Whether you're looking for a private lakefront home or a peaceful weekend getaway, there are a variety of options for sale. The recreational opportunities are endless, from boating and fishing on Lake Keowee to hiking and exploring nearby waterfalls in the Sumter National Forest.

  • Lake Keowee Lakefront Property
  • Lake Keowee Waterfront Homes
  • Oconee County Homes for Sale
  • Real Estate on Lake Keowee
  • Luxury Homes on Lake Keowee

Benefits of Living in Oconee County, SC

Oconee County, SC, is just 2 hours from Atlanta, GA, and 3 hours from Charlotte, NC, providing a perfect balance of quiet living and easy access to nearby metropolitan areas. The region boasts 10 private lakes and three large public lakes—Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Jocassee—which provide countless outdoor and recreational activities. Our local airports are: Greenville Spartanburg-GSP and Asheville Regional Airport-AVL and are both less than 2 hours from our area. Less traffic and more parking than driving to Atlanta or Charlotte, for your business or vacation trips.

With over one-third of the county being part of the Sumter National Forest, you’ll enjoy low population density and plenty of room to roam. Plus, you’ll have access to:

  • 60+ Waterfalls in the Area
  • Hiking, Horse Trails, and Fishing
  • Fishing Tournaments at the State Fish Hatchery
  • Over 50 Golf Courses within an Hour
  • Rafting on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River

Affordable Real Estate in a Prime Location

Oconee County real estate remains more affordable than its neighbors in North Carolina and North Georgia, making it an attractive option for retirees, second-home buyers, and investors. Plus, property taxes remain lower than in many other regions. The area offers spacious acreage tracts and beautiful homes perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with access to top-tier recreational amenities.

Local Expertise: Gwen Fowler, Native Knowledge
With over 37 years of experience, Gwen Fowler is your trusted real estate expert for buying or selling properties in Oconee County and Lake Keowee. Gwen is a lifelong resident of the area and has an in-depth understanding of the region’s market, ensuring you get the best deal. Whether you're searching for a vacation home or a retirement property, Gwen is ready to help guide you through the process and match you with your perfect property.

Ready to Find Your Dream Property on Lake Keowee?

If you're ready to invest in one of the best areas for lakefront real estate in South Carolina, contact Gwen Fowler today at 1-864-916-2019 or use the contact form to email us. With Gwen’s expert knowledge of the local market, she’ll help you find a property that’s just right for you!

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Testimonials

Read what our clients say

1/7/24

Gwen Fowler is the best hardest working Realtor you will ever find…. She has stuck with me through the most difficult time in my life….i list my brother and my mother within 4 months of each other in August of 2021 after 2 long years of probate lawyers and craziness she finally sold my brothers cottage in Westminster SC she is still working to sale 2 wooded lots And her and Henry are the best… she has been there as a realtor and a friend and I couldn’t have gotten through all this without them both…
She is a great realtor and knows her stuff and I have gained a friend in the process ❤️

Deborah Braswell

9 Dec 2023
Gwen is very knowledgeable about the area, has always found exactly what we were looking for. Update: Due to unforseen events, I'm back on Gwen's doorstep, buying, buying again, selling the first. I know I can count on her for honest advice, and she goes above and beyond to get the best for her clients.

Kathrine Prickett

1/30/2024
We used Gwen to buy our sweet river cottage in the upstate in 2023. Gwen and her whole team went above and beyond to make sure every detail went smooth. This was a 2nd home so they filed paperwork in the county for us as well as being at the house to meet inspectors and sending us all our tax documents at tax time. I never thought she would still be working so hard for us 6 months after we closed. Not to mention she was low pressure, patient, kind and well connected. We highly recommend Gwen!!! We love our river view ????. Thanks Gwen.

Kelley Fowler

From The Blog

  • Interest Rates

Is Now the Time to Buy or Should You Wait? Let’s Look at the Numbers

If you’ve been considering purchasing a home, you might be wondering if now is the right time to take the plunge or if waiting for the market to change could save you money in t...

  • July 30, 2025
  • 60 Second Insight

The More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1321) is a bipartisan proposal introduced in the 118th Congress to address the ongoing housing inventory shortage by incentivizing homeowners to sell their primary residences.

What the Act Proposes
Currently,...

  • July 29, 2025
  • How To


What Is a Fiduciary Duty in Real Estate?
A fiduciary duty is a legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interest of another party—in this case, you, the client. When you sign a listing agreement or a buyer representation agreement in South C...

  • July 28, 2025
  • Gwen

Want to know one of Oconee County’s best-kept secrets? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks on Lake Hartwell offer some of the most scenic and family-friendly spots around—and locals love them.

Coneross Campground and Oconee Point Campg...

  • July 20, 2025
  • Gwen

As a new season begins, I find myself reflecting on how quickly life moves. In our family, we’re closing one chapter and opening another. The youngest of my grandchildren—the twins—are getting ready to take their next big steps, and it’s both em...

  • July 13, 2025