Heron Hill at the Lake
Every Missourian knows you don’t have to travel far to experience the fun and relaxation of Missouri’s finest lake resort destination. It’s no secret that the Lake of the Ozarks is home to some of the best shopping, boating, golfing, fishing, and hiking around. With the area’s incredible properties and awe-inspiring setting, it’s no wonder so many families make it a priority to have fun on the lake. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Missourians are lucky to be close to this lively travel destination, but the pull of Lake Ozark extends far beyond the Missouri Border. People travel to the lake from all of the eight states bordering Missouri, and many lake goers come from as far as the beautiful west coast (a vacation destination all its own) to enjoy the luxury the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer.
From extravagant resorts and condos to simple bed and breakfasts, the Lake of the Ozarks has something for every budget—just one more reason why the lake is one perfect vacation spot. The Lake Area’s appeal to vacationers goes beyond fun on the water. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Ozark Distillery, Bridal Cave, and the Osage Beach Premium Outlets are just a few of the many activities vacationers can enjoy off the lake, along with spas, tours, movies, and concerts all over the area.
Joseph H. Boer made use of the Lake of the Ozarks’ beauty and reputation when he opened his restaurant, Blue Heron Restaurant, atop of Heron Hill in the Ozarks over 30 years ago. The Blue Heron Restaurant opened on July 4th, 1984 and has since had a casual, romantic atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and drinking the most delicious wines during a night of fine dining. Joseph’s restaurant has brought people together around the table to enjoy his delicious and unique entrees for decades.
During his childhood, Joseph’s father had always wanted to own a restaurant. Unfortunately, the Second World War prevented this dream from becoming reality for his father, but Joseph adopted his father’s dream and made it his own. He was trained in the culinary arts in Holland at the age of 16 and eventually became a Sous Chef at the Belgium Embassy in Den Haag. Later, he served in the Dutch Army and qualified to receive an invitation to the United States as a displaced person during WWII.
On Christmas Day in 1956, Joseph H. Boer arrived in America and would become a United States citizen in 1961. He moved from Colorado to Kansas City (with the help of a generous tip from a customer) where he worked at various restaurants and served two years in the United States Army. His experience enabled him to move to the Lake of the Ozarks where he opened his first restaurant, The Top Deck at Mai Tai.
From his first restaurant, Joseph owned and operated several restaurants in the Ozarks, and even one in Jefferson City, until the land for the Blue Heron Restaurant became available in 1984. The setting was just right, the views stunning—everything Joseph needed to create a unique and elegant restaurant, perfect for romantic evenings and special occasions. For the last 31 years, visitors and locals have been able to enjoy his signature dish, the Batter Fried Lobster Tail, and his award winning selection of wines. Now, the time has come for Joseph to sell Heron Hill and travel the world with his wife, Mary Christine.
Heron Hill is a 14-acre estate and is one of the highest points above the beautiful Lake Ozark. With approximately 875 ft. of water frontage, this property is one of the best of the Ozarks. Located in the Four Seasons area, this property is seconds away from Horseshoe Bend and Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Offering a jaw-dropping, unobstructed eight-mile view of Lake Ozark, the Osage River, and Bagnell Dam, Heron Hill is listed at $12,000,000 as a commercial property. The list price includes the value for the land only as the Blue Heron Restaurant business is not for sale. The restaurant and the restaurant name will leave with its creator, Joseph H. Boer.
Joseph lived through the German occupation of his childhood home where they took everything of value from him and his family. Today, he’s created a life worth valuing beyond the monetary. He always has stories to share, advice to give, and lessons to teach. We’re sure he’ll continue to spread his wisdom as he enjoys some leisure time reading, listing to music, and tasting all of the fine wines he can get his hands on. The Blue Heron Restaurant was his dream, and it has been one of the Lake Area’s most premier treasures for the past 30 years. Now that Heron Hill is for sale, anyone has the opportunity fulfill their business dreams on this prestigious property.
Heron Hill has so much to offer and is one of the most sought-after in the Lake of the Ozarks. With the water frontage and incredible acreage, this area would be perfect for a luxury apartment building, complete with a pool and a shopping community. Though it would be the perfect place to create a luxury community where families can come to vacation and enjoy the lake, nothing with this property is set in stone. Imagine a multi-story luxury hotel where every room would have an incredible view of either Lake Ozark or the majestic Osage River. The possibilities here are endless.
For more information on the Heron Hill listing, contact Tracy Ellis at tracy@tracyellis.com or visit www.heronhillatthelake.com.