The 365-acre lakefront estate in Coarsegold, just eight miles south of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, is home to several animals, including deer, turkeys and bald eagles. Photo by Bob Blandy Photography

‘Ancient grounds of Mother Nature:’ Madera County lakefront lots on market to escape hustle and bustle

Tucked in behind the hills off of Highway 41 in Madera County lies a hidden gem in the Central Valley, a 365-acre lakefront estate on Blackhawk Lake in Coarsegold, about seven miles south of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.

The land features two lakes, waterfalls, equestrian trails and panoramic views of Blackhawk Mountain. At around 2,050 feet, it is one of the highest elevated points in the surrounding area. Privately held, the estate includes a 90-by-90-foot barn, stables, a pond and off-grid infrastructure.

Three lots on Blackhawk Lane are currently listed on Zillow. Lots one and three are listed at $1.2 million, while lot two is listed at $400,000.

Lot two includes lake frontage and potential building space for a home, dock and equestrian facilities. Up to eight parcels are expected to be created, with future access provided by Black Hawk Lake Drive, a private road that winds through the oak woodlands.

Lot one is the largest of the three at 47.72 acres. Lot two is 40.64 acres and lot three 41.01 acres.

The land is under a Williamson Act contract, a state program that offers reduced property taxes for landowners who commit to agricultural or open-space uses.

Water access will be available through an easement from a neighboring parcel, while septic and solar systems would need to be installed individually by each buyer. Well-drilling and grading costs have not yet been finalized.

A site evaluation identifying buildable areas typically costs $1,500 to $2,000, depending on terrain and flood risk. Power would likely come from solar, with propane and water tanks supplementing off-grid systems.

Steve Jones Surveying is preparing the formal lot split application for Madera County. The plan includes several 40-acre lots and one larger 80-acre tract containing the barn and stables.

Listing agent Brian Ades from Sotheby’s International Realty said the estate may appeal to buyers seeking a retreat from urban areas or an off-grid lifestyle. Wildlife in the area includes deer, wild turkeys, wild boars and bald eagles.

“The potential buyers are predominantly people who really want to be in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” Ades said. “Blackhawk Lake is a private community on a lake where you’re living on ancient grounds of Mother Nature. It’s a peaceful sanctuary and retreat, where you can sit on your deck and look at the stars at night and go on a hike to a waterfall or a mountain on your property during the day.”

Ades, who is based in Southern California, said he often handles trust and estate sales for longtime property owners. He became involved in the Blackhawk Lake listing through a client referral.

The property also includes a small lakefront cabin built from a Thomas Kinkade-designed kit that is soon to be off the market and re-priced. Kinkade, who Ades said was best known for nostalgic and pastoral imagery, had inspired the design as a storybook-style retreat. The current owner is retired Fresno dentist Weldon Schapansky, who now lives in the Midwest. He used the cabin as a personal getaway.

“When you walk the land, it feels like a movie set,” Ades said. “It’s actually been scouted for commercials.”

While interest is still early, Ades said he’s received inquiries from out-of-state buyers, including from Texas and the Pacific Northwest. He believes the Central Sierra foothills are drawing more attention from buyers leaving larger metro areas.

“I’ve met people who’ve relocated here from Los Angeles, San Francisco, even Santa Barbara,” he said. “The Oakhurst area offers more space, a slower pace and access to Yosemite.”

Ades said he’s seen a pattern of people planting deeper roots in rural areas like Oakhurst and Coarsegold that still offer access to services and recreation.

 “There’s definitely a sense of momentum,” he said. “People from LA or Santa Barbara come up here, and they realize they can trade congestion for nature—without giving up too much comfort.”

Ades added that Central California, particularly the Oakhurst and Coarsegold area, is one of the hidden gems in a state with several big cities.

“Central California is one of the best-kept hidden secrets in the state,” Ades said.