BlueGate Boat and RV Storage has acquired Shady Cove Resort & Marina on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville, marking another strategic expansion of its rapidly growing portfolio. The acquisition highlights the premium recreational vehicle and boat storage company’s ability to move quickly on high-potential, under-managed assets in key growth markets and apply institutional oversight to drive immediate returns and long-term value.
The property includes 100 wet boat slips, 88 RV pads, eight rental cabins, a lakeside restaurant, a fuel system and ship store, a swimming pool and a tiki bar. Previously operated by longtime owners with limited resources, the resort presents an opportunity to improve infrastructure, professionalize operations and unlock ancillary revenue.
“This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true mom-and-pop marina and RV resort in one of the fastest-growing submarkets in the Southeast,” said Neil Dyer, president of BlueGate. “We’re bringing institutional standards and infrastructure to a legacy property that has been underserved and underleveraged, unlocking tremendous value for our investors in the process.”
Located at the point of Bates Branch on the northeastern edge of Old Hickory Lake, the resort primarily serves residents of Gallatin and surrounding areas. Gallatin has experienced population growth of 10% to 15% over the past decade. The resort also draws visitors from Nashville, located less than 30 miles away, which continues to attract residents and investor interest despite broader macroeconomic volatility.
BlueGate plans to improve infrastructure and invest in marketing to drive revenue and returns. The company also aims to unlock value through enhanced branding and operational oversight of the restaurant and other ancillary income streams, including the fuel dock and ship store.
Old Hickory Lake spans 22,500 acres and stretches nearly 100 miles along the Cumberland River. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, the lake serves as a recreational and economic engine for Middle Tennessee. It touches five counties and supports boating, fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding and other outdoor activities that are increasingly popular with both Nashville residents and tourists.
“We are excited to welcome Shady Cove Resort and Marina to our BlueGate Marinas portfolio,” said David Pagliughi, Director of Marina Operations for BlueGate. “This is a very special place, and our team is dedicated to continuously improving the facilities while preserving the ambiance that makes Shady Cove the premier RV campground and marina resort on Old Hickory Lake. We are confident our customers will enjoy what we have in store for this incredible property.”
BlueGate provides premium, secure storage solutions tailored for boats, recreational vehicles and fleet vehicles. Its facilities feature spacious covered units, advanced security and convenient locations with easy access, wide drive aisles and protection from the elements. A subsidiary of Madison Capital Group, BlueGate is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. Learn more by visiting bluegateboatrv.com.
Madison Capital Group, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., specializes in real estate investments with a focus on the self-storage and multifamily sectors. The company is the parent entity of Go Store It Self-Storage, a non-traded direct investment sponsor emphasizing self-storage, and Madison Communities, a vertically integrated real estate development and investment firm dedicated to crafting high-quality, suburban, garden-style apartment communities throughout the Southeast. For more information, visit madisoncapgroup.com.
Toy Storage Nation proudly recognizes BlueGate Boat & RV Storage as a silver sponsor of the TSN RV & Boat Storage Workshop in Anaheim, Calif., July 18. To learn more and register, visit here.
