About Us
Visible through spray from a fire truck,
the stone arches and chimneys of the
Lodge
Ruins remain standing. Barely seen
at far right are the Beach and Clubhouse.
Mountain Lake Club is a new name, slightly revised from “Mountain Lake
Lodge,” the properties’ identity for the last decade. Originally built
in the 1950s-1960s by Charles M. Johnson, the real estate developer who built the massive dam that created the lake, it was initially known as “
Shannondale Club.” Mr. Johnson sought to preserve the lake environment
by limiting lake access to dues-paying members. The properties' owners since then, including the original members who eventually bought the properties from Shannondale Inc., as well as the third owner, Elizabeth "Beth" Houghton, who purchased their interests in 2000, continued the tradition.
The members-only custom was intended to protect the environment, and it succeeded, over the years preserving a tranquil and safe setting for family enjoyment, and preventing “fish out,” often the fate of rural lakes. Substantial time, money and effort are necessary to police and maintain the lake and the dam, recently cited as extraordinary examples of fine design and construction.
From 2000 to June 2003, Beth restored the Adirondack-style Lodge to compete with any lodge in America. It earned the prestigious designation as an Orvis Fly-fishing Lodge and was a prime destination resort and important West Virginia landmark. On June 19, 2003, arsonists destroyed the historic Lodge, all that is left are the stone foundations and tall chimneys. Although Beth tried to continue lake operations, just three years later, she suddenly passed away, leaving her properties to her closest family.
This small family-owned company, almost a decade old, is operated by
Myrna Firestone, Beth’s mother, and Joan O’Dell, her aunt. The operation has changed to not only allowing members to boat and fish, but to invite the public on weekends only.
We would like the opportunity to welcome you to Mountain Lake Club. Call 240-731-1349 for an appointment and/or to reserve a time for your fishing day or site for an event.
Ready for a wedding!
Sites on the property can be rented for private parties, birthdays, weddings and meetings. A marriage ceremony on the beach, beside the sparkling waters, is particularly romantic.
The Lake, the Point and its parking lot, the Clubhouse area, the Beach, Tennis Courts, parking lots, the ruins of the Lodge, etc. are all private properties and not publicly owned.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED:The "Point" is a site that the lake owner makes exclusively available for use in emergencies. Helicopter rescues, from heart attack victims to kids crashing their bikes, are the purpose of keeping the Point clear of vehicles and people other than members. The Blue Ridge Mountain Volunteer Fire Department flies helicopters to the Point and transports victims to local hospitals, and uses the water in the lake at the Point for practice sessions with new volunteers. The fire truck pictured at the top of this page is a shiny, brand new, state of the art rescue vehicle.
Fire Department helicopter arrives for Community Appreciation Day at the Point, sponsored by Blue Ridge Mountain VFD and by Mountain Lake Club. May 1, 2010
email:
info@mountainlakeclub.com
phone:
240-731-1349
