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Cornelius News

180 Degrees of Separation

This is the view from a house on Westward Reach Drive that recently sold for $2.4 million.

This is the view from a house on Westward Reach Drive that recently sold for $2.4 million.

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, an expansive lake view will do wonders for a seller’s bottom line.

An estate near the end of a cove at 20705 Bethel Church Road in Cornelius has sold for more than $1.4 million, complete with a 5,639 square foot home, three garages, a gated entry and a private pier—all on 3.7 acres. If privacy is paramount, this is the house.

But there’s this: A little over a third of an acre with no house, no garages and no gates sold for $900,000 on Town Harbor in The Peninsula. But the empty lot has a great view of Lake Norman.

A lot on Town Harbor with this view sold for $900,000

A lot on Town Harbor with this view sold for $900,000

Lance Carlyle, of Carlyle Properties, had both sides of the Town Harbor deal. Carlyle had the listing side of the Bethel Church deal; Kristi Vernon of Keller Williams represented the buyers.

“Although some people want privacy, a view is valuable. A spectacular view could add 50 percent to the value of a property,” Carlyle said.

Meanwhile, another house with a great view has sold for $2.4 million, about $100,000 more than the assessed value. The house, at 17606 Westward Reach, has “dazzling unobstructed views of Lake Norman.” Dixie Dean, with Allen Tate Realtors in Cornelius, had the listing; Julie Pfeffer, with Ivester-Jackson Distinctive Properties, represented the buyers.

The 8,540 square foot home is on 7/10ths of an acre.

“Lake views clearly affect pricing, with big water views selling for more.  I am amazed however, at how many buyers walk away from a dated house (something that can be changed) with a big view (something that can’t be changed) in favor of an updated house with limited views,” Dean said. “Alternatively, there are numerous advantages associated with being tucked back in a cove which offers privacy and safety for swimming children.”