Alpine Lake Resort

The land now consisting of the Alpine Lake Resort originally had only the Wardwell Creek flowing through it, known locally as the “Waddle.”  Arlie Hull, an area resident, purchased the property in the 1930’s and dammed the stream to create a 5-acre reservoir that was first named Bass Lake.  The fisheries stocking the lake were among the largest in the eastern US and therefore became widely-known, making the property a mecca for sportsmen.  Due to its popularity, Hull expanded the property by building a hunting and fishing club and planting grain in the surrounding fields.  Most significantly, the lake was increased to 65 acres and became known as Hull’s Lake.

In 1965, business leaders from the surrounding area acquired the camp from Hull and developed the property into a membership resort called “Mountaintop Vacationland.”  A 9-hole golf course, downhill ski slopes, and a small lodge were added to the land.  Mountaintop Vacationland was purchased in 1969 by Morgantown industrialist J.W. Ruby and renamed to “Alpine Lake” in 1971.  It was under Ruby’s direction that the development was greatly expanded, including a vast increase to the size of the lake via a new dam and establishing a complete plan for a residential community.  In 1980, a few years after Ruby's death, Alpine Lake was officially turned over to its property owners.  To this day, the Alpine Lake Property Owners Association manages all aspects of community and its common facilities, funded primarily through assessments and fees.

Alpine Lake Resort now encompasses the 148-acre lake and nearly 2,000 acres of wooded land.  The lodge serves a central hub to the resort, pulling socialites, golfers, and pub goers together.  Anglers and adventurers commonly take canoes, kayaks, and small sailboats out on the water.  The lake is routinely stocked with fish, some measuring up to 15 to 18 inches and weighing up to two pounds.  A sandy beach and a large boathouse provide ideal spots to swim, relax, and soak up the sun along the water’s edge.  Beyond the sparkling lake, residents and guests of Alpine Lake can enjoy a wide variety of activities from golf and walking in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter.  Special events, such as a music festival, a luau, and an Oktoberfest, create seasonal entertainment on the property.

The nearby towns of Terra Alta and Oakland offer the basics of everyday living, and within a short drive, Deep Creek Lake provides a wealth of recreational activities and attractions.  The Garrett State Forest also offers more outdoor opportunities, including the majestic Swallow Falls.

The Deklewa Lake House

David and Carol Deklewa first visited Alpine Lake in the early-2010’s as guests of longtime friends Bruce Harshman and Neill Stauffer.  Bruce and Neill had purchased and renovated a house on the resort in the late-2000’s, perfecting a home with a picturesque view of the lake.  Due to the peacefulness and enjoyment of the resort and surrounding region, a trip to Alpine Lake became a yearly venture for the entire Deklewa family for golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring.

Soon, that enjoyment grew into a true love for the resort.  So David and Carol began looking at properties that were posted for-sale in Alpine Lake and touring many homes during their visits.  Their top priority was to find a house sizeable enough to continue their family trips while still remaining within a close view of the lake itself.  Almost purely by chance, Carol stumbled upon 110 Pine Drive, which had very recently been put on the market.  From the street, the home seemed rather unappealing — a plain, boxy-looking wood cabin.  But from the reverse side and the inside, the Deklewas had found exactly what they had sought.  It had two, spacious floors and a loft, all of which consisted of four bedrooms and two full baths.  There was the desired view of the lake, positioned in a picturesque way that changed with the four seasons.  And coincidentally, it was only two lots away from the house owned by Bruce and Neil!  They knew this was the perfect place for them, so in July of 2016 — just two months after first seeing it — the house was purchased by David and Carol.

But a house is not a home to a Deklewa clan who had previously used their own hands to design and build much of their home in the western suburbs of Pittsburgh.  The family includes an engineer, an IT guru, a carpenter, and a project manager, equipping the group with a vision for the house and a plan to make it a reality.  So they went to work, installing hardwood floors, building a new stone fireplace, configuring high-tech smart lights, and decorating every room to comfort and perfection.

The result is a home in which the Deklewa family now visits quite often throughout the year.  They still organize trips as a large, extended family, but it also serves as a quiet escape for David and Carol or for the smaller families of their four children.  The three (and counting) grandchildren have already begun to enjoy the home, as well.  And it will always be a place where relatives and friends are welcome to stay, thereby extending the same generosities first granted to the Deklewas at Alpine Lake by Bruce and Neill.

​The Deklewa family wishes you an enjoyable stay in our home away from home!
 
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