The first thing people notice is not the homes, it is the quiet. Tucked into the rolling landscape surrounding Dale Hollow Lake, The Preserve offers a different kind of vacation home experience, one rooted in intention. For developer Josh Ricker, that distinction was always the foundation. “The inspiration really came from the land itself,” Ricker says. “The first time I walked it, I was truly blown away by the topography, the privacy, and how quiet it was. And when I realized that because of that topography, we could build homes in the trees, not just among them.”
That vision carries through every detail. The homes, often described as “container-style,” reflect a modern approach without relying on literal materials. “It doesn’t mean we’re using actual shipping containers,” Ricker says. “It’s more about the design approach, clean lines, efficient use of space, and a modern, architectural feel.” Rather than imitate traditional lake or vacation houses, the design emphasizes simplicity and connection. Expansive windows, rooftop decks, and intentional layouts are designed to draw the outdoors in while maintaining privacy. “I don’t think it’s something you define as much as something you feel when you’re there,” Ricker says. “The privacy, the quiet, being surrounded by trees instead of other houses, it changes how you experience the space.”
That experience stands in contrast to more conventional lake-area developments, where density often defines the setting. At The Preserve, elevation and thoughtful placement create uninterrupted views and a sense of escape. “What we hear most is how different we are from anywhere else,” he says. “So many developments are crowded, heavily built out, or pretty traditional in how everything is laid out.” Here, the emphasis is on lifestyle as much as design. “People aren’t just drawn to the homes, they’re drawn to how they imagine spending time there.” That perspective has attracted a mix of buyers with a shared mindset. Some are searching for a second home, while others recognize the investment potential of a high-demand destination. “A big part of it is the gap in the market,” Ricker says. “Dale Hollow draws close to three million visitors each year, most coming from outside the state. It’s far enough from Nashville and Franklin that day trips aren’t practical and there just hasn’t been enough in the way of rentals or homes for sale to meet that potential need. Given how beautiful Dale Hollow Lake is, and how exciting our homes are, we see some incredible growth potential.”
The development was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing homeowners to balance personal use with short-term rental opportunities. “Some buyers are looking primarily for a place to use themselves, others are more focused on rental potential, but the majority fall somewhere in between.” He notes, “We’ve tried to keep pricing in a range that makes the opportunity accessible without compromising the quality of the homes or the setting,” Ricker says.
Location adds another layer of value. Within reach of Nashville and other regional markets, yet far enough removed to feel like a true escape, the development strikes a careful balance between accessibility and seclusion. Still, it is the atmosphere that defines The Preserve. The quiet, the trees, and the absence of distraction create a natural shift in pace. In that stillness, time feels different, and priorities come into focus. “You’re stepping away from the noise, but not from what matters,” he says. At The Preserve at Dale Hollow, that balance between escape and connection is what turns a place into something far more lasting.
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5 Facts About Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee
1. It’s Massive, and Surprisingly Undeveloped
Dale Hollow Lake spans about 27,700 acres with more than 620 miles of shoreline, much of it still wooded and untouched, which is rare for a lake of this size.
2. It Attracts Millions Each Year, Without Feeling Crowded
Despite its peaceful reputation, the lake draws nearly 3 million visitors annually thanks to boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
3. It’s Known for World-Class Fishing
The lake holds the world record for smallmouth bass and continues to be a top destination for professional and amateur anglers looking for their next big catch.
4. The Water Is Exceptionally Clear
Dale Hollow is widely known for its clean, blue water, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and even scuba diving.
5. Not just a pretty lake
Along with the lake, the area also offers world class hiking, state parks, golf, fly-fishing, and 24,000 acres of public hunting grounds.