Coffee County's lake on the Duck River
Normandy Lake Homes: A Buyer Guide
Normandy Lake is the TVA lake with most of its shoreline in Coffee County, and buyers often ask me what owning a home near it involves. This guide covers the facts from the agencies that run and manage the lake, plus the questions to ask before you buy.
The lake at a glance
Normandy Reservoir is on the Duck River in south central Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Authority owns and operates it, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency describes it as a 3,048 acre impoundment with a major portion in Coffee County. TVA describes the reservoir as 17 miles long. Its National Register nomination places the dam about eight miles north of Tullahoma and records 72 miles of shoreline, mostly in Coffee County.
Normandy Dam was completed in 1976. TVA notes that it is the largest of its non power dams on tributaries of the Tennessee River. It produces no electricity. It is run for flood damage reduction, water supply and recreation, and it supplies water to a fish hatchery just below the dam.
The lake takes its name from the community of Normandy, just downstream in Bedford County. The Coffee County Historical Society notes that the old communities of Fourth Model and Goulds now sit under the lake.
Water levels change through the year
This is the most important thing for a lake home buyer to understand. TWRA lists full pool at 875 feet above sea level and winter pool at 864 feet, and TVA says the level varies by about 11 feet in a normal year. A cove that looks full in July can be mostly mud in January. Always look at a property in more than one season if you can, or ask for winter photos, and check the TVA lake information site for current levels.
Recreation
TVA points to Barton Springs Recreation Area on the south shore as a popular spot, and says the lake draws bass anglers, campers and boaters from a wide area. TWRA manages fishing on the lake.
Docks and shoreline work need a TVA permit
Much of the land right at the water on TVA lakes is public land managed by TVA. Building a dock, stabilizing the bank or doing other work along the shoreline generally requires a Section 26a permit from TVA before construction. TVA reviews each request and approval is not automatic. Before you buy a lot because of a future dock, ask:
- Does the property border TVA land, or does it border the water directly?
- Is there an existing permitted dock, and does the permit transfer?
- What shoreline rules apply to this stretch of the lake?
TVA takes Section 26a applications online, and its shoreline staff can answer questions about a specific parcel.
Other things to check
- Septic. Most lake area homes use septic systems. Tennessee keeps septic permit records you can request.
- Flood risk. Ask about the flood zone and insurance before you write an offer.
- Roads and access. Some lake roads are narrow and winding. Drive them before you commit.
- Zoning. Coffee County Codes Compliance handles permits for unincorporated land around the lake.
Normandy or Tims Ford?
Tims Ford Lake to the south is a much larger TVA lake. See my Tims Ford Lake guide to compare. If a lake home is on your list, I am glad to help you weigh the details. Start with the buyer guide.
Common questions
How big is Normandy Lake TN?
TWRA lists Normandy Reservoir at 3,048 acres, and TVA describes it as 17 miles long on the Duck River.
Does Normandy Lake go down in winter?
Yes. TWRA lists full pool at 875 feet and winter pool at 864 feet, and TVA says the level varies about 11 feet in a normal year.
Can I build a dock on Normandy Lake?
Docks and shoreline work on TVA lakes generally need a TVA Section 26a permit before construction, and approval is not guaranteed.
Matt Sargent is a Tennessee licensed affiliate broker with Keller Williams who helps buyers and sellers in Manchester and Coffee County. Call (615) 497 1658 or send a message.