Fish Upon a Star

Fish Upon a Star hosted by St James Vacation Homes

Sitting on over three acres of waterfront cove property and shaded by established trees sits Fish Upon a Star, a 3-bedroom, 2-bath getaway on the shores of Lake Sinclair.  Guests are welcomed with vintage accents and relaxed living spaces that evoke memories of bygone summers at the family homestead. The sprawling backyard features a swing for breathtaking sunset views, both a charcoal and gas grill, and a private dock and boathouse are at the ready for anglers of all ages. From here, guests can explore the 15,000 acres of Lake Sinclair that wait right outside the back door.

The cozy home interior provides a large living space anchored by a log fireplace and hardwood floors. Two sofa recliners provide ample seating and plenty of reason to kick back while watching movies and sports on the flatscreen TV. Catnaps are also encouraged! The kitchen area features new stainless-steel appliances (side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, oven with smooth-top stove, microwave, dishwasher). The adjacent dining area sits in front of a sliding door that offers wide views of the backyard and lake shoreline. The dining table seats 8, and there are two nearby barstools for overflow. In mild weather, meals (or Happy Hour) might spill out to the screened porch, whose Adirondack chairs and vintage metal glider invite plenty of laid-back conversation among the gentle evening hum of crickets and tree frogs.

For guests wearied by travel or just “fun under the sun,” three bedrooms promise a good night’s rest. The first guest room features a double bed and flatscreen tv. The second room sleeps up to four and is perfect for families with children. It offers a bunk bed with bottom double mattress, top twin, and a twin trundle. Just across the hallway is a shared bath with a full tub/shower.

The master bedroom boasts a queen bed, flatscreen TV, waterside views, and a private bath ensconced behind a custom sliding barn door. The renovated ensuite bathroom showcases a vanity with plenty of counter space and a walk-in shower.

On the opposite end is laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer, which put an end to hauling dirty laundry back home.

The irresistible allure of tranquil lake life might keep guests from venturing beyond the driveway, but others may want to explore the surrounding community. For basics and menu planning, Kroger, Publix, and Ingles are all about 20 minutes away. If vacation means that the family chef is off duty, try Aubri Lane’s for contemporary southern cuisine with lakeside views. Georgia Bob’s is also a great option for BBQ and some of the best chicken salad around. If you’re on the water, visit The Grill at Crooked Creek Marina, which is about a 4-mile boat ride south and provides a dock-n-dine experience.

For those with children, a 15-minute drive separates you from Oconee Springs Park, a family campground and waterpark that features a sandy beach, playground, volleyball court, paddleboats, waterslide, blob, and water trampoline. Outside guests (non-campers) can purchase a daily park pass for endless fun under the sun, and we guarantee that your little ones will be delightfully exhausted at the end of the day.

For true Southern culture, look no further than the largest city on Lake Sinclair. Milledgeville is a trove of history, having served as the state capital of Georgia from 1803-1863 and now as host to Georgia College & State University. Downtown Milledgeville is a 10-block historic district lined with antebellum masterpieces, including the Old Governor’s Mansion that was once occupied overnight by General William T. Sherman in his famous March to the Sea during the Civil War. Milledgeville also boasts Andalusia Farm, home of acclaimed late author, Flannery O’ Connor, who dryly remarked of her hometown, “When in Rome, do as you done in Milledgeville.” Another historic site worth visiting is the Central State Hospital Campus (formerly known as the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum), founded in 1842. At its height, it was the world’s largest mental health facility with 13,000 patients. It is still in operation but has downsized significantly. Visitors can go on a guided trolley tour of the original campus, and the tour guide is a former employee with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Less than 30 minutes away are the towns of Eatonton and Greensboro, home to Sinclair’s twin-separated-by-dam, Lake Oconee. Both of these areas have historic downtown districts, a variety of dining and retail options, and seasonal farmers’ markets, festivals, and events that highlight the easygoing lifestyle of Lake Country.

• Private Dock