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The Big Idea​​
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The Land
Eagle Lake is located on the Northeast section of Orcas Island within the San Juan Archipelago of Washington state. The land includes 300+ acres with a 17-acre fresh-water lake stocked with a variety of trout. The property sits on the Strait of Georgia, and includes 3,830 feet of wild beach and acres of uplands that have been donated to the San Juan Preservation Trust with Eagle Lake property owners retaining land access to the beach and many miles of rugged pristine shoreline. The landscape is varied with forests of fir, cedar, hemlock and alder, as well as open wildflower meadows. The land is blessed with an abundance of fresh well water, the lake, and lush wetlands.
Spectacular views are seen from Eagle Lake across the expansive Strait of Georgia to the Cascade Mountain Range, featuring Mt. Baker at 10,777 feet. The view extends north toward Vancouver, British Columbia and south down the Puget Sound. Other view features include many state parks Islands, inland territorial views ofvast forests, Mt. Pickett, and the southern San Juan Islands.
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History
For a group of families and friends, Eagle Lake was a retreat to nature, a place where the cares of the world were forgotten. In 1967, the lake was created from a plentiful spring, guided by the expertise of a renowned fisheries biologist, who established its diverse ecology.
Stories abound of friends, rustic family cabins, frosty holiday retreats, beach walks, sailing, and adventures at Eagle Lake. Two little islands in the lake named Boys’ and Girls’ (where parents were allowed only by invitation) hold a talk of a young boy who camped for a week eating only fresh trout and pancakes, reluctant to return to shore.
In 1991, the families joined with environmental planners, who chose the development concept for Eagle Lake. Their intention was to create a community celebrating innovative ideas, the fine quality of architectural integrity, and a deep respect for the island’s uninterrupted open spaces and the abounding natural environment.
To set a precedent for preservation, the saltwater shoreline and associated uplands were donated to the San Juan Preservation Trust. This gift extends a collection of existing protected beaches on the north shore of Orcas.
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Concept
Eagle Lake was created with the goals of environmental and architectural integrity. Common sense, forethought, and meticulous planning provide the opportunity for a wilderness retreat within the secure setting of a protected island paradise. Care has been taken to ensure fine quality crafting of all community structures for long-term use and visual harmony in the setting.
In keeping with Eagle Lake’s respect for the natural environment, only 45 circular home sites, measuring 100 feet in diameter, have been located on the property’s 300+ acres. This concept for land ownership ensures the absolute protection of uninterrupted common land.
The property includes full-service underground utilities, including a state-of-the-art community septic treatment facility, and an on-site water system with abundant capacity and reserves, as well as power and telephone. Fiber optic cable provides access to highspeed internet and is available to every site. The road system consists of well-constructed gravel lanes for minimal impact on the land.
Eagle Lake includes a resident caretaker who maintains common areas and community infrastructure systems. Recreation areas at the lake include two decks, a boat dock, an anchored mid-lake raft, picnic tables and Adirondack-style chairs, and a beautiful stone and cedar Lake Shelter with a Rumford fireplace. Otter Point, a small clearing in the woods on Forest Lane, is a lovely, more secluded spot with a picnic table and some chairs. A playing field is located next to the community garden and orchard. The welcoming Meeting House has a stone fireplace and furniture in its cozy indoor space. Library books on environmentally sound building materials, design approaches, local builders, energy efficient product lines, gardening, fishing, island life, and Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, provide a resource of ideas to enhance Eagle Lake living. Attached to the Meeting House are laundry and shower facilities to meet the needs of owners and guests.
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Architecture
Design guidelines have been created for Eagle Lake to establish a sense of visual harmony between the built and natural environments. These guidelines define the Eagle Lake Style and allow for individual expression, while ensuring architectural integrity.
The Eagle Lake Style has been influenced by related architectural traditions including Craftsman, Bungalow, Prairie, and the architecture in our National Parks. The elements common to these styles are shallow pitched roofs, deep broad eaves, multiple casement windows, stone or rough foundation walls, quality wood exterior finishes, and wide trellised verandas to draw nature close. The application of dark green and dark brown stains for exterior finishes further enhance visual harmony with the natural environment.
The Eagle Lake Style is respectful of solar siting, individual budgets, preferences for architects or designers, and dreams of country home ownership, while accommodating those seeking simple cabins or more sizable retreats. The well-planned review process can assist and inform individuals regarding the best approach to design and
construction services.
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