DENVER, N.C. – [May 29, 2026] – Luxury real estate brokerage Ivester Jackson today announced the closing of 7861 Live Oaks, a custom waterfront estate on Lake Norman represented by agent Mary Kay Portaro. According to Canopy MLS data, the $6,300,000 transaction is the highest-priced residential closing on Lake Norman so far in 2026.
The residence, located within the gated Live Oaks community, was designed by architect Jim Phelps and completed in 2018. It comprises nearly 7,000 square feet with five bedrooms and five-and-one-half bathrooms, each bedroom with its own en-suite bath, and sits on a 0.8-acre lot with more than 200 feet of shoreline and long-range water views.
“The combination of design, location, and construction quality at 7861 Live Oaks is rare on Lake Norman,” said Mary Kay Portaro of Ivester Jackson. “We are honored to have represented this sale, and we believe the result reflects the continued strength of the region’s luxury waterfront market.”
Interior features of the home include a 10-foot-wide staircase, five-inch white oak flooring, and custom wood paneling and ceiling detail throughout. The main level holds the owner’s suite and a chef’s kitchen anchored by a 60-inch Thermador range, honed marble countertops, and custom cabinetry, along with an adjoining scullery and walk-in pantry.
The walk-out lower level includes a bar, a temperature-controlled wine room, an exercise room, a steam spa, and a guest suite with private outdoor access. Retractable glass doors connect the level to the outdoors. The home is equipped with a Control4 home-management system and a 14-zone Sonos audio system, and is heated and cooled by Trane equipment with two tankless water heaters.
Outdoor features include a commercial-grade dock built by Lancaster Docks with a 10,000-pound boat lift and two personal-watercraft lifts. The gated Live Oaks community of 11 homes offers tennis and sports courts, community docks, a koi pond, and a tree-lined entrance.
About Ivester Jackson
Ivester Jackson is a luxury real estate brokerage serving Lake Norman and the greater Charlotte, North Carolina, region. Agent Mary Kay Portaro specializes in waterfront and luxury properties in the area.
Contact:
Mary Kay Portaro
Ivester Jackson | Christie’s International Real Estate
440.773.6512
www.MaryKayPortaro.com
Photography:
Patrick Hood
About the author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN.
Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits on his signature podcast – The Best of LKN.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, rooting for Charlotte FC, and taking walks with his English Bulldog, Maisy.
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