Is Timberlake Plantation Right For Your Lake Home?

Dreaming of mornings on Lake Murray and afternoons on the fairway? If you want both, Timberlake Plantation could be your sweet spot in Chapin. You might also be weighing HOA rules, marina logistics, and what homes actually cost to own and maintain on the lake. This guide gives you a clear, practical look at lifestyle, housing, and the fine print so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Timberlake at a glance

Timberlake Plantation is a lakeside, golf-course community on Lake Murray in the Chapin area of Lexington County. The owners’ association documents list 321 home sites across subsections like Club Pointe, Fairway Oaks, Linkside, and Plantation Summit. You can confirm the neighborhood’s origin, structure, and subsections in the association’s overview on the Timberlake Plantation site (Timberlake Plantation Owners Association).

The community is built around Timberlake Country Club, the only golf course located directly on Lake Murray. The club offers an 18-hole course, clubhouse dining, pool, and racket sports, with multiple membership options and public tee times for outside play (Timberlake Country Club membership options). An on-site marina advertises roughly 200 deep-water wet slips with utilities and leases slips based on availability (Timberlake Marina).

Lake Murray stretches about 50,000 acres with roughly 650 miles of shoreline, which supports a wide range of neighborhoods and boating options around the lake (Lake Murray overview). Timberlake sits within the broader Chapin/Lake Murray market and is commonly described as roughly 20 to 30 miles from downtown Columbia depending on route and traffic.

Who thrives here

If golf and a built-in club social scene are part of your weekly rhythm, Timberlake makes that easy. You get walkable or golf-cart access to fairways and practice areas, plus dining and planned events. For boaters, the on-site marina means you can keep a boat in the water and get on the lake quickly.

If you want a neighborhood feel, seasonal activities, and an active club calendar, you will likely appreciate how the golf course and marina bring neighbors together. If you prefer a looser, no-club, no-HOA vibe, you may want to compare Timberlake to other Lake Murray areas with fewer covenants.

Boating and lake access

Timberlake Marina lists approximately 200 deep-water wet slips with utilities at the docks. Slips are available for lease and are not restricted only to neighborhood residents, but availability and pricing change often. It is best to call the marina early in your search to understand slip types, wait times, and costs (Timberlake Marina).

You also have public alternatives nearby if you prefer trailering your boat. Dreher Island State Park offers public ramps, camping, and day-use areas and is a popular base for family outings and tournaments (Dreher Island State Park).

Homes and lots you’ll see

You will find custom and semi-custom homes, often between about 2,500 and more than 5,000 square feet. Lot sizes range from roughly a quarter acre to more than an acre on waterfront and estate sites. Construction began in the late 1980s and 1990s, with many homes from the 2000s. Expect a mix of original finishes and renovated properties at higher price points.

Prices vary by subsection, lot position, and updates. Interior and golf-view homes often land in the mid-to-high six figures, while lakefront and estate properties commonly reach into seven figures. Always use current MLS data for precise pricing in the subsection you are considering.

HOA, covenants, and ARB rules

Timberlake has an HOA and an Architectural Review Board (ARB) that set and enforce neighborhood standards. The ARB requires approval for exterior changes, including waterfront work. Docks, boat lifts, wharves, and shoreline stabilization such as riprap or bulkheads all need ARB approval. The ARB process also covers tree protection, driveways, materials, and colors. Review the current rules and timelines before planning a project (ARB policies and procedures).

The practical takeaway is simple. The rules help maintain a consistent look and protect values, but they can limit quick or ad-hoc changes, especially along the shoreline. If you want to add or modify a dock, budget time for approvals and confirm permitted status for any existing structures.

Docks, permits, and shoreline work

Building or modifying a private dock requires ARB approval. In many cases, you may also need permits from county or state agencies and, in some situations, the utility that operates Lake Murray infrastructure. Confirm all permits early and get copies of approvals and as-built drawings when available. The ARB manual lists docks, wharves, lifts, and riprap as items that require approval (Timberlake ARB rules).

For regular boating without a private dock, a leased slip at Timberlake Marina can be a good solution. Call to check current availability and pricing and to compare wet slip versus lift options (Timberlake Marina).

Costs, taxes, and risk checks

HOA dues are set by the Timberlake Plantation Owners Association, and some subsections may have additional sub-HOA fees. Amounts vary by subsection, so verify the current schedule directly with the HOA or through the listing agent.

Property taxes are set by Lexington County and can change with reassessment. Review recent tax bills for any property you are considering and check the county’s approach to effective tax rates to estimate your annual cost (Lexington County property tax overview).

Shoreline parcels can fall within FEMA flood zones, which may trigger lender insurance requirements. Run a FEMA Flood Map search for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote early in your process (FEMA Flood Map Service Center).

Local water systems that draw from or treat lake-source water monitor for emerging contaminants such as PFAS. If water quality is a priority, review your utility’s published sampling and advisory information (PFAS monitoring information).

How Timberlake compares nearby

Every Lake Murray buyer balances different tradeoffs. Here is a quick, plain-language view:

• Timberlake Plantation: Golf course, clubhouse social life, and an on-site marina. Best fit if you value club amenities and easy lake access and are comfortable with HOA and ARB rules.
• Forty Love Point: Gated waterfront neighborhood often marketed for its private ramp and many private docks. Good if you want a “pure” waterfront focus without golf.
• Night Harbor: Peninsula-style community with a neighborhood marina and social spaces. A strong lakeside feel without a golf course (Night Harbor community site).
• Dutchman Shores: Older waterfront area with larger lots in places and generally fewer restrictions. Good if you want direct lake frontage with more flexibility.
• South-shore options near Lexington: Examples like Lakeside at Ballentine offer community ramps and family-friendly amenities and are closer to Lexington and major shopping.

Quick decision checklist

Use this simple checklist to test your fit with Timberlake:

• Wants and non-negotiables

  • Do you want an on-site golf club and regular tee times? If yes, review membership tiers and benefits (Timberlake Country Club membership).
  • Do you need a guaranteed wet slip, or are you fine with public ramps or dry storage? Call for marina availability and waitlists (Timberlake Marina).
  • Is a private dock essential? If yes, review ARB rules and expected permitting steps (Timberlake ARB rules).

• Money and recurring costs

  • Confirm current HOA and any sub-HOA dues, plus country club dues if you plan to join.
  • Check the FEMA flood map for the parcel and get a flood insurance quote early (FEMA Flood Map Service Center).

• Practical logistics and condition

  • Ask for the dock, bulkhead, and shoreline condition history and any permits or approvals on file.
  • Plan for exterior maintenance on lake homes, including decks, dock hardware, and erosion control.
  • Test commute times from a specific address during peak hours and confirm internet and cell coverage.

• Neighborhood fit

  • Tour the clubhouse and marina, and ask about seasonal events to gauge social life.
  • If schools matter in your decision, verify exact zoning for the property address with Lexington-Richland District 5.

Before you make an offer

Before writing an offer, verify three live items:

1. Marina slip availability and pricing by calling Timberlake Marina directly (Timberlake Marina).

2. Current MLS comps and sold prices for the exact Timberlake subsection you are targeting.

3. Flood zone status and an insurance quote for the specific parcel (FEMA Flood Map Service Center).

If you want an integrated golf and lake lifestyle with an on-site marina, Timberlake Plantation is a natural match. If you want fewer rules or a private neighborhood ramp without golf, compare options around the lake, then choose what fits your day-to-day life best.

Ready to tour Timberlake or compare it with nearby Lake Murray neighborhoods? Reach out to Mackenzie Robertson to schedule a Free Consultation and get local guidance tailored to your goals.

FAQs

Do you have to join the club to live in Timberlake Plantation?

• No. Club membership is optional. The course offers public tee times, and certain amenities require membership. Review current tiers with the club.

Are Timberlake Marina slips only for homeowners?

• No. Slips are available for lease to non-residents as well, but pricing and waitlists change. Call the marina to confirm current availability.

Can you build or modify a private dock in Timberlake?

• Yes, with approvals. The ARB must approve docks, lifts, riprap, and shoreline work, and other permits may apply. Confirm permitted status before you buy.

What price range should you expect in Timberlake?

• Expect a wide band. Interior and golf-view homes often land in the mid-to-high six figures, while many lakefront properties are seven figures. Use current MLS comps.

How far is Timberlake from downtown Columbia?

• Many buyers consider it roughly 20 to 30 miles depending on the route and traffic. Always test your commute from the specific address you are considering.