Waco Texas is hot.
The dog days of summer are in the 90s, and it’s not unusual to see the thermometer crawl past 100. Even for native Texans, the heat can be a little much. So, when Kelly and Lance Hogg started looking for a getaway, a place by the water was one of their priorities.
“We always knew we wanted to be on a lake at some point,” Lance said
When they began looking for that spot, they turned to the Southeast. The Hoggs wanted a change of scenery. A new landscape to enjoy on their vacations.
And that’s how they found Lake Keowee.
Above: A true escape, this majestic home overlooks Lake Keowee with sweeping views from every window. This charming home is crafted in warm wood and stone; a secluded retreat surrounded by nature’s beauty.
The contemporary design is accented with beautifully crafted timbers and wood paneling. No detail has been forgotten in this subtle and beautiful home.
In the living room, the fireplace takes center stage, with an airy vaulted ceiling and wood beams lending a feeling of solidity.
An Easy Decision
Their first visits were short trips in rental homes so they could get a feel for what life was like along Keowee’s shores. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the location.
“The climate was so much more enjoyable in South Carolina,” Lance said. “It kind of combined everything we were looking for.”
The proximity to Greenville, Asheville, and the North Carolina mountains was a bonus. The Hogg’s narrowed their focus to Peninsula Ridge inside The Reserve at Lake Keowee. They liked the area and its proximity to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
There, they first saw a spec home built by The Stillwater Group.
The style and design were what the Hoggs were looking for. After a meeting with Brandon Eich, CEO of The Stillwater Group, and hearing about the construction process, Kelly and Lance knew they had the right builder for their home.
Just like the decision to move to Lake Keowee made sense right away, the Hoggs were sold on The Stillwater Group.
The back of the home takes full advantage of the views on Lake Keowee.
Dealing with the Dip
Kelly said she thought there would be a lot of back and forth to make plan revisions. But that never happened.
“They absolutely nailed it on the very first try,” Kelly said of the design. “I think the process was so good because it just felt like, you know, there was a comfort level between [The] Stillwater Group and MHK, as well, because they’ve worked together so much.”
Kelly said she enjoys interior design, so she handled that portion of the project. But she worked closely with The Stillwater Group’s in-house designers when an extra pair of eyes were needed to help her decide on a selection.
On the main living level, the screened porch provides a perfect place for true outdoor relaxation.
Building a Home 900 Miles Away
The Hoggs wanted to be hands-off during the construction process. Busy schedules and living 962 miles from their new vacation home made frequent job site visits unfeasible.
The Stillwater Group team provided weekly updates on how things were going through CoConstruct, a project management software that offers real-time insight into construction progress.
“The software helped out a lot,” Lance said
Another perk of being hands-off? The Stillwater Group managed all the ins and outs of codes and regulations that applied to the Hogg’s home.
“We didn’t have to worry about any of that,” Lance said.
They’ve Found Their Spot
The Hoggs have enjoyed their Lake Keowee home since construction wrapped in August 2023. One of their favorite features is a screened-in porch on the main level, which features a fireplace, a TV, and a grill.
“We spend a lot of time out there, whether it’s coffee or breakfast in the morning. We’ve watched football games there through the fall. It’s just a great spot,” Kelly said.
And although their lot created plenty of challenges, Lance said everything has turned out just fine.
“Every room that you go in, no matter if it’s upstairs or downstairs, [your view] is of the lake,” he said. “And it’s really gorgeous.”
When they reflected on The Stillwater Group Experience, Kelly had a straightforward response: “I just think that they’re great people. And I think they stand behind their quality. They do what they say they’re gonna do. And, you know, hey, they stick with you, too.”
Below: A fire pit, hand-crafted in local stone provides the perfect location for relaxing with family and friends on mild lakeside evenings.
