DESIGN TIP: Clear the decks! Consider alternative materials for deck railing. Code calls for a certain height, but blocky wood slats impedes the view. Here, the designers chose cattle wire for its airy attributes. A bonus? It’s more budget-friendly than stainless steel and offers a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
If you were to put together a wish list for the perfect lakehouse, it might go something like this: Must have a view from every room, tall ceilings, room to entertain, bedrooms with private baths, a huge porch for taking in the sunsets, a dock with a really cool boat—oh! and plenty of storage for all of your lake toys. Russell Lands On Lake Martin hears you. And, with a multitude of communities under their belt—from the earliest cabins built in the 1930s to the grand homes at Willow Point—the team at Russell Lands is well versed in creating the dreamy getaways that have long attracted area residents to the shores of one of the state’s most popular recreational lakes.
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Russell Lands On Lake Martin welcomes its newest introduction: Diamond View. Located at South Ridge Harbor at The Ridge, this home perches above a wide open view of the big water and embodies all the must-haves and more. Together, residential designer Larry Furlong and interior decorator Nan Jackson designed a place that will welcome families and friends for generations with ease of living and plenty of space for creating memories. A step inside the front door reveals the two-story living room that soaks in expansive views and offers comfy, cozy furniture for relaxing and taking it all in. The open floorplan segues into a kitchen with island seating and dining area for laid-back evenings with lake views. Two bedrooms with baths, a laundry, and powder room complete this level. Downstairs, more bedrooms await with bunk beds ready to accommodate kids and weekend guests.
The covered, L-shaped porches upstairs and down are the most coveted living spaces outside the house. Here, Nan has situated a seating area, complete with cushy sofas and rocking chairs, a bar, and a dining table. Mom and dad can enjoy the shade while the kids hang out on the dock below.
Throughout the house, the decor is lakey without being kitschy. Nan chose tabletop designs from Table Matters and artwork and organic accents from Design Supply, both in Birmingham. “I like to pull from a lot of places to create a collected look, and leave room for someone to make their own mark, ” the designer says of the many spec homes she creates.
The place for all those toys? There’s a garage for the golf cart, and underneath the house, there’s room to go organization-crazy with a lake-level laundry room; plentiful closets; and a gear room sizable enough to fit water mats, kayaks, canoes, and more. Better start shopping and stock up at one of the lake’s several marinas. Warmer weather is on the horizon, and with this view, you can see it coming from a mile away.
DESIGN TIP: Durable and dual-purpose furnishings are key to easy lake living. Some of the decorator’s must-haves? Easy-care fabrics and leather (for all those wet swimsuit bottoms!), swivel chairs (for taking in the room or the view), lots of little gathering spots (for encouraging conversation), and game tables.
ABOVE RIGHT Artwork by Arthur Price from Gallery 1930 and a table setting from Table Matters showcase woodland scenes.
DESIGN TIP: Take inspiration from the great outdoors when planning your interior palette. Wood floors, walls, and a dark stained island—along with a copper light fixture above the dining table—add that warm, cozy lake feel everyone craves. For a punch of color, tune in to the blues of the lake and sky.
DESIGN TIP: Everyone loves a well-made bed, but everyone also loves a bed that’s easy to make. Choose cotton coverlets and no-iron sheets to keep guest-changeover time to a minimum.
Why the Ridge will always be the perfect spot
Located in the very heart of Lake Martin, The Ridge was planned in an intentional way. And still, its evolution and growth feel organic and natural. “The Ridge is a huge piece of property and we will eventually develop this into 800 waterfront units. We are about two-thirds of the way through our plan, ” says Steve Arnberg, Vice President of Real Estate at Lake Martin Ridge. Residents have access to year-round amenities: a two-tiered swimming area, tennis and fitness center, children’s play park, multi-purpose athletic fields, and more. Over 100 miles of trails that wind their way through the vast Russell Forest connect at The Ridge. Additionally, the 9, 000-square-foot clubhouse is perfect for hosting larger gatherings such as weddings, company retreats, retirement parties, and graduation get-togethers. And if all that was not enough to lure you, remember that from The Ridge, you’ll almost always have time to get to Chimney Rock for one last jump before the sun sets.
Photo by Justin Clayton
RESOURCES
Interiors: Nan Jackson, Interiors Etc. By Nan • 780.664.5124 Residential Designer: Larry Furlong Builder: Classic Homes, Russell Lands • 256.329.0835 Fixtures, Flooring, Finishes: Russell Home Decor • 256.212.9877 Landscaping: Tim Price, Lake Martin Landscaping • 256.234.3970 Flowers: Susie Kelley, Gracie’s Flowers • 256.234.7538 Plants: Shoppe • 205.224.4450 Furniture and upholstery: Johnson Furniture • 334.541.3195 Monogrammed Towels: In Stitches • 256.749.7700 House Listing: Emily McDaniel and Rhonda Watson • 256.215.7011
Text by Cathy still mcgowin // Photography by jean allsopp
