Tailwater Lodge at Little Red River

Property Description

Tailwater Lodge is a rare riverfront offering on the Little Red River, positioned just below Greers Ferry Dam along one of the most coveted tailwater stretches in the region. Set on 12.9 acres and offering roughly 750’ +/- of river frontage, the property delivers a level of privacy, scale, and permanence that is increasingly difficult to find.

Designed by Gene Levy of Cromwell Architects & Engineers and custom built in 2001 by Roberson Builders, the three-story residence reflects a thoughtful, site-driven approach to architecture. A refined blend of stone, timber, and expansive glass creates a seamless connection between the home and its natural surroundings.

With 3 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, the layout balances openness with intention—offering both spaces for gathering as well as for a quiet retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the river and its natural surroundings at every turn, reinforcing a living experience shaped by water, light, and landscape.

Location

Tailwater Lodge is conveniently located approximately one hour and twenty minutes northeast of Little Rock, offering a rare balance of accessibility and seclusion. Positioned just minutes from Heber Springs and its private airfield, the property sits at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in north-central Arkansas.

The approach to the property is as memorable as the setting itself—crossing Greers Ferry Dam with sweeping views of Greers Ferry Lake on one side and the Little Red River on the other. The dam is located less than a mile upstream, reinforcing the property’s position along one of the most desirable stretches of river.

From there, a winding drive along Rainbow Road and River Ridge Road leads to a quiet, gated enclave. Tailwater Lodge is positioned at the end of a private drive, creating a sense of arrival defined by privacy, natural beauty, and separation from the everyday.

Water

With roughly 750’ +/- of frontage on the Little Red River, the water is not simply an amenity – it is the defining feature of the property.

Fed by the cold, clear waters of Greers Ferry Lake, this tailwater fishery supports over 29 miles of year-round trout habitat and an estimated 1,000 fish per square mile. The river is home to Arkansas’ only self-sustaining wild trout population and has produced record-setting catches, including a world-record brown trout and a state-record brook trout as recently as 2023.

Located less than half a mile downstream from the Little Red River Fish Hatchery, the property benefits from consistent flows and exceptional fishing conditions. Whether fishing directly from the dock or launching your boat from the private dock, access to some of the most productive water in the region is immediate.

Terrain / Topography

The property features a dynamic yet highly functional topography. Elevation rises from approximately 270 feet along the river to over 400 feet at the rear of the property, creating a natural transition from waterfront to wooded hillside.

The homesite itself is positioned on relatively level ground near the river, allowing for both ease of access and uninterrupted sightlines. Behind the home, the terrain becomes more varied, with granite outcroppings and native vegetation characteristic of the Ozark foothills.

This combination of level riverfront and elevated backdrop creates both usability and visual interest—enhancing the overall sense of place.

Improvements

The residence is a carefully executed combination of architectural design and craftsmanship. Designed by Gene Levy of Cromwell Architects Engineers and custom built by Roberson Builders, the home was completed in 2001 following more than five years of construction—reflecting a level of intricacy and attention to detail rarely seen.

The three-story structure embodies a glass-forward, mid-century influenced aesthetic, with stone, wood, and expansive glazing used to frame the surrounding landscape. A vaulted great room anchors the home, complemented by multiple living areas, a bunk room, and a hidden space concealed behind a bookcase—creating moments of both openness and discovery.

Above it all, a crow’s nest offers panoramic views in every direction, equally suited as an office or fly-tying retreat.

The primary suite is designed as a private sanctuary, featuring dual baths, heated floors, and a steam shower, along with access to an enclosed courtyard that extends the living experience outdoors.

The home is supported by Tumbling Shoals water, Entergy electric, propane gas, a septic system, and a Kohler backup generator—ensuring both comfort and reliability.

A covered dock with two boat slips, electric, lift capability, and storage provides direct access to the river, completing the property’s functional and recreational offering.

Recreation

Tailwater Lodge is positioned within one of the most celebrated trout fisheries in the United States. The Little Red River offers over 29 miles of fishable water, with consistent conditions that support year-round angling for rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout.

Whether casting from the bank, wading nearby shoals, or navigating the river by boat, the experience is immediate and immersive. The property’s proximity to the Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery further enhances stocking and overall fish density, contributing to a fishery that attracts anglers from across the country.

Beyond the river, Greers Ferry Lake offers over 340 miles of shoreline and more than 40,000 acres of navigable water—providing exceptional opportunities for boating, watersports, and lake recreation.

Additional outdoor experiences are found nearby, including hiking at Sugarloaf Mountain and throughout the surrounding Ozark Mountains, as well as exploration of Blanchard Springs Caverns, one of the region’s most notable natural attractions.

This is a setting designed not just for recreation, but for a lifestyle centered around water, nature, and time well spent.