The fireplace, surrounded by an intimate seating area, makes the garden usable year-round. “We love this space,” says homeowner Lois Bankston. “We even have a television on wheels in the garage that we roll out so we can watch football by the fire.” Photos by Jean Allsopp
When Lois and Ingrum Bankston bought their home, the backyard could best be described as an asphalt jungle with a full-sized basketball court in the mix and definitely no viable place for outdoor living and entertaining. Architect Bill Ingram drew plans for an addition which included a new garage, loggia, and breezeway for the backyard. The Bankstons then looked to landscape designer Todd Dorlon to expand the structure with a verdant and elegant garden retreat that would ensure year-round beauty.
Todd amplified the setting with more hardscapes and plantings to maximize the lot. Privacy walls set the backdrop for an outdoor fireplace with seating area and a grilling station, while rows of arborvitae define the ‘Emerald’ zoysia lawn and fountain. More entrances and focal points to the garden were added, playing on vistas. “The garden is designed to feel like a private oasis away from everything,” says Todd. “The simplicity of the plant palette and the repetition of plants throughout the space make it feel calm and cohesive.”
Todd added the walls, fireplace, and seating area adjacent to the breezeway to expand the backyard and create more garden rooms.An antique French lantern and a Della Robbia glazed terra-cotta ornament from Italy add interest and character.LEFT A back corner features a table from Alabama Stone Works. Fig Ivy will eventually cover the wall. CENTER White ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas are welcome bloomers in the warmer months. A Sweet Bay Magnolia offers height and perfume. RIGHT Arched blue shutters (Oval Room from Farrow & Ball) and a transom window open onto a bluestone terrace from the driveway side of the house.
Every element of the garden has been carefully considered, much to the delight of the Bankstons. “Everything is so balanced,” says Lois, an enthusiastic gardener herself. “I love to sit outside at twilight when a beautiful light is cast on that antique urn in bloom and listen to the fountain. It’s delightful.”
What is a Loquat?
Todd planted four of these ornamental fruit trees in containers along the fireplace wall. A member of the apple and pear family, the tree produces fragrant white flowers in the spring followed by small orange fruit. The leaves are used commercially in herbal teas, and the fruit can be used for making jams.
Nestled in Habersham County in Northeast Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains lies the picturesque Soque River, a fly-fishing heaven here on earth. For nearly 30 miles, the river wends its way through mostly privately-owned properties, with owners who view stewardship of their largesse as both a privilege and duty. Anglers from across the globe come to try their hand at reeling in trophy-size rainbows and browns.
Getting There
Less than a two-hour drive north of Atlanta, the Soque River offers an easy weekend (or mid-week!) getaway.
What to Expect
The Headwaters on the Soque is where this coveted stretch of mountain-laurel-lined waters begins. Owned by Mark Lovell, his grandfather first staked his claim here, while his father went on to add 650 more acres. The property’s original two-story lodge has been renovated and updated, creating a simple and cozy place to swap fish tales, large and small, while overlooking a deep valley below—the water almost in lulling earshot.
A few years ago, Mark engaged the services of John Burrell’s High Adventure Company, known for their professionalism in guiding outdoor sporting adventures in the United States and around the world. In years past, guests may have been mostly men, but numbers have shifted somewhat to reflect almost 40% women. As John says, “Everyone seems to enjoy it. If you can learn a simple roll cast, you can catch the fish of a lifetime.”
Much of what makes this area so unique is that only ¾ mile of this entire stretch of trout-laden water has public access. “The rest is private and managed to the nines,” John says. “Everybody takes care of the resources.” And that is as it should be; after all, this is why you are here—for the epic fishing and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
At Your Service
As guests of any High Adventure Company property can attest, the food and service are exemplary. Many of the company’s staff members come from the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. John and his team are happy to provide a private chef for your getaway, or—if you prefer—they will gladly stock the kitchen with anything you need to cook and entertain for any size group.
Finally, it goes without saying that the bar is robust and well-stocked even before you arrive, making that post-prandial fireside chat and the fish tales that ensue the best parts of your stay.
1 stick unsalted butter, softened Flaky salt Freshly ground black pepper Zest of a lemon Edible flowers Fresh herbs of your choice Chili flakes Capers Drizzle of honey 1 loaf warmed crusty French bread
Smear the softened butter on a small cutting board. Add any or all of the suggested toppings on top of the butter. Serve with warm, crusty French bread.
An ambitious renovation transforms a shell of a penthouse in Perdidio Key into a luxurious vacation home with panoramic views from the Gulf to the Bay.
Take It All In Overlooking the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico with its snow-white beaches and crystal blue waters, the condo’s numerous balconies are ideal for sunset cocktails, alfresco dining, intimate conversation, or meditation. From morning to evening—no matter the season—the view, the ocean, and the sky are ever-changing to create a continuum of awe-inspiring moments. Photography by JEAN ALLSOPP
With a perch on Perdido Key high above the Gulf of Mexico, this renovated condominium offers a bird’s-eye view of the wonders of nature. Sugar-white sand, sparkling emerald waters, and breathtaking sunsets are constant reminders of the joys of spending time along the beach.
Those vistas convinced an Alabama couple to purchase the condo and then informed the vision of interior designer Ashley Gallion of Ashley Ayer Interiors. “When the unit came onto the market, it had been gutted down to the structural walls and concrete floors,” Ashley says. “We were excited about the chance to start with a blank canvas.”
Fresh Start The blank canvas of the 4,000-square-foot penthouse (originally built in 2000 but completely gutted) allowed designer Ashley Gallion to leave a deeper imprint than a conventional decorating project. After removing a wall, renovating the kitchen and baths, and appointing new fixtures and finishes, she painted the interior walls Simply White by Benjamin Moore to keep the focus on the views.
The interior space was sprawling. It begged for definition and a more intimate scale. “It’s a vacation home, so we wanted it to be open and casual, but the different areas still needed some distinguishing features and separation,” Ashley says. To accomplish that goal, the designer used furniture placement and focal points to create independent, yet harmonious, spaces in a sand-and-sea color palette.
In the living area, two distinct seating areas break up the expansive room. A matching pair of facing sofas and two comfy swivel chairs are flanked by Gulf views on one end and a contemporary fireplace on the other. A secondary seating area, further defined by the white-washed wood ceiling, features more swivel chairs that can turn to look out to the south and west through arched windows taking in vistas of both the ocean and Perdido Bay. Both areas enjoy easy access to the corner bar—an addition that creatively transformed an awkward curved recess into a stunning and functional focal point. “The curved wall was structural,” Ashley says. “We used it to our benefit and designed the bar and serving area.” The custom-designed cabinet is painted a subtle shade of blue. Above, glass tiles arranged in a vertical pattern conform to the curve and shimmer in the light from the clear glass pendants.
A large sisal rug anchors the main seating area and lays the foundation for a lively mix of sophistication and comfort. Contemporary acrylic nesting tables pair with sleek stone tables and practical upholstered pieces.
“There is no better place than Perdido Key to take long walks on the beach at sunset and pick up sea shells. It’s therapeutic for me, and it will always be one of my favorite things to do!” —Ashley Gallion
An interior accent wall separates the formal dining area from the kitchen while creating a much-needed anchor for a sideboard. A mirror above ensures no light or reflection of the view is lost.
The tour de force of the space is the jewel box of a wine cellar. Glass walls, seamless hinged doors, and polished metal shelves allow the wine collection to be front and center within a climate-controlled space. “It’s a prefabricated kit that we assembled on site and added the complementary wood trim to hide the cooling system on the top,” says Ashley. “While the standout feature of the home will always be the drop-dead views in every direction, this is a sculptural feature that transforms the inside.”
Working within the constraints of the structure, Ashley reconfigured the bathroom to accommodate a freestanding spa tub under the arched window, as well as a glass-enclosed shower.Where the space opens onto the master suite, a sleek glass-top desk occupies a sunny spot with an arched window as the backdrop. Nearly every window throughout the condo offers a water view.
Essential to any beach retreat is a family-friendly kitchen. A generous island designed for a casual, coastal lifestyle takes center stage. Brass hardware and light fixtures, counter-to-ceiling textured glass tiles, refined molding, and an ornate range hood add touches of sophistication. Sliding doors offer access to a rear balcony and flood the marble pedestal table in the breakfast nook with natural light. In the master suite, a soft sky-blue color scheme instills a decidedly coastal mood. The chairs and shared ottoman have deliberate low profiles so all eyes can stay focused on the view.
“Our overarching goals were to capture the sensibilities of summer days at the beach, as well as the owners’ love of entertaining,” Ashley says. Judging from the spacious, light-filled rooms, as well as the views of the waterfront setting, the goals were more than accomplished.
Ashley Ayer Interiors Ashley Gallion creates beautiful spaces that foster camaraderie and a sense of home, whether for a place at the beach or a full-time residence. Her firm, Ashley Ayer Interiors, is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and includes a team focused on creating personalized, beautiful spaces designed to be both functional and valuable. The firm offers comprehensive decorating from the floor up. It also includes a showroom and shop space featuring furniture, lighting, pillows, art, and more.
More than two dozen specialty gardens comprise the nearly 70 acres that make up the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Explore five of our favorites.
Southern Living Garden Designed by Southern Living magazine, this area recalls an intimate Southern home garden. Plantings are inspired by the magazine founder’s love for native plants. Surrounding the pinecone fountain are Piedmont, Florida flame, and Alabama native azaleas. Beyond the lawn, an iconic gazebo looks out to the Native Azalea Walk.
Conservatory Built in 1962, this stately Lord & Burnham conservatory has been a symbol of the Gardens since its opening. The light-filled structure is made up of three greenhouses: the tropical house, the desert house, and the citrus house. Each showcases a collection of unique plants from across the world.
Bruno Vegetable Garden From winter vegetables and cover crops to spring plantings for a vibrant summer harvest and on to the bounty of fall, the Bruno Vegetable Garden is a wealth of knowledge for all levels of gardeners, as well a community resource.
Kaul Wildflower Garden Established in the early 1960s by a group of passionate wildflower advocates and Mrs. Bobbe Kaul, this garden boasts more than 200 different species of native plants and celebrates the biodiversity of Alabama, as well as the variety of roles natives can play in our gardens. Landscape architect Zenon Schreiber of New York created the garden from the rubble of a former rock quarry. The collection continues to inspire stewardship of Alabama’s native treasures.
Japanese Garden Enter through the torii, or “gateway to heaven,” and discover seasonal delights that invite you to appreciate the elements of traditional Japanese garden design. From the bold winter structure of thoughtfully pruned shrubs and trees to the delicate spring cherry blossoms and the brilliant fall color of Japanese maples, there is always something new to experience in the Japanese Garden.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a gateway to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. Admission is free. Plan a visit, become a member, take a class, and explore the opportunites. bbgardens.org
A backyard guest house offers college-age children close-to-home comforts with just enough privacy to maintain their newfound independence.
Multi-tasking is the name of the game in the combo living/kitchen area. A recess hosts a sofa that points directly to the small kitchen and TV above the sink. Photography by Jean Allsopp
Once kids become college age, they want—and need— a little privacy when they come home. Sure, they are happy to see mom and dad, but they have been enjoying their freedom (and frankly, mom and dad have been too). So how do you welcome your kids home while giving everyone a little space? For this homeowner, the answer was filling in the backyard pool and replacing it with a guest house. “This provides a sort of dorm-like solution for the two college-age daughters to call home,” says architect Wayne Hester. “It allows a degree of separation from the family in the main house. And the living area gives them a spot for socializing with friends in the privacy that they have become accustomed to at school.”
The architect repeated the “X” motif indoors and out to give the guest house architectural character.The kitchen hosts a small task sink and under-counter mini-fridge. “The kids will likely be going into the main house for dinner when they aren’t out with friends,” Wayne says.
The lot line didn’t allow for much—only 625 square feet. But college kids are used to minuscule dorm rooms, so a small floorplan suits their needs just fine. Architecturally, Wayne wanted the guest house to complement the main house—a traditional Colonial-style home—but he also wanted it to have a personality all its own. To accomplish that goal, he repeated an “X” motif throughout, inserting it in doors, cabinets, and windows.
“When the kids were little, they all wanted to come over for the pool. Now, the guest house entices them to come home.”
—Sandra Lynn, interior designer
The bedroom has space for two full-size beds. Sandra chose West Elm headboards and pretty printed coverlets. A custom iron-and-glass table offers storage for each bed thanks to the pair of baskets.
Designer Sandra Lynn dressed the interiors in bright, happy colors to reflect a youthful attitude. “I chose one wall color to keep the space clean and bright,” she says. “This, along with all the natural light, makes the space feel larger.” Furnishings and accessories are budget-oriented consisting of catalog finds and pieces from At Home in Homewood. Space-saving built-ins, bookshelves, and cabinets in the kitchen and bath, as well as a generously-sized walk-in closet, were critical to the plan. “The girls could even live here full time after college if needed,” says Sandra. “It’s so much nicer than a lot of first apartments.”
A 30-inch table from West Elm with barstools from Wayfair is just large enough to for casual dining.The “X” motif is repeated on bath cabinets. This one, along with a recessed cabinet to its left, holds bath essentials and towels.
VACATIONS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. You may be looking to fill a week, or perhaps you just want to get away for a few days. Some folks crave limit-pushing, adrenaline-rushing exits from the mundane while others simply want to lollygag near the water, be it a beach or a lake. But no matter which type of trip you choose, the goal is always to come away renewed, recalibrated, and recharged. And if you’re lucky, you’ll bring home new memories that last longer than the trip itself. These three destinations promise to do just that.
It’s no secret that a Ritz-Carlton property anywhere is always a good idea. Renowned for their level of service and attention to detail, Ritz-Carlton hotels offer the gold standard in hospitality. Reynolds Lake Oconee is not only an easy drive from Birmingham, it also offers amenities such as a pristine lake, world-class golf, a shooting range, equestrian activities, multiple pools, and a bevy of kids’ activities. It’s truly one of the best turnkey getaways around.
Extend that vacation for a lifetime… Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee is one of those properties guests return to again and again. Those who’ve decided they never want to leave should consider owning a home at the adjacent community, nestled into 12,000 acres of pristine lakeside property. Your new neighbors might just be tech titans, SEC championship-winning coaches, entrepreneurial leaders, and others who also crave an elevated life in the middle of lush Georgia countryside.
When to Go? Honestly, anytime.
We love a spring visit to Reynolds when the Southern landscape reawakens as the dogwoods bloom and the azaleas begin to get showy. The property has events planned year-round, making it a fantastic spot for groups. For a couple’s weekend, book a romantic lakeview room. The Club Suite with premium access to the Club Lounge is perfect for celebrating special occasions. And if you bring the family, one of the seven on-site cottages offers room to spread out.
What to Do You’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do.
Complimentary bikes, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks mean lots of time outdoors for everyone. And when the temps rise and the lake calls, Jet Skis, wake boats, and a double-decker TriToon with a water slide are available to rent.
For complete relaxation, reserve a private cabana by the infinity pool. Or save time for a facial and massage at the spa. Golfers will want to book a day (or more) at one of the five signature courses. The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee includes private instruction and custom club fittings. You can also have clubs built on-site in the TaylorMade Tour Trailer.
Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds offers guests the opportunity to hone their shooting skills on the sporting clays course or the five-stand. Air rifles, archery, and fishing are also offered.
Where to Eat There are plenty of dining options on the property, from casual to fancy.
Staying in a cottage? Consider booking a personal chef for the evening to make this vacation truly memorable.
This backyard is well suited for entertaining guests, whether it’s a parents’ night cookout, s’mores for a kids’ sleepover, or a summer pool party.
Defined Design
“When I was a child, our outdoor dining area was just a simple table with a bench and chairs to fit our family and a few friends,” Daniel says. He remembers gathering with everyone after dinners in comfortable seating around a chimenea. “Outdoor living areas are defined by their features and function,” he says. “I have seen a mulch terrace join people together in the same way a terrace made of material at $100 a square foot does. It all depends on how well it is planned.”
Entertaining
“Growing up, the grill was located just outside the back door, close to the indoor kitchen. That way, my dad was more likely to use it after a long day at work,” says Daniel. Today, his favorite features for an outdoor kitchen include a simple gas grill, a ceramic grill (he prefers Primo), and a pizza oven.
Outdoor Lighting
“Lighting brings mood, protection, and focus to a garden,” Daniel says. “It guides views and highlights features and plantings, much like lighting a piece of sculpture.” He uses wash lights to illuminate pathways in a soft glow. “I also love a well-placed pendant or lantern hanging over an intimate pathway,” he adds. “For something more unique, we use inset core lighting to illuminate a home’s walls and patios.” Lighting up pools and fountains is also important. “You need to think about outdoor lighting as early as possible in the design process,” Daniel says. “You have to build it into the hardscape.”
“We use synthetic turf around a pool so that we can have a very low-profile pool coping and keep the pool (and feet) clean when getting in and out of the water,” says Daniel. “When you have a low-maintenance pool and synthetic lawn, you’ll use it more often.”Fountains add interest to an otherwise stagnant area. “Oftentimes, they can be the easy button to rejuvenate the energy of a space,” Daniel says.Father Nature designed the custom stone walls using chert and limestone to match this century-old home’s materials.
Fun Features
“The putting greens we have installed make my heart melt when I think of how they’ve changed a few particular clients’ lives,” Daniel says. “They are like a magnet that brings people closer together. The greens are the perfect playground for a large family, as well as for smaller groups.” He suggests adding sports lighting to keep the putting tournaments going into the evening.
Another key gathering spot? Firepits. “They provide warmth and aesthetic beauty,” says Daniel. “And who doesn’t love the movement of a fire?” Wood-burning firepits require more involvement and attention, Daniel admits, but some people enjoy the process and the scent of real wood. Firepits with gas or a gas starter are quicker, cleaner, and easier. Think fireballs, synthetic logs, or a lava-type gravel. Daniel recommends firepits from Montana Fire Pits and Restoration Hardware.
As a second-generation Lebanese American, Daniel McCurry says he learned early on that spending time together was key to keeping his family close. Now his projects include spaces designed to help facilitate gatherings and get-togethers for others.
Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding more than 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage from Russell Lands will present roughly 240 waterfront homesites and 130 beautifully wooded interior lots spread across 1,500 acres on 12 miles of shoreline. The centerpiece of The Heritage is Wicker Point Golf Club—the only Coore & Crenshaw-designed private golf course in Alabama. The 18-hole course is projected to open fall 2023 and is defined by its pine plantations, meandering creeks, and unprecedented lakefront holes.
Beyond world-class golf, a signature amenity in The Heritage community is The Benjamin—the waterfront, resident-owned lake club. The clubhouse will include a large, indoor event space with a catering kitchen and event bar, a fully equipped fitness facility, and gorgeous lake views from covered verandas. The club grounds feature a luxurious saline pool with a grill facility, eight tennis courts, a premier tennis pro shop, and eight pickleball courts.
Last summer, Russell Lands debuted the first collection of 52 waterfront properties in The Heritage, with 47 of those properties selling in the first two weeks and only four remaining. With stunning designs from renowned lake home architects and designers, The Heritage offers distinctive plans perfect for each family. The second phase of spectacular waterfront homesites in The Heritage is scheduled to release this spring.
Owning in The Heritage offers incredible lake views, large lot sizes for privacy, and all the wonderful amenities where memories are made season after season. Don’t miss this exclusive life that will rewrite your family’s heritage for generations. Opportunities are available now.
Yellowstone Fever. It’s real. Symptoms include an insatiable need to be immersed in the American West, an affinity for refined-but-elegantly-rustic living spaces, and an untapped desire for adventure. While the creators of the Paramount+ series may be responsible for putting Montana into the present-day zeitgeist, the owners of The Resort at Paws Up—and now green o—in Greenough have been inviting guests to partake of this dream since opening in 2005.
This all-inclusive private property, situated on roughly 37,000 acres, is home to both resorts and offers unrivaled luxe hospitality, as well as more than 50 bucket list-level outdoor activities.
Upon Arrival
Put down your phone. Inhale. Look out the window. Marvel. Exhale, and soak it all in. Once you touch down at the airport in Missoula, a member of the resort staff will collect you and your luggage for the short 40-minute drive to the property.
Where To Stay
Take your pick. The Resort at Paws Up features luxury home sites, some of which accommodate up to eight guests. In warmer months, sleep under the stars in one of the covetable glamping sites adjacent to the stunning Blackfoot River where Brad Pitt filmed “A River Runs Through It.” Appointed with safari-style luxury tents, these camping sites often play host to multi-generational groups of travelers and families looking to reconnect without the distraction of the modern world. Get lost—or maybe find yourself again—in this glorious, screen-free setting.
There are multiple dining options, even more so in the warmer months. Not to be missed: the famed s’mores setup that’s totally next-level.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway, or even solo travelers seeking a mindful reset, may prefer one of 12 accommodations on the green o property, which is for adults only. Nestled into the forest, these homes are more intimate with every detail considered, including fireplaces and private hot tubs.
The property’s central Social Haus serves as the culinary hub where Chef Brandon Cunningham wows guests with his multi-course evening tasting menus. The restaurant also serves wood-fired pizzas, simple salads, and Wagyu burgers at both lunch and dinner. Want to stay in? The owners thought you might. Meals can always be delivered straight to your room.
Choose Your Own Adventure
As luxe as your abode is, Montana’s vast expanses are like a siren’s call to spend your time outdoors. The hardest part might be narrowing down your options. In cold months, take advantage of all the snow with a snowmobile trek into the backcountry where you can explore Garnet Ghost Town, an abandoned mining village which dates back to 1895. You can also go dogsledding, mountain tubing, and cross-country skiing. One activity that should top your list is MoonBiking. This property is the first of its kind to offer guests a fleet of these French-designed, electric-powered, powder-loving, adventure vehicles. Serious fun is guaranteed.
Activities in warmer months include fly-fishing that famed Blackfoot River, whitewater rafting, fat tire electric bikes, go-karts, a high-ropes course, and more.
Year-round guests can try their hand at sporting clays, archery, horseback riding, and Cow Croquet. It is nearly impossible to list every activity, especially since more are being added each season (like those MoonBikes!). Whatever you don’t get to do in this trip just means you have to come back soon.
