668 Gap Hill Road Six Mile, SC 29682

In the Upstate region of South Carolina lies the beautiful Lake Keowee, known for its scenic views and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The lake provides a leisurely lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

Real Estate

Lake Keowee real estate includes over 100 communities built around the lake. Homes in the Lake Keowee area range from small lakefront cabins to grandiose estates near a golf course. Many Lake Keowee homes are located directly on the water with their own private dock, offering immediate access to the lake and uninterrupted views of surrounding scenery. There are a number of luxury home communities surrounding Lake Keowee, including Keowee Key, a gated enclave situated on a peninsula in Salem, South Carolina.

Lifestyle and Attractions

Lake Keowee is a 18,372-acre man-made lake situated in Upstate South Carolina. It was created by Duke Energy as a power utility and recreational destination in 1971. The lake collects water from the Keowee and Little Rivers, and the water is used to cool Duke Energy’s nuclear reactors and generate hydroelectric power. The water in Lake Keowee is known for its purity and cleanliness. There are a number of residential communities and small towns surrounding Lake Keowee, including Seneca, Keowee Plantation, Fairview, White Harbor, Salem, Keowee Key, Six Mile, Newry, and more. Residents in the Lake Keowee area enjoy convenient access to nearby larger cities, including Greenville, Anderson, Atlanta and Asheville.

Lake Keowee is situated approximately 800 feet above sea level, providing pristine views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. This is an excellent location for those who appreciate both the mountains and lakeside living. Lake Keowee features over 300 miles of shoreline, stretching 23 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, kayaking, and other water sports. There are several parks dotting the perimeter of the lake, where residents and visitors may access the sparkling blue waters of Lake Keowee. Parks include South Cove County Park, Bayshore Lakeside Park, High Falls County Park, Mile Creek Park, and several other smaller parks.

Nearby Schools and Higher Education

Students in Lake Keowee are served by Oconee County School District and Pickens County School District. The Oconee County School District operates 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, and three specialized schools. The Pickens County School District operates 14 elementary schools, five middle schools, four high schools, and a career and technology center. There are a number of private schools in the area surrounding Lake Keowee. Residents may access many colleges and universities in the area, including Clemson University, Tri-County Technical College, and Anderson University.

History

The word “Keowee” is roughly translated to a Cherokee name meaning “the place of the mulberries.” Before Europeans settled in North America, Cherokee Native Americans lived in the area and called the settlement “Keowee Town,” which was located along what they called the Keowee River. In 1753, settlers built Fort Prince George across the river, and the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced the Cherokee out of the region.

In 1963, the South Carolina Land & Timber firm began purchasing land along the river in order to acquire, hold, and develop land and timber properties. Duke Power Company then purchased 83,400 acres from the Singer Corporation and various private landowners. In the mid-1960s, Duke began making plans to supply the southeastern US with greater electricity through a reservoir project. In 1965, Duke Energy announced plans to begin the Keowee-Toxaway project, which would cost an estimated $700 million. As construction began, archaeologists from the University of South Carolina discovered thousands of artifacts, including pottery and human and animal remains, during the excavation of the Cherokee settlement. The demolition and building project took several years to complete, and the initial transfer of water and commercial operation began in December 1973.