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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 emotional and inspiring to witness.

Joseph leaves for Parris Island this Monday, ready to begin his training with the United States Marine Corps. His twin sister, Sara, is preparing to follow in the Army if all goes well with her testing by the end of August. Just the first step in her becoming a commercial pilot. Their older sister is already proudly serving in the National Guard.

Service isn’t new to our family—it’s something their father, a Na...

Just a short video of some of my favorite places. Watch for the cows, this is my morning walk, the waterfalls are where I run to when things get hectic and all the flowers are just because.  Enjoy, and maybe you would like to make Oconee home, too.

Picturesque Location: Nestled on the shores of Lake Keowee, South Cove County Park offers stunning views and serene surroundings.

Boating and Fishing: Enjoy boating with easy access to the lake for fishing or leisurely rides on the water.
Camping Options: Explore camping facilities with options for tents and RVs, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Hiking Trails: Discover scenic trails suitable for all skill levels, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Swimming and Picnicking: Relax on the sandy beach or swim in the clear waters of Lake Keowee. Picnic areas are available for families and groups.
Park Amenities: Amenities include clean restroom facilities, ...

I’m delighted to announce the sale of a beautiful 2+ acre unrestricted parcel on Bonner Road in Mountain Rest, closing at $75,000. Its proximity—less than two miles—to Oconee State Park made it a standout opportunity.

A big thank you to Scott McCurry, whose efforts brought the buyer. It was a pleasure partnering with you!

If you’re considering selling similar land or exploring purchase opportunities in the Mountain Rest area, I’m here to assist with my expertise and local network.

???? Feel free to get in touch!

 Seneca Independence Day Celebration

???? Location: Gignilliat Field, Seneca, SC
???? Time: Gates open at 5:00 PM; festivities begin at 6:00 PM
???? Highlights:

Live music performances by tribute bands “Grand Paradise” (6:00 PM) and “Satisfaction” (8:00 PM)
Bounce house and waterslides for kids
Food and beverage vendors
Fireworks display at dusk
????️ Admission: Free
ℹ️ More Info:, visitoconeesc.com

????‍♂️ Firecracker 5K & Festival at Chickasaw Point

???? Location: Chickasaw Point, Westminster, SC
???? Time: Festival from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM; races start at 8:00 AM
???? Features:

5K run/walk, 1-mile run, and kids’ fun run
Water slide, face painting, water balloons, watermelon, ice cream,...

SCDNR Courtesy Boat Inspections – July 4th Weekend on South Carolina Lakes

The July 4th weekend is one of the busiest times for boating on South Carolina’s beautiful lakes and waterways. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings across the state.

These inspections will focus on verifying that your boat has the required safety equipment and that your boat and motor registrations are up-to-date. It’s a quick and thorough check to keep you safe and compliant on the water.

SCDNR Boat Inspection Locations in Oconee County:

South Cove Coun...

Parking a tiny home in Fiddlers Cove Subdivision in Tamassee, SC, is not permitted due to specific zoning and homeowners association (HOA) regulations.

Zoning and HOA Restrictions

Fiddlers Cove is a private, deed-restricted community governed by a Property Owners Association (POA). The subdivision's guidelines mandate that homes be built to HOA specifications, typically ranging from 1,600 to over 4,000 square feet. These standards are designed to maintain a consistent aesthetic and property values within the community.

Additionally, the community's zoning regulations, as indicated by the Oconee County zoning code, are tailored to accommodate traditional residential structures. Tiny hom...

To determine if a contract is truly for cash or if the funds are coming from other sources like a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) or other loans, here are the steps you can take, along with the legal aspects of what you can request:

1. Request Proof of Funds
You are within your rights to request proof of funds for a cash offer. This is standard practice in real estate transactions to confirm that the buyer has the necessary funds available.
Acceptable Proof of Funds Includes:

Bank Statements: A recent bank statement showing the available balance sufficient to cover the purchase price.
Letter from the Bank or Financial Institution: This letter can confirm that the buyer has the neces...

We will be available all during the 4th of July to see this or any other homes.  Please click share and comment if you liked this one.

Chau Ram County Park – A Place to Breathe, Explore, and Celebrate
Just outside Westminster, nestled along the Chauga River, you’ll find Chau Ram County Park—one of Oconee County’s most beloved outdoor spaces. With waterfalls, forest trails, and a one-of-a-kind suspension bridge, it’s the kind of place that turns an afternoon into a memory.

???? Chau Ram Falls, a 30-foot waterfall, is an easy walk from the main parking lot.
???? A 160-foot pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the river with stunning views.
???? Miles of wooded trails, picnic areas, and riverside access.
???? Covered shelters are perfect for family reunions, weddings, and summer cookouts—and are in high demand during wa...

Most people don’t realize that one of the greatest architectural minds of the 20th century was born right here in Walhalla, South Carolina.

On December 4, 1924, John Portman was born early, in this quiet mountain town. Though his time here was brief, it marked the beginning of a life that would leave a global legacy in architecture, development, and design.

Portman became famous for creating spaces that were not only functional, but breathtaking. His design for the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in 1967 was a game changer. With its soaring 22-story atrium and glass elevators, it redefined how we experience hotels—and launched a worldwide trend.

But his vision didn’t stop there.

From that first...

???? Movie Suggestion of the Week: “What We Did on Our Holiday” ????????✨
By Gwen Fowler | Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

If you're looking for a funny, heartfelt movie to enjoy this week—especially if summer travel plans are still a few weeks away—let me recommend What We Did on Our Holiday.

Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, this British gem follows a family on a trip to celebrate the grandfather’s birthday, all while juggling chaos, secrets, and hilarious moments courtesy of three very clever kids. Think Little Miss Sunshine with accents and even more heart. ????

It’s a light-hearted reminder of how life’s messiest moments often make the best memories—something all of us in re...

Don’t Buy a House to Impress Other People
By Gwen Fowler

Going into debt to impress others isn’t confidence; it’s insecurity with a mortgage. In real estate, I’ve seen buyers stretch far beyond what they can reasonably afford, not because the home suits their needs, but because it “looks good” to friends or family.

Here’s the truth: granite countertops and vaulted ceilings won’t make your payments for you. A big house doesn’t fix self-worth. And buying based on image, rather than functionality, can leave you house-poor, stressed, and stuck.

Your home should serve you, not your social media feed.

Buy the house that fits your life: your income, habits, and plans. If it also happens to i...

Saturday’s Philip Simmons Guild meeting in Westminster, SC, brought together around 30 enthusiastic attendees for a hands-on dive into traditional blacksmithing. Hosted by Roger and Gail Marcengill at MH Forge, the event featured master blacksmith Owen Reidesel of Waynesville, NC, who demonstrated how to make calipers the old-fashioned way: Using fire, hammer, and a lifetime of skill.

Watching Owen shape steel with precision and grace was like stepping back in time. He took a simple piece of iron and, through a series of carefully timed strikes, transformed it into a fully functional and beautifully crafted measuring tool. Attendees had the chance to ask questions, browse the Marcengil...

Summer is a Smart Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate

Summer is one of the best times to move—literally. Buyers are out in full force, homes show better with sunshine and curb appeal, and families are trying to move before school starts.

For Buyers:
You’ll get to see properties in their best light—literally. Summer gives you the full picture, from walking the yard to checking out neighborhood amenities.

For Sellers:
This is your chance to shine. Please clean up the landscaping, set the patio with a few chairs, and let buyers imagine their summer here. An excellent presentation leads to faster offers.

For Families:
Buying now means you can settle in before the school year. Don’t wait too l...

Your Lake Life Awaits! Discover 123 Sequayah Drive in Fair Play, SC
Dreaming of a serene escape where every day feels like a vacation? Look no further than 123 Sequayah Drive in beautiful Fair Play, SC. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfortable living and incredible community amenities, all for an amazing price!

Step Inside & Feel Right at Home
As soon as you walk through the door, you'll appreciate the attention to detail. This home has been thoughtfully updated with brand-new flooring and fresh paint throughout, giving it a crisp, move-in ready feel. You won't have to lift a finger – just unpack and start enjoying your new life!

The layout is perfe...

Why a Professional Photographer Makes All the Difference in Real Estate

In today's fast-paced, online-first real estate market, the photos buyers see online are often their first—and sometimes only—impression of a property. That’s why the quality of your listing photos can make or break a sale.

A professional real estate photographer doesn’t just take pictures—they tell a story. They understand how to use lighting, angles, and composition to highlight the best features of a home while downplaying any imperfections. The result? Images that make buyers stop scrolling and take a closer look.

Compare this to smartphone photos taken quickly between appointments. They often suffer from poo...

If you're considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property, one of the most significant benefits is that you don’t need to purchase additional land. Here are some key points to emphasize:

No Need for Additional Land Purchase
Utilize Existing Property: An ADU allows you to make the most of the space you already own, whether it's building above a garage, converting an existing structure like a basement or garage, or using unused backyard space.
Cost Savings: By adding an ADU to your existing property, you avoid the significant cost of purchasing land, which can be a major financial hurdle in many areas. This makes it a more cost-effective option compared to buying a separ...

Friday night at The Garage was our first time there, even though they have been open for several months. The place was very active at 5 p.m. when we got there and very busy when we left. The food was excellent—Philly Po Boy and Super Bird Flat Bread with chicken, bacon, and ranch. We started with the southern favorite, Hot Rod Pimento dip. Henry had his usual Larger on tap, and Sandy got one of the many ciders.

We saw lots of friends and enjoyed great food. The price was right for what we got. 864-986-4714. For trivia on Thursday and singing Bartenders on Friday, go to Garage on Main's Facebook page to see what is happening each day and what their specials are. 

This one deser...

Newton Law Firm Opens New Office in Seneca!
We’re excited to share that Newton Law Firm has expanded to 221 Main Street in Seneca! With a long-standing reputation for providing expert legal services in Clemson, this new office allows them to serve the Seneca community with the same trusted legal counsel without the need to travel. Now, residents can easily access legal services right in the heart of Seneca, under the firm’s signature blue awning.

Whether you need advice, representation, or legal assistance, Newton Law Firm is here to help. Visit their new Main Street location today!