Donaven Braun Realtor & The Braun Group

Donaven Braun Realtor & The Braun Group Realtors® and Vacation Rental Managers serving Watauga Lake and Upper East Tennessee

Whether you're buying your dream lake home or listing your property for sale, Donaven Braun is the trusted real estate expert you want by your side at Watauga Lake. As a seasoned Realtor® and Vacation Rental Manager, Donaven brings unmatched local knowledge, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to guiding clients through every step of the process with confidence. Specializing exclusively in

the Watauga Lake area, Donaven understands the unique nuances of this market—from lakefront homes and mountain-view lots to vacation rentals and investment properties. He knows how to position your home for maximum exposure and top-dollar offers when you're selling, and how to help you make a smart, informed decision when you're buying. Many homes in this area are being listed with agents who lack local insight—Donaven is changing that, one successful sale at a time. In 2011, Donaven and his wife Christie purchased their home on Watauga Lake and remodeled it from the ground up. That experience gave him a firsthand understanding of what it takes to own, improve, and maintain property here—along with a strong network of local contractors and service providers that his clients can count on. Clients appreciate Donaven’s honesty, strong follow-through, deep market insight, and relentless commitment to results. His work ethic took root early—at just 8 years old, he was pushing a Lawn-Boy mower door to door, learning the importance of hard work and doing the job right. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and a Master’s Certificate in Program Management from George Washington University. When he’s not helping clients, Donaven enjoys life on the lake with Christie and their two kids, Ella and D. Whether it’s boating, jet skiing, hiking, or relaxing by a fire, Watauga Lake is home—and he loves helping others find that same sense of place. Donaven has all the qualities you want in a Realtor®: in-depth local expertise, strong marketing skills, honesty, and integrity. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest at Watauga Lake, Donaven will go the extra mile—and you’ll gain a trusted partner and friend in the process.

180-degree views up AND down Watauga Lake — hard to overstate how rare that is. 🌊📍 Lot 24 Cowan Town Rd | Butler, TN💰 $2...
05/13/2026

180-degree views up AND down Watauga Lake — hard to overstate how rare that is. 🌊

📍 Lot 24 Cowan Town Rd | Butler, TN
💰 $280,000 | 4.72 acres in Eagle Bay
Link in Comments

Lot 24 sits at the perfect elevation to capture long-range lake and mountain vistas — some of the best views in the entire Eagle Bay community. The 4.72 acres are partially cleared at the ideal homesite, the 4-bedroom septic permit is already approved, underground utilities and fiber internet are at the road, and you're within walking distance of the community dock and marina.

Eagle Bay is a gated lakefront community with a private boat ramp, sandy beach, picnic area, lakeside fire pits, and boat slip leases at $3,600/year. HOA is $2,400/year. Short-term rentals are allowed, horses and ATVs are welcome, and there's no required timeframe to build — design at your own pace.

Location: 37 minutes to Boone, NC, close to Elizabethton and Mountain City, and just minutes to Villa Nove Vineyards. Skiing, hiking, and fly fishing are all within easy reach.

What would you build with views like these?

— Donaven Braun 📞 423-525-9252
Fathom Realty TN 📞 888-455-6040

05/12/2026

🚤💎 INVESTMENT ALERT: Deeded Boat Slip + 1.67 Acres for Just $199,900!

601 Watauga Overlook Drive, Butler, Tennessee 37640 - This is the lake investment you've been waiting for! 🏡⛰️

Here's why this property is pure gold:
✨ DEEDED BOAT SLIP on pristine Watauga Lake (worth its weight in gold!)
✨ 1.67 wooded acres at 2,277 feet elevation
✨ Turnkey tiny home generating immediate rental income potential
✨ Premium Watauga Lake Development location
✨ Buy just the land OR take the complete package

The numbers make sense: Stunning mountain views, established infrastructure (septic, electric, water), and that coveted boat slip access. Whether you're looking for rental income, personal retreat, or long-term appreciation - this checks every box! 🔑

Under 30 minutes to Appalachian Trail, hour to Boone NC & Johnson City TN. The location advantage is undeniable for both personal enjoyment and rental demand.

Smart investors recognize lake property with deeded water access as a finite resource. Don't let this slip away! 🌲🌄

Details in Comments.

Donaven & Christie Braun 423-525-9252
Fathom Realty TN 888-455-6040

🏖️If you've been dreaming of building your own lake home on Watauga Lake, this is one of the easiest build sites in Eagl...
05/10/2026

🏖️If you've been dreaming of building your own lake home on Watauga Lake, this is one of the easiest build sites in Eagle Bay — and it's hard to overstate how rare that combination is.

📍 Lot 17 Cowan Town Road | Butler, TN
💰 $275,000 | 0.65 Acres

A stone's throw from the shores of Watauga Lake, this premium grassy, cleared, nearly-level homesite offers unobstructed long-range views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The 3-bedroom septic is already permitted, underground utilities are in place, and the gentle topography means you can break ground without the headache (or expense) of major site work.

What makes Watauga Lake so special? It's one of the cleanest lakes in the country, with 85% of the shoreline protected by the Cherokee National Forest — so the views you see today are the views you'll see 50 years from now.

✨ What you get as an Eagle Bay owner:
• Private marina access with boat slip leases ($3,600/yr)
• Community boat ramp & sandy beach
• Lakeside fire pits & picnic areas
• Paved roads, fiber internet & underground utilities
• HOA dues just $2,400/yr

The community is refreshingly flexible — site-built or approved modular homes welcome (1,200 sq ft minimum), short-term rentals allowed, ATVs and horses welcome, camping permitted up to 7 days per 30-day period, and there's NO required timeframe to build. Buy now, build when you're ready.

Beyond Eagle Bay, the adventure keeps going — the Appalachian Trail, local wineries, North Carolina ski slopes, and endless boating, fishing, and wakeboarding are all within reach. Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN are both a short drive away.

Happy to answer any questions or walk the lot with you in person.

👤 Donaven Braun 📞 423-525-9252
🏢 Fathom Realty TN • ☎️ 888-455-6040

🚨 JUST LISTED 🚨 🏔️ 115 Lonesome Pine Trail | Butler, TN💰 $469,000 | 1.16 Acres | 1 BR / 1.5 BA + LoftDetails:  https://w...
05/08/2026

🚨 JUST LISTED 🚨

🏔️ 115 Lonesome Pine Trail | Butler, TN
💰 $469,000 | 1.16 Acres | 1 BR / 1.5 BA + Loft
Details: https://wataugalakeliving.com/115/fb

✨ LAKE LIFE WITHOUT THE LAKEFRONT PRICE TAG ✨

Escape to your own slice of mountain serenity in the heart of Northeast Tennessee! This charming storybook cottage with stunning Watauga Lake views offers the perfect blend of peaceful retreat and outdoor adventure. 🌲🌅☕

🏡 The Charming Cottage:
✔️ Wraparound covered & screened porch with lake views
✔️ Soaring cathedral ceilings & dramatic arched windows
✔️ Cozy wood-burning stove for crisp mountain evenings
✔️ Open-concept great room flowing into kitchen
✔️ Skylights throughout for natural light galore
✔️ Main-level bedroom with full bath
✔️ Versatile loft with half bath — treehouse-like ambiance!

🌲 Outdoor Living:
✔️ Private backyard fire pit area under the stars
✔️ Handy outbuilding for storage, hobbies, or workshop
✔️ 1.16 beautifully wooded private acres

🚤 EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY PERK:
Property owners in Elk River Estates enjoy access to a PRIVATE community boat ramp on Watauga Lake! 🚣‍♀️🎣 Crystal-clear waters perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest — endless hiking & biking just minutes away! 🥾🚵‍♀️

📍 UNBEATABLE LOCATION:
📌 Elizabethton, TN — 25 min (~17 mi)
📌 Bristol, TN/VA — ~45 min (~33 mi)
📌 Boone, NC — ~47 min (~33 mi)
📌 Beech Mountain & Sugar Mountain ski resorts — ~1 hour ⛷️
📌 Virginia Creeper Trail (Damascus, VA) — ~50 min 🚴‍♀️

Whether you're dreaming of a full-time mountain residence, weekend retreat, vacation rental investment, or peaceful escape from the everyday hustle — this TURNKEY cottage delivers the lake life lifestyle without the lakefront price tag! 🏞️✨

Properties with private community lake access in this picturesque setting are INCREASINGLY RARE — don't miss your chance to own your piece of Tennessee paradise! 🌲💛

📲 Call today for your private showing!

👤 Donaven Braun 📞 423-525-9252
🏢 Fathom Realty TN LLC ☎️ 888-455-6040

🚨 JUST LISTED 🚨 🏔️ 2835 Cross Mountain Rd | Shady Valley, TN💰 $2,500,000 | 15 Acres✨ ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MOUNTAIN SANCTUA...
05/08/2026

🚨 JUST LISTED 🚨
🏔️ 2835 Cross Mountain Rd | Shady Valley, TN
💰 $2,500,000 | 15 Acres

✨ ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY ✨
Imagine stepping onto your covered porch with coffee in hand, watching the sun rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains as your horses graze in fenced pastures below… This isn't a dream — it's daily life at this extraordinary Northeast Tennessee estate. 🐎☕🌅

🌲 What makes this property TRULY one-of-a-kind:
🏞️ Directly borders the Cherokee National Forest
🥾 Appalachian Trail access right on Cross Mountain Road
🏔️ Panoramic, long-range mountain views in every direction
🏡 The Custom Luxury Log Home (4 BR / 3 BA)
✔️ Massive hand-hewn logs & soaring vaulted ceilings
✔️ Tiger Wood hardwood floors throughout
✔️ Floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace
✔️ Chef's kitchen with granite, gas range & walk-in pantry
✔️ Spa-inspired primary bath with steam shower
✔️ Loft library, in-home sauna, wine cellar & MORE

🐴 Equestrian Paradise:
✔️ Insulated/heated barn with 11 interior + 2 exterior stalls
✔️ 24x12 tack room, hay loft, automatic water feeders
✔️ Acres of fully fenced pasture

🏠 PLUS — a separate 3BR/1.5BA guest cottage with covered porch & sunroom! Perfect for family, friends, or caretakers.

🛡️ Built for "PREPPERS" & Self-Sufficient Living:
✔️ Generac generators (home AND barn)
✔️ Well with high-capacity holding tank
✔️ Water filtration & softening system
✔️ Tankless water heater
✔️ Safe room & freezer room for long-term storage

🚤 Bonus: Watauga Lake & Holston Lake marinas just minutes away!

🌟 Want even more land? An optional adjoining 21+ acre tract with rustic log cabin is also available!

Whether you're dreaming of a private homestead, multi-generational retreat, working horse farm, or peaceful escape from everyday life — properties like this DO NOT come along often. 💫

📲 Call today before it's gone!
👤 Donaven Braun 📞 423-525-9252
🏢 Fathom Realty TN LLC ☎️ 888-455-6040

Details: https://wataugalakeliving.com/2835/fb

Video: https://william-mauney-photography.aryeo.com/videos/019e0743-e31c-73ce-a629-3483e7228267?v=249

✨ Imagine waking up to sweeping Blue Ridge mountain views and Watauga Lake's crystal waters... This dream could be yours...
05/07/2026

✨ Imagine waking up to sweeping Blue Ridge mountain views and Watauga Lake's crystal waters... This dream could be yours! 🌄

📍 11 Cowan Town Road, Butler, Tennessee, 37640
💎 MLS #: 9994269 | $199,000
🔗 https://wataugalakeliving.com/11/fb

Nestled on 4.37 acres in the exclusive gated Eagle Bay community, this exceptional homesite sits over 2,200 feet above sea level with dramatic terrain that's perfect for a walkout basement design. Picture your custom mountain retreat capturing panoramic vistas from multiple levels! 🏡

The magic doesn't stop at the views... You'll enjoy deeded lake privileges with private boat ramp access, community dock with available slips, and 105+ miles of pristine TVA shoreline. Spring wildflowers, summer lake days, fall foliage, and snow-dusted winter views – this is four-season mountain living at its absolute finest! 🚤🍂

Whether you're dreaming of a full-time mountain home, weekend escape, or investment property (short-term rentals approved!), this wooded paradise with mature pines and hardwoods offers endless possibilities. Underground utilities, paved roads, and fiber internet keep you connected while feeling worlds away. ⛰️

Contact Donaven & Christie Braun 423-525-9252 | Fathom Realty TN 888-455-6040

05/06/2026

✨ Picture yourself waking up to mountain views and having your own private access to pristine Watauga Lake! 🏡🌄

📍 Lot 41 W Of Dry Hill Road, Butler, Tennessee 37640
💰 $67,000 | MLS # 9950930

This dreamy 1.54-acre haven is calling your name! 💎 With level access from the road and the perfect topography for building, this premium lot makes creating your lake sanctuary effortless. Choose which trees to keep for ultimate privacy or clear for those breathtaking long-range mountain views — it's your canvas! 🌲

The gated community perks are incredible: underground utilities (including fiber internet!), private boat ramp access at Eagle Bay, and optional boat slips. 🚤 Whether you're dreaming of a full-time retreat, weekend getaway, or vacation rental investment, this slice of paradise offers endless possibilities.

With septic approval for 3 bedrooms, no timeline pressure to build, and camping allowed while you plan — this is lake living made simple! ⛰️

Ready to make your Watauga Lake dreams reality? Let's chat! 🔑

Donaven & Christie Braun 423-525-9252
Fathom Realty TN 888-455-6040

04/30/2026

🚨 PRICE DROP ALERT! 🚨 This stunning Watauga Lake lot just dropped to $108,000!

📍 Lot 10 Cowan Town Road, Butler, TN 37640 | MLS # 9984279 | NOW $108,000

🔗 https://wataugalakeliving.com/10/fb

This won't last long! 🏃‍♂️ Over 1 acre in the exclusive gated Eagle Bay community with breathtaking lake and mountain views! Just 500 feet to the community marina, boat ramp, and firepit areas. 🚤🔥

✨ What makes this special:
🌲 1.01 wooded acres with multiple elevation options
⛰️ Long-range mountain & lake views that can't be blocked
💎 Underground utilities + high-speed fiber at the road
🏡 New homes already under construction nearby
🎣 Boat slips available for lease
🏕️ Short-term rentals, horses, ATVs & camping allowed

Minimal restrictions - just 1,200 sqft minimum. Perfect for your dream lake home or investment property! At this new price, it's an incredible opportunity in one of East Tennessee's most sought-after communities. 🔑

Donaven & Christie Braun 423-525-9252
Fathom Realty TN 888-455-6040

💎 BRAND NEW TURNKEY INVESTMENT ALERT! This isn't just a property—it's already set up to be a cash flowing business! 🔑122...
04/30/2026

💎 BRAND NEW TURNKEY INVESTMENT ALERT! This isn't just a property—it's already set up to be a cash flowing business! 🔑

1226 Doe Creek Rd Butler, TN 37604 | MLS # 9994706 | $229,900
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This stunning Stone Canyon Homes Caney Creek model tiny house sits creekside and comes FULLY FURNISHED with everything needed to start booking guests immediately. Queen sleeper sectional, full-size storage bed, kitchen essentials, outdoor furniture, washer/dryer—it ALL stays! 🏡

The numbers work: Modern finishes, low-maintenance construction, and a location that books year-round. Just 3 miles to Watauga Lake via the brand-new Sink Mountain Boat Ramp 🚤, 30 minutes to Johnson City, 1 hour to Bristol Motor Speedway, and close to Beech Mountain ski resort for winter bookings! ⛷️

Creekside fire pit, covered porches, Instagram-worthy views, and that soothing creek soundtrack guests pay premium rates for. This is the kind of STR property that stays booked! 🌲

Whether you're expanding your portfolio or starting your first investment, this plug-and-play opportunity eliminates startup costs and maximizes income potential from day one. ✨

Donaven & Christie Braun 423-525-9252
Fathom Realty TN 888-455-6040

There's nothing better than helping sellers close a successful chapter and move on to their next adventure. A huge thank...
04/30/2026

There's nothing better than helping sellers close a successful chapter and move on to their next adventure. A huge thank you to my amazing clients for trusting me to represent them — and for taking the time to leave this kind 5-star review!

Call/Text Donaven Braun 423-525-9252

Address

Butler, TN
37640

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