Live Like Camp

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: August - 2022

When you turn off US 64, and head through themagnificent stone gates into Catatoga, you leave oneworld behind and enter another.Catatoga Club at Lake Toxaway is a 250-acre private mountaincommunity bordered by Gorges State Park, still largelyuntouched by traditional development. Up and down theHighlands-Cashiers Plateau, second homeowners and fulltimeresidents live in places with golf courses and fancy clubs.Here, residents spend their time hiking pristine woodlands,fishing the lake and streams, and reading a book by an openfire. Instead of organized activities, the purpose here seems tobe simply to soak up the astounding beauty of Catatoga’s scenicwaterfalls and waterways, its forests and wildlife.What Catatoga is, is a retreat for those who respond to themountains, who understand that it’s a place to exercisethe imagination.And what Catatoga offers to those who hear the call, as thewebsite details, is “amenities closer to the land, understated andrustically right.”They include Lake Catatoga and its boathouse, Catatoga Fallsand Indian Creek Falls, 2+ miles of private trout waters, gazebo,a 10+ acre meadow and a clubhouse with a pool, jacuzzi, lightedtennis courts, fitness center and gathering room. A rustic lodgeon the property can accommodate guests of Catatoga with anexpansive great room and six private bedroom suites.Bill Borg, whose marketing company Storypowered representsCatatoga, says: “Catatoga is the closest thing to a summer campfor adults. It’s not for someone who wants a highly programmedclub; it’s a private nature-based alliance, a self-guided tour forpeople who want to explore at their own pace.” For much of the last decade Catatoga was operated asthe area’s top wellness center and spa with a handful ofhomeowners and spa guests to enjoy its hidden secrets.Recently, with the real estate market booming, the decisionwas made to open the next phase of development withinCatatoga by releasing Hawks Ridge Cottages, whichincludes 20 scenic mountain homesites, lot/home pack-ages and several existing cottages used in the wellnessoperation. As soon as the cottages hit the market, they soldquickly. Additional homes are already under way.“Catatoga presents a unique opportunity for those lookingfor a place to reconnect with nature and create lastingmemories as our family has done over the years” saysCatatoga President, Harrison Merrill, who also leads thedevelopment of Catatoga’s sister property Foxhall Resort.The good news is Catatoga is now available for naturelovers hoping for a chance to move into Shangri-La.

by Marlene Osteen