
The very thing that draws so many visitors and new residents to this area each
year was simply a way of life for Eric Stegall. As a child growing up in Seneca,
South Carolina, his earliest and most cherished memories are of early mornings
and all day excursions that involved fishing and boating on Lake Keowee. Eric
and his family spent their summers camping and fishing together on the shores
of the area’s many lakes and inside the wonderland of the many state parks. “Living
in this part of South Carolina was a great backdrop for enjoying life….. it seems
that Lake Keowee was always the centerpiece of family events.”
Rarely does the magic last forever. Eric grew up, got married, and eventually
moved away to explore other opportunities in real estate in other growing markets
of the county. Those experiences, for the most part, were interesting and profitable,
but no matter where he went, it never felt like home. There was always something
tugging at him to return to the upstate of South Carolina.
When Eric finally returned to South Carolina in 2005, he found himself often
wondering why anyone would ever do what he did. . . how could anyone ever leave
such an amazing place? The pristine lakes, the beautiful waterfalls, and the
majestic mountain views that he took for granted have a greater meaning now that
Eric is a father himself. “I have so many wonderful memories of the lake and
spending time there with my family and friends. Moving away, and then having
the luxury of moving back to reclaim this as my permanent home, has given me an
even greater appreciation for the quality of life that this area offers. I am
thrilled to be able to raise my daughter here and to watch as she experiences
the magic of living on Lake Keowee. I know her childhood memories will be great
ones – and hopefully one day those memories will make her want to raise her own
family here.”