Setting the Standard

Inspiration Home sets the tone for The Willows

In the fall of 2017, the Russell Lands development team decided to move forward on the development of the northern shore of Pitchford Hollow, which we call The Willows. The neighborhood on the southern shoreline, Willow Glynn, was known as one of Lake Martin’s finest collections of lake homes. We wondered, “What can we do to raise to the bar even higher?”

We reached out to a trusted architect and challenged him to create a brand-new design that advanced the popular aesthetic for Pitchford Hollow. This was the same way we enhanced the look for the Russell Cabins at The Ridge. The updated design for that neighborhood was provided by Jonathan and Scott Torode. Their design was so popular that Country Living magazine selected the Longleaf cabin as their 2017 “Lake House of The Year.”

We had asked Scott Torode to tour the Pitchford Hollow shoreline, study the current home styles and propose a new design for us to consider. He took his time and proposed a new design. You might say it was love at first sight!

From design to reality

Since the Torode design had worked to advance the Russell Cabin concept, it made sense that we should keep a winning team together. Classic Homes, a Russell Lands company, built the Longleaf cabin featured by Country Living magazine, so Classic would be tabbed as the building company.

Chad Calhoun is the builder for Classic Homes, and his team is perfectly suited for a design that requires the best local craftsmen available. With the extensive use of rough-sawn cedar and beautiful native Alabama stone on the veneer, it was clear that Chad’s team the right choice to bring the design to reality.

We had a great waterfront location, a great design and a great builder. A little affirmation was all that was needed to pull the trigger.

Becoming Inspired

For years, Birmingham Home & Garden magazine has been featuring lake homes found in Russell Lands’ neighborhoods. Most recently, the homes featured have been recent builds showcasing the latest in décor and features. Cathy Still McGowin, the Editor, is what you might call a “fan” of lake homes. She had a bold idea—instead of hoping that a suitable lake house would be built that is feature-worthy, why not order one?

So, she proposed that Russell Lands be the location for the first Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home built outside of Birmingham. (Click here for info on the Inspiration Home.) Here we were with a great neighborhood, a new trend-setting design and a great builder, and there was BH&G with a feature in waiting. Our only question was, “Will they like Scott’s design?” The answer was an emphatic “Yes!”

A plan comes together

Here is how the program works: we build the house, the BH&G team finds a talented decorator for each room, managed by our decorator Nan Jackson, and then we show it fully furnished for a month with ticket sales to benefit Children’s Harbor. Following that event, the house is cleaned up and delivered to its new owner.

You may wonder, how did it all turn out? We invite you to see for yourself. Birmingham Home & Garden is featuring the Inspiration Home in its September/October 2019 edition. Each week, the home will be open for touring, Thursday through Sunday. Pick up an issue of the magazine and join us here at Lake Martin. We think you’ll be inspired!

For details related to the Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home tour or The Willows, contact one of our Realtors^®, Rhonda Watson or Emily McDaniel at 256.215.7011 today.