When the doors of the Great Waters clubhouse opened for Reynolds Lake Oconee’s 25th Anniversary celebration25th Anniversary celebration in late September, it was certainly a nostalgic feeling for many long-time members. Rain forced the event to move indoors, where over 200 members congregated for a ceremony, dinner and cocktails, and concluded with a fireworks show over the eighteenth fairway of the golf course.
It was a “reintroduction” to a long-time favorite spot for members. However, this time, members witnessed a fresh new interior that included new wall vinyl, carpet, lighting and fixtures. It was all part of a renovation process to prepare the facility for regular dinner service that began this fall.
Since it first opened in 1998, the Great Waters clubhouseGreat Waters clubhouse has certainly been known for its special occasions. From wedding rehearsal dinners to anniversary parties to the ever popular Piano Nights, the 13,000 square foot facility has a very special place in many members’ hearts. Of course, even a simple dinner there is special due to the remarkable view of the lake and eighteenth fairway that the dining room and outside balcony provides.
And it is that same view from the dining room that serves as the inspiration for the fresh new look inside the Great Waters clubhouse. Centering her palettes on the water and the natural beauty that the clubhouse overlooks, interior designer, Cinda Walker of Design Associates Inc. took an “outside-in” approach with her work in freshening up this classic Reynolds Lake Oconee amenity. “I wanted to pay homage to the view and to the water,” says Walker. “The whole concept was to key in on the natural water element that is Great Waters.”
From the moment guests enter the clubhouse, they discover new cream porcelain tiles at their feet. Above, in the rotunda, the wall vinyl is replaced with textured leaf tones and a range of light and neutral tones help enhance the natural light coming in from the windows. Above the fireplace hangs a photo of the dramatic view of hole eighteen at Great Waters, which serves as a tribute to what guests can expect once seated with their menus in hand.
“We focused on giving people a ‘Wow Factor’ when they enter the front door,” says Walker. “The wall vinyl in the entrance was replaced with leaf tones and the fabrics you will see are a lot of cream and caramel colors.”
Aside from the foyer, a new experience can be discovered in the dining area and lounge as well. New carpet reflects an organic feel with leaf-like patterns and warm, rich colors. Modern chandeliers and light fixtures help add a contemporary touch to a traditional space and a full color change from wall to wall gives guests a new and unique experience from the original exposed wood from before.
“We went less rustic and more contemporary with the dining areas of this clubhouse,” says Walker. “It is a fresh perspective, without taking away from the fantastic architecture already in place.”
Prior to dinner, many guests will also note changes to the Great Waters lounge area. “In the lounge, we wanted to complement the wonderful wooden bar. For the light fixtures and hardware, we went with iron – it’s traditional but with a contemporary flair.”
With a dining schedule in place, the clubhouse is welcoming guests back to experience its new look and feel. Some are experiencing the restaurant again, while others are taking it all in for the first time. Whatever the case may be, it’s certainly a great feeling taking in all those spectacular views from the inside-out.
