Turn left on Jetton Road from West Catawba Avenue and within a few minutes, you'll know you've arrived somewhere special. The tree-lined streets open up to reveal glimpses of Lake Norman through the mature landscaping, custom iron gates mark the entrances to estate properties, and every mailbox—painted that distinctive dark green—signals you're inside one of the lake's most sought-after addresses.

The Peninsula isn't just a neighborhood. It's a lifestyle built around two world-class clubs, 11 miles of Lake Norman shoreline, and the kind of resort-style living most people only experience on vacation. For those who call it home, that vacation never ends.

Where Golf Course Meets Shoreline

The Peninsula Community sprawls across some of the most scenic terrain on the lake, with custom-built homes positioned along the fairways, tucked into wooded lots, or perched directly on the water with private docks. The community claims eight of Lake Norman's 520 miles of shoreline, giving residents an almost coastal feel despite being squarely in the North Carolina Piedmont.

What makes this community different from other luxury enclaves around the lake is the dual-club structure. Residents have the option to join The Peninsula Club (the golf and country club) or The Peninsula Yacht Club (the marina and boating club)—or both. It's a setup that caters to golfers, boaters, and families who just want access to exceptional dining and social events without necessarily picking up a club or casting a line.

The homes themselves reflect the caliber you'd expect. Built by some of Charlotte's most respected luxury builders, properties here range from around $800,000 for golf course or interior lots up to $14 million and beyond for premier waterfront estates. Most homes fall in the 3,500 to 7,000 square foot range, though estates exceeding 10,000 square feet aren't uncommon. Architectural styles vary—French Provincial, European-inspired, contemporary lakefront—but the common thread is custom craftsmanship and an attention to detail that shows.

More Than a Golf Course

At the heart of the community sits The Peninsula Club, a member-owned private country club that became resident-owned on January 1, 2000, when members purchased it from the original developer. That transition to member ownership kicked off what longtime members describe as a new era for the club, one focused on family programming and evolving amenities.

The centerpiece is the 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead in 1990. Jones, often called "The Open Doctor" for his work preparing courses for major championships, crafted a layout that blends seamlessly into the natural terrain. Sixteen of the eighteen holes offer views of Lake Norman, with several playing directly over or along the water. The course has hosted LPGA events, USGA qualifiers, and AJGA tournaments over the years.

The club recently completed a significant renovation, with the course now featuring updates by Beau Welling Design. The greens, converted to Champion Bermuda during a 2014 renovation, continue to challenge players of all skill levels while remaining accessible enough for a casual Saturday round.

Beyond the fairways, the 35,000 square-foot main clubhouse anchors the club experience. Two dining options serve members: The Veranda, an upscale adults-only restaurant on the upper level, and Mulligan's, a family-friendly bar-and-grill environment on the lower level. Both offer indoor and outdoor seating with views stretching across the course to the lake.

The amenities list runs deep. There's a swim and tennis complex with eight courts, a dedicated fitness center open from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM year-round, a children's activities center with programming for young members, a massage studio, aerobics facilities, and an aquatics complex complete with a pool and waterslide. For families, the year-round junior golf and tennis programs—led by professional staff—keep kids engaged and active.

The Peninsula Yacht Club - Life on the Water

Just down Jetton Road sits a completely separate operation: The Peninsula Yacht Club. Founded in 1995 with the express purpose of promoting boating and social interaction, the club began enrolling members in February of that year. Ground was broken for the clubhouse in November, and by June 1996, the grand opening drew roughly 540 charter members. Today, membership has grown to over 1,000.

For boaters, the marina offers over 400 wet slips ranging from 25 to 40 feet, all with power and cable hookups. The slips sit on deep water with a short ride to the main channel, making it an ideal setup for residents who want lake access without necessarily having a waterfront home. A fuel dock, two pump-out stations, transient slips for visitors, and a fully stocked ship store round out the marina services.

But you don't need a boat to enjoy membership here. The Yacht Club has cultivated a social scene that rivals any in the region. The annual calendar includes the Wine Society gatherings, the Poker Run, Beach Party Concert, Peninsula Cup Regatta, and the Annual Lighted Boat Parade—events that have become Lake Norman traditions. Friday night race series for sailors run through summer, and Wednesday night races draw participants from across the lake.

The clubhouse features a full-service dining room and lounge with a wrap-around deck overlooking the harbor. Thursday through Saturday evenings bring more formal dining options (collared shirts required for gentlemen after 5 PM), while lunch and casual dinners on the deck keep things relaxed. Members also have access to a competition-sized swimming pool, and reciprocity agreements with over 600 yacht clubs across the U.S.—including special arrangements with Ballantyne Country Club and Trump National Golf Club in Mooresville—extend privileges well beyond Lake Norman.

For families, the Yacht Club offers sailing lessons, summer camps, movie nights, paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing. It's a full calendar designed to keep members of all ages connected to the water.

Custom Estates and Waterfront Living

Real estate in The Peninsula runs the gamut, though "entry-level" here is a relative term. Interior and golf course lots start in the $800,000s, while waterfront estates with private docks can command $5 million to well over $14 million. The range reflects both the variety of homesites and the quality of construction.

Homes here aren't spec builds. They're custom creations designed with outdoor entertainment areas, heated saltwater pools, wrap-around porches, sunrooms oriented toward water or fairway views, and finishes that reflect the investment. Larger lots provide privacy, and mature trees throughout the community soften what could otherwise feel like a manicured development.

One quick way to identify homes within The Peninsula HOA: look for those distinctive dark green mailboxes. It's a small detail, but one that longtime residents take as a point of pride.

Close to Everything, Away From It All

The Peninsula sits in Cornelius, roughly 18 miles north of Uptown Charlotte. That translates to about a 25-30 minute drive to most parts of the city, making it feasible for commuters while maintaining a clear separation from urban density.

More immediately, Birkdale Village in Huntersville is about 10 minutes away, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Northlake Mall sits roughly 17 minutes out for bigger retail needs. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 35 minutes, a consideration for frequent travelers.

Within Cornelius itself, residents have easy access to local favorites. Brooklyn South Pizzeria serves up scratch-made New York-style pies. The Wine Store offers tastings and a curated selection. Dutchman's Designs handles furniture and home décor for those furnishing new purchases. Alton's Kitchen & Cocktails and Barrel & Fork provide dining options just beyond the community gates.

And then there's Jetton Park, a 104-acre lakefront park just minutes from The Peninsula. Walking and biking trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a sandy beach (no swimming, but plenty of sunning) make it a go-to spot for families. The park's Waterfront Hall is available for private events, and seasonal programming keeps the calendar full.

A Community Built for the Long Haul

What strikes you most about The Peninsula isn't any single amenity—it's how everything works together. The member-owned structure of The Peninsula Club means residents have a stake in its direction. The separate Yacht Club provides options for those whose interests run more toward water than fairways. The architecture guidelines maintain property values while allowing for individual expression. The location balances accessibility with privacy.

For families, the year-round programming across both clubs means kids grow up connected to tennis lessons, junior golf, sailing camps, and swim teams. For empty-nesters, the dining options and social calendar provide built-in community without the obligation to participate in everything. For commuters, the drive to Charlotte is manageable, but the lakeside setting makes coming home feel like an escape.

The Peninsula has been drawing buyers for over three decades now, and the appeal hasn't faded. If anything, as Lake Norman continues to grow and develop, the value of an established community with protected shoreline and member-owned amenities only increases.

Whether you're drawn by the Rees Jones fairways, the 400-slip marina, or simply the prospect of lakefront living in one of the Charlotte region's most respected addresses, The Peninsula delivers on its promise: resort-style living, every single day.

Interested in exploring homes in The Peninsula or other Lake Norman communities? Reach out—I'd love to show you around.