The Reservoir

From the moment we purchased the original 71-acre campus, we began praying that one day we would be able to connect our campus to the beautiful and secluded Weber Reservoir.

 

Weber Reservoir looking east

 

A Very Unique Opportunity

For the first time in 40 years, a 10-acre parcel has come up for sale with direct access to the reservoir (one of only two parcels with access due to incredibly steep slopes).

 

The Jewel in our Backyard

The 10-acre parcel is located behind our current campus and connected by a private easement road.

Not only does this property add 10 acres to the campus, it also grants us direct access to 35 acres of water and additional hiking trails on the other other side of the reservoir.

How do you get there?

From our back gate, it is about a 10 minute walk or a 90 second golf cart ride on private dirt road that functions as a legal easement that would connect our main campus to the reservoir parcel. The road is very lightly used, perhaps by 10 cars a day.

 
 

Reservoir access… and a house!

Aerial picture of the home

House Details:

  • 1588 Square Feet, 3 bed, 2 bath main floor, with wrap around deck with views of the reservoir. The home has a solid floor plan and good bones. It needs aesthetic updating.

  • Huge daylight basement / lower level with 14 foot ceilings. This lower level functioned as a machinist’s shop. It is a raw enclosed space with a bathroom, power, water, windows, separate entrance… and massive potential for multiple uses.

  • Separate access roads connect the upper floor of the house and lower level of the house - allowing distinctive uses.

  • Water access is 300+ feet away from the house - allowing house occupants to not be bothered by people seeking waterfront access.

 

Reservoir History , Ownership, and Usage

Built in 1924, the Reservoir is owned by the local water district (El Dorado Irrigation District) as a supply reservoir. It is buffered by steep, inaccessible privately owned land on one side and public utility owned land on the other. Though it is secluded, it is a public access reservoir: swimming, kayaking, fishing are all allowed. No motorized boats are permitted on the reservoir. It is rare to see anyone on or near the reservoir due to its landlocked isolation, extreme terrain, and difficulty to access

Reservoir Details

- Approx. 8/10ths of a mile long;
- 600 feet wide at its widest point
- Depths of approx. 75 feet. 
- Approx. 35 acres of surface area
- It stays full all year round 
- It warms to a comfortable temperature for swimming in the summer
- Anglers will be happy to know it has fish in it

 
 

The Purpose of this Parcel:

Contemplation & Restoration for Iona House guests
beside still waters.

Jesus often spent time in prayer on or near the Sea of Galilee. Something about water nurtures the soul and restores the spirit. In summer months it provides a refreshing place to put your feet in the water or even take a dip. Throughout the year it is a place to paddle a kayak, fish, hike, or just sit and take in the beauty.

 

BECOMING A RESERVOIR

“The man who is wise, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself... Today there are many in the Church who act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare ... You too must learn to await this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.”

 

The Need: $1.1M

By August 31, 2026.

This amount will allow Iona House to purchase the parcel, improve road & trail access, renovate the house, and develop the full potential of this parcel - including 4-6 prayer shelters, and the lower level of the house.