Redefining the Lake Life Aesthetic With 'Lakefront Empire'

With its series Lakefront Empire, HGTV is taking you to the heart of a burgeoning movement in real estate — one that's rooted in scenic beauty, outdoor adventure and lake culture. The series is set in the vibrant community known as Lake of the Ozarks. Here you'll find a sampling of what lake life in the Ozarks looks like.

But first, meet the Lakefront Empire team — real estate brokers and agents (L to R) Justin and Jonas Farrell, Amanda Smith, Peggy Albers, Gerardo Cornejo and Cierra Grein. These specialized real estate movers-and-shakers work closely together, and each possesses an in-depth knowledge of the region — its communities and properties as well as its culture and social scene. "Living on the lake and running my business is an honor and a pleasure," says Peggy, "but to help people find their dream home is the best reward of all.”

"Life on the Lake of the Ozarks … it's the American dream," says Peggy. "I just don't think people realize that we have a "Midwest Coast." This natural and scenic region is located in central Missouri, between Kansas City and St. Louis, an easy trip by car from Chicago. The lake itself encompasses 54,000 acres of surface area and boasts no less than 1,200 miles of shoreline which is — as the agents like to point out — more than the entire coast of California.

First created when the Osage River was dammed as part of a massive hydroelectric project in the early 1900s, the lake has long been a mecca for vacationers, hunters and fishermen, nature lovers, water-sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

In recent years the area has seen the onset of a certain style of real-estate boom — one that attracts a range of individuals whose common ground includes an adventurous spirit, a love of the outdoors and a yearning for the perfect getaway spot. "The laid-back culture is just one of the reasons I love living here," says Jonas, Lakefront Empire team member and lifelong lake resident.

The spectacular waterfront views and lake frontages have made Lake of the Ozarks not only a premier destination for vacationers and weekend visitors, but also one of the more sought-after locales among the region's upscale home buyers and developers. "The market has exploded," says Peggy. "There were over a billion dollars in [home] sales last year."

Palatial multimillion-dollar homes with luxurious pools, extravagant docks, manicured gardens and other amenities have become a common sight along the lake's shores — leading the region to lately become referred to as the "Hamptons of the Midwest."

"It's all about the docks," says Amanda, broker and owner of Smith & Associates Realty Group. "Boat docks, swimming docks — they take lake life seriously here." Peggy adds: "People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their boat docks ... before they even buy a boat."

In the big picture, mega-mansions and extreme boat docks are only a piece of the story. Lake of the Ozarks is defined just as certainly by its independent spirit and relaxed rustic vibe. "When you cross over that bridge," says Justin Farrell (likely referring to the LOTA Community Bridge, one of several long-spanning structures connecting the various lake townships), "take your tie off, check your suit. No shoes, no shirt, no problem!"

There's little need for formality here. "Lake of the Ozarks is crazy," says Peggy. "We have wholesome — and we have hedonism." The area is flush with a wide array of activities, lakeside restaurants and bars, hotels and golf courses.

Agents (and brothers) Justin and Jonas Farrell set out on the lake to show their client a private island for sale. Yes, a private island.

Mega mansions notwithstanding, it's by no means necessary to be a member of the 1% to take up residence in Lake of the Ozarks. "You don't have to be a multi-millionaire to own a house here," says Cierra. "You have all these multimillion dollar homes, but we also have $100,000 properties, so you really get it all."

Among properties for sale in the lake community of Four Seasons is the Octagon Cabin, shown here from the front. This unique lake house was built in 1985 and has two bedrooms, 2,000 square feet and a quiet, cloistered setting.

The Octagon Cabin is one of a set of three built together in this same tree-top style and it's located directly on a golf course. "These are one-of-a-kind cool," says Peggy. "I just love how it sits in the woods." Inside, it comes with wraparound views and high ceilings.

The lakeside view of this home in the community of Camdenton reveals a stunning profile. The 1,300-square-foot house has three bedrooms and two baths and was listed for $495,000.

The home has an amazing view overlooking a quiet cove, a short distance off of the lake's main channel. Key features include an abundance of deck space as well as a two-slip boat dock.