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
A tucked-away private lake estate in Madera County has entered a new chapter as longtime owner and retired Fresno dentist Weldon Schapansky has moved to subdivide portions of the 720-acre Blackhawk Lake property in Coarsegold.
Schapansky, 83, said that tentative parcel maps are currently under review by Madera County, with plans to create five additional parcels around Blackhawk Lake and Blackhawk Mountain. Some of the original 40-acre parcels have already been sold, including two lots purchased by a Fresno doctor.
The property is about 20 miles north of Fresno and seven miles south of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino off Highway 41. The estate includes a private lake, waterfalls, equestrian facilities, trails, meadows and more.
When he first purchased the property around 25 years ago, Schapansky said it fulfilled a lifelong dream inspired by pioneer-era log cabins and wilderness living.
“I wanted a log cabin by a lake,” Schapansky said. “The minute I saw this land, I said, ‘This is what I’ve been dreaming of all my life.’”
The former dentist said he purchased the land in stages starting in the early 2000s after deciding to invest his money in real estate rather than the stock market. Today, he personally owns about 630 acres with the Blackhawk Lake community.
The subdivision proposal centers on a 362-acre parcel containing a Thomas Kinkade-inspired cabin, horse stables, a large barn and frontage along Blackhawk Lake.
While there were countless interested buyers, some of them had reservations about purchasing the entire tract. Schapansky said that this led to wanting to divide the property into smaller estate parcels.
The proposed lots range from 40 acres to over 180 acres, several of which come with lake frontage and development opportunities for private docks, guest homes and equestrian facilities.
Among the offerings is the “Thomas Kinkade Cabin Estate,” a 40-acre parcel featuring a cabin that overlooks a small private pond, a 90-foot-by-90-foot barn and horse facilities.
A parcel of more 180-acres is centered around Blackhawk Mountain, with panoramic views stretching toward the Coastal Range and the Sierra Nevada.
All of the parcels are enrolled in the Williamson Act, which provides reduced property taxes for agricultural and open-space land use.
Schapansky said that the private nature of the community continues to be one of the property’s most defining features.
Owners of the 40-acre parcels receive shared access to Blackhawk Lake and nearby land through community covenants that allow recreation across a majority of the property.
“It’s like having a whole big ranch, but only owning a part of it,” Schapansky said.
The lake itself spans nearly 100 acres and supports boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Wildlife sightings include bald eagles, deer, wild turkeys and over 60 bird species documented on the property.
Schapansky said he never intended to sell the land and described it as a legacy property. However, as he got older he realized he could no longer be as active with the property, which led to him downsizing.
Although he is selling, the property will still remain dear to him.
“There’s nothing else like it,” he said. “It’s nature at its best, but 20 miles away from Fresno.”
Southern California-based listing agent Brian Ades of Sotheby’s International Realty said in 2025 that interest has emerged from buyers seeking privacy, open space and access to outdoor recreation near Yosemite National Park.
The subdivision remains subject to final approval by Madera County before newly created parcels can officially close escrow or transfer ownership.