Take a deeper look at the rich history and residential community surrounding Johns Lake and keep scrolling for a unique sneak preview of a spectacular lakefront property on Johns Lake before it hits the market! The Mike Rance Team gives you an inside look at the next hot property in the desirable Johns Landing Community. Don’t miss it! See below…
If you’ve ever seen an overhead of Johns Lake, you’ll see why the lake is sometimes called the “Johns Chain,” with a widely varying shoreline and two large “islands” that extend out from the north and south sides, creating a narrow channel that connects the east and west pools. These two islands, Deer Island and Williamson Island, are actually peninsulas, connected by land bridges little over 500 feet wide. But the islands don’t stop the lake from claiming over 2,400 acres total between Clermont and Orlando. Historically, the land around Johns Lake had been used largely for citrus groves. Some still exist, while other inactive groves have been transformed into coveted residential and lakeside developments.
The 160-acre northern peninsula, or Deer Island, was purchased by its first non-native American owner, Hannah B. Rollins (any relation to the Central Florida private university?) for just $2,433.59 in 1883 (wow!), although the island didn’t go by that name until after 1933. John Patrick Mooney took over ownership of the island from 1915-1919 in his peak years as one of the area’s largest citrus growers, and is believed to be the origin of the name “Johns Lake.” After many winter freezes and fruit fly infestations of citrus crops, growers transformed the land to tourist and residential communities. Today, Johns Lake holds many excellent residential neighborhoods (11 lakefront homes available as of Nov 10th 2015, 3 right on Deer Island!).
Williamson Island, the southern peninsula, also carries a rich history, named for a “unique West Orange family,” as noted in the Spring 2014 issue of Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Window publication. It writes, “Deep in a wooded area in the midst of the orange groves, the Williamson family cemetery slumbers. Thirteen headstones stand in a neatly-kept enclosure – all that’s left of a unique West Orange family.” The group of headstones are often marked as “Williams Cemetery” on maps, but this other article quickly tells us that “maps can be wrong,” noting the cemetery’s real name. “It was really the Eli Williamson Family Cemetery,” the author writes of the burial ground and former home site. The article has a great insider’s look from the point of view of a modern adventurer exploring unique areas of Florida’s rich history, documenting his journey in pictures. The author also shares some valuable history of the Johns Lake area and the surrounding citrus industry still alive today.
Johns Lake also proves to be a suitable spot for bass fishing, with many rocky structures, weed beds and water fluctuations that create a prime habitat for trophy size bass. Much of the shoreline is still undeveloped, providing a pleasing, natural landscape to lake-goers. The lake was restocked with 500,000 bass fingerlings in the early 2000’s and continues to flourish with numerous prize fish. The lake supports a public boat ramp on the northern side just below SR-50. Don’t forget that lake allows for more lake activities than just fishing!
Nearby, crescent-shaped Lake Avalon sits just south of Johns Lake and Black Lake just east.
Now, here it is… enjoy this special sneak preview from the Mike Rance Team before it hits the market!
434 LARGOVISTA DR
5 bed 3 bath 4461 sq ft
This luxury home sits on the northern shore of the east pool of Johns Lake in the beautiful community of Johns Landing.
Spectacular views permeate through the entire house with great vision and natural light from windows and french doors throughout.
The kitchen comes complete with a wood front refrigerator to match the cabinets offering plenty of storage, along with a spacious pantry, a lovely wine rack built into the island…
…and a large wrap around bar area tying the kitchen into the wide open floor plan.
The Overlook at Johns Lake Pointe
Waterside at Johns Lake Pointe
Johns Lake Landing
Johns Lake Estates
Johns Cove
Deer Isle
Magnolia Island
Magnolia Pointe
Magnolia Bay
Stoneybrook West Golf Club
Black Lake Park
Lake Avalon Groves
*All Johns Lake neighborhoods may not be represented.
Active – 11 listings
List Price $279,950 to $4,759,000
900 to 11,650 square feet
2 beds, 2 baths to 7 beds, 7 baths
10 properties with private poolsPending – 2 listings
List Price $329,000 to $895,000
3,724 to 3,985 square feet
4 beds, 3 baths
2 properties with private poolsSold (6 mo.) – 12 listings
List Price $179,900 to $1,199,000
Sold Price $183,500 to $1,050,000
1,766 to 6,477 square feet
3 beds, 2 baths to 6 beds, 5 baths
7 properties with private pools
Even more properties are available close to Johns Lake without direct lake frontage, including one on Deer Island inland! Talk to the Mike Rance Team today to see what is available or schedule a showing to get your hunt started for your dream house!
Mike Rance, Realtor 