Rarity Bay Homes for Sale

Discover the Rarity Bay lifestyle. As a premier 55+ luxury community on the shores of Tellico Lake in Vonore, Rarity Bay offers unparalleled mountain views and world-class amenities. Browse the latest listings below or schedule your private discovery tour today.

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About Rarity Bay

Rarity Bay is another luxury lifestyle community set on Tellico Lake with the Smoky Mountains rising in the background. Not only do residents enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and mountains here in East Tennessee, but this community also comes with a wide array of amenities for its residents.

Why We Love Rarity Bay

Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake includes a championship golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a fitness center, swimming pool, community docks, a country club, horseback riding, and hiking trails. For those wanting to live an active, full life, Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake has no shortage of options to do so.

Check out our video about Rarity Bay and schedule a discovery tour anytime.

 

Learn More About Rarity Bay

Rarity Bay Country Club

At the Rarity Bay Country Club, there is no shortage of activities for its members. Whether you want to host a family gathering, play a round of golf, or just have a nice meal, there is something for everyone.

The Rarity Bay Country Club has the following amenities for members:

  • 18 Hole Golf Course
  • Pickleball and Tennis Courts
  • Equestrian Center
  • Club House
  • Swimming Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Private Meeting Rooms
  • A Lively Social Calendar

In addition to these amenities, the country club also has a restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. Rarity Bay’s go-to restaurant, the Bay Bistro, serves up classic options for lunch including favorites like burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. For dinner, the Bay Bistro serves up more gourmet fare with everything ranging from filets, gourmet salads, and pastas and beyond. Whether members want to grab a quick lunch before golf or a nice dinner, the Bay Bistro has something for every occasion.

Championship Golfing on the Shores of Tellico Lake

The Rarity Bay Golf Course, designed by DJ DeVictor, is the centerpiece of the community’s active lifestyle. Spanning 150 acres with 18 championship holes, it offers a challenging yet scenic experience for golfers of all levels. 

Living in Vonore, TN: The Gateway to the Smokies

Located in Vonore, Tennessee, Rarity Bay combines the privacy of a gated peninsula with easy access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Residents enjoy 10 miles of pristine shoreline along Tellico Lake, making it a top choice for those seeking luxury real estate in East Tennessee.

Community Garden

Rarity Bay also has a Community Garden where residents can rent out a space to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers.

During the warmer months, there is also a Farmer’s Market where residents can buy or sell freshly grown items. Any items that are leftover are donated to Meals on Wheels.

Hiking Trails

For those who enjoy taking advantage of East Tennessee’s mild four seasons, Rarity Bay features 125 acres of riding and hiking trails.

Residents can take in the pristine beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Tellico Lake, as they explore the hiking trails surrounding the community. Rarity Bay has access to two trailheads, Turnstone Trail Head and Bluffs Trail Head. These well-marked trails have access to picnic tables and benches. On one of the trails, there is even access to a Civil War Era Cemetery on one of the trails.

Social Clubs

The Rarity Bay Community also has a lively social atmosphere. There is a range of clubs suiting every interest to allow residents to socialize with one another.

Here are just a few of the clubs that are part of the community:

  • Hiking Club
  • Bay Bowlers
  • Line Dancing
  • Mahjongg
  • Men’s Jet Ski Group
  • Ladies Walking Group
  • Rarity Bay Yacht Club
  • Rarity Bay Pickleball
  • Yoga

With so many clubs suited for a variety of interests, there is no shortage of ways that residents can get be involved in the community.

Rarity Bay: An Active, Luxury Lakefront Community

Set on the beautiful shores of Tellico Lake, Rarity Bay is an incredible 55+ community in Tennessee. If being a part of this active, luxury community interests you, do not hesitate to reach out. Rick can be reached at 865-696-9002 or via email at rick@tellicolakehometeam.

The History of Rarity Bay

Rarity Bay’s story is not your average one, with twists and turns that have molded it into what it is today. From Mike Ross’s big idea to a resident-led community, this lakeside spot has evolved over the years.

Mike Ross’s Vision: How It All Began

In the early 2000s, Rarity Bay was born from Mike Ross’s idea. He had already developed multiple Rarity-branded communities in East Tennessee, each with its own flavor. With Rarity Bay, Ross wanted to create something special – a place where luxury living met the peaceful waters of Tellico Lake. Here, residents could golf, horseback ride, and have time on the lake all in one community. Located on a peninsula within Tellico Reservoir, Rarity Bay is situated between the Little Tennessee River to the southeast and Bat Creek to the northwest. Ross aimed to make the most of this natural setting, with 10 miles of shoreline, beautiful homes, and great amenities. He wanted to build more than just houses. He wanted to create a lifestyle.

  • Golf course with lake views
  • Marina for easy access to Tellico Lake
  • Equestrian facilities for a taste of country living
  • Walking trails to nature at your doorstep

This combination of amenities attracted people who wanted more than just a house. It was about community, nature, and lake living.

The Evolution of Rarity Bay: A Resident-Led Success Story

Since 2012, Rarity Bay has thrived as a 100% resident-led community. This shift in governance has ensured that every dollar invested goes directly back into the neighborhood’s world-class amenities and infrastructure. Today, it stands as one of the most stable and financially sound luxury communities on Tellico Lake.

Residents Take the Reins: A New Beginning

In 2012, Rarity Bay underwent a major change. It became 100% resident-led, run by a resident board. With control in their own hands, residents worked to preserve what made Rarity Bay special and grow it.

  • 100% resident-led since 2012
  • Residents handle finances, maintenance, and community decisions
  • The focus is on improving life for everyone

This new era brought a sense of unity. Every resident now had a voice, and together, they strengthened Rarity Bay. It’s not just a pretty place to live – it’s a thriving community where everyone feels connected.

Life at Rarity Bay Today

Today, Rarity Bay is a place where the past is just history. The focus is on community, connection, and lake living. Residents have worked to make it the perfect spot for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a mix of activity and relaxation.

  • The golf course is still a big draw for serious and casual golfers
  • Marina and the boat club make lake life easy
  • Horse enthusiasts still love the equestrian facilities
  • Social clubs and events keep neighbors close

Rarity Bay is about more than just living by the lake – it’s about being part of a community. Whether you’re joining a dinner at the clubhouse, hitting the trails or meeting friends for a game of golf, there’s a real sense of community here. Resident-led governance means everyone has a voice, so the community stays in touch with what matters most to its residents.

What’s So Special About Rarity Bay?

Rarity Bay isn’t about the lake views or the golf course. It’s about the people. Mike Ross’s big idea had some hiccups along the way, but the residents turned those hiccups into opportunities. They made Rarity Bay a thriving community where everyone has a stake. The ups and downs only made Rarity Bay stronger. It’s a place for those who want more than just a house; they want a home surrounded by nature, friends, and freedom to live life. From its beginning to its transformation into a resident-led community, Rarity Bay has always been about creating luxury with a sense of belonging. Join the story. Contact Rick Smenner to discover the Rarity Bay Lifestyle. Call or Text 865-696-9002.

Explore Rarity Bay

Boating & Water Activities

Events

Fishing

Golf
Courses

Hiking & Walking Trails

Restaurants

Frequently Asked Questions About Rarity Bay

What type of community is Rarity Bay?
Rarity Bay is a luxury lakefront community on Tellico Lake that’s perfect for active adults 55 and better. What makes it unique is that it’s 100% resident-run since 2012 – meaning homeowners have real control over decisions, finances, and how the community is managed. It’s designed for folks who want the full lake lifestyle with mountain views, championship golf, and plenty of ways to stay active and social.
What are the HOA fees in Rarity Bay?

The costs vary depending on the type of home you choose. The basic community HOA fee runs around $1218.00 per year (that’s roughly $101.50/month) for some properties, while villas and condos can range from $375-500 monthly – but those higher fees usually cover your water, sewer, trash, and all exterior maintenance, so it’s pretty convenient. On top of that, there’s a Social Membership with a one-time intiation fee $15,000 fee and about $299 plus tax per month in dues. This gets you into the fitness center, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, clubhouse, and all the social activities. Golf is separate – there’s a $30,000 initiation fee, $450.00 per month though sometimes sellers will transfer their membership to you.

What can residents enjoy at Rarity Bay?
The Country Club features an 18-hole championship golf course with stunning lake and mountain views, plus tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Horse lovers will appreciate the equestrian center with 125 acres of riding and hiking trails. There are community docks and a marina for easy lake access, the Bay Bistro restaurant right on-site, and even a community garden where residents can grow their own vegetables. There are also hiking trails throughout the property, including access to a Civil War Era cemetery.
Where exactly is Rarity Bay located?

Rarity Bay sits on a beautiful peninsula on Tellico Lake, right at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. It’s about 35 miles southwest of Knoxville and about 8 miles from Tellico Village. The community has 10 miles of shoreline with water views and mountain vistas practically everywhere you look. It’s situated between the Little Tennessee River and Bat Creek, offering incredible scenery and great opportunities for boating, fishing, and just enjoying the outdoors.

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