2020 Homes of Distinction in Alabama

2020 Homes of Distinction Badge - Alabama - Lake Homes Realty

Every dream home has some quality that makes it distinct. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five featured home listings in the state of Alabama. Each listing must meet a few qualifications: it must be listed at over $1 million as a featured listing of Lake Homes Realty, be over 4,000 square feet, and located on waterfront property.

Each home has interior and exterior details that make it stand out among other houses. They each have an element of charm, beauty, or uniqueness. Some offer vintage and imported features, while others have entertaining spaces that would make anyone envious.

Smith Lake Castle

Smith Lake Castle in Bremen, Alabama
354 County Road 211, Bremen AL, 35033

$4,600,000 

Have you ever wanted to live in a castle or know what it feels like to be a member of the Royal Family? Then look no further than the “Smith Lake Castle” located in Cullman County in Bremen, Alabama.

This dream home is less than an hour away from Birmingham, Alabama. It sits on 18 acres overlooking the main channel of Lewis Smith Lake, which is located along the Black Warrior River. Lewis Smith Lake is the number one lake home market in the State of Alabama, according to Lake Homes Realty’s Lake Real Estate Market Report.

Storybook architecture on dream home on Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama

This eye-catching home is known to people in the area as the “Smith Lake Castle” because the exterior resembles something from a fairytale. Its contemporary style and exciting design make this home a must-see! 

It has four levels of pure luxury, with a master suite covering an entire floor of the home. There is custom tile work throughout the house, a gourmet kitchen, walls of windows that offer expansive views. The home also has a glass solarium, an enclosed dock, and an 8,000 square feet shop. You’ll feel like real landed gentry with the home’s 18 acres of associated land.

Waterfront Trophy Estate

Lake Guntersville dream home trophy estate
91 Redstone Drive, Scottsboro AL, 35769

$1,499,500

The Waterfront Trophy Estate, located on Lake Guntersville in northeast Alabama, is less than an hour from the Rocket City, Huntsville, Alabama, a metropolis that is continuously growing. Lake Guntersville is number three on Lake Homes Realty’s Lake Real Estate Market Report for the largest lake home market.

This stunning custom brick and stone home nestled in the gated lakefront community of The Oaks features four bedrooms and five baths. This dream home offers tall ceilings, crown molding, and reclaimed trim. The floors are constructed from 100-year-old pine, and the doors are repurposed from all over the world.

Gourmet kitchen lake house

Along with the many little details that make this home unique, there is also a gourmet kitchen, wine cellar built with 18th century English wood panels, lounge, and a wood-fired pizza oven.

There is a Great Room with a lounge area that is made complete with a full bar. If you are one who loves to entertain, then this home was built for you!

When you take a step outside, you see a large one slip boathouse with a boat lift, French doors, roll-up door, and a rooftop deck. Just picture yourself enjoying your morning coffee either on the lakeside porch or in the shaded Palazzo courtyard. This home has everything with impressive details and a fantastic view!

French Chateau

72 Vista Ln, Sylacauga AL, 35151

$1,550,000

The site of many weddings, corporate parties and a once flourishing Bed and Breakfast, this is an exclusive property that may very well be the best value on this list – located about 40 minutes from Birmingham, Alabama, you’ll find this home on Lay Lake in Sylacauga, Alabama. Lay Lake is in Alabama’s top ten markets of Lake Homes Realty’s Lake Real Estate Market Report most listings category. You would expect to see this home while traveling through the countryside in France.

This French-style Chateau was custom built-in 2001. It has over 6,000 square feet of living space spread out over three floors. There is a screened-in 1,800 square foot veranda, that will always provide room for large gatherings of friends and family.

Breathtaking French Chateau living room

There are many aspects of this home that make it unique. The beautiful landscaping is enhanced with elegant statuary. Hand-painted murals by artist Stephen Ardovino adorn the home. Imported crystal chandeliers and Italian marble floors provide luxurious touches.

The large kitchen comes complete with a Wolf cooktop and a Subzero fridge. Each bedroom has a private bath with a jetted tub, pampering each guest. There is an additional living space downstairs with a living room, full kitchen, and bedroom. This separate area is made complete with a full bath, laundry room, and a 2-car garage.

Veranda and pool view in lake house on Lay Lake French Chateau

Walking out onto the veranda, you are greeted by a beautiful view of Lay Lake and the stunning landscaping that surrounds the custom swimming pool. There is an enclosed boathouse that has two boat slips, perfect for those guests who may arrive by boat.

This home also offers four lots across the street, which would be perfect for additional parking or a helipad. Every detail about this home is carefully considered and gives one the authentic experience of living in a French Chateau in Sylacauga, AL.

Lake Wedowee’s Hidden Gem

Lake Wedowee dream home
264 Red Cedar Dr, Wedowee AL, 36278

$1,200,000

Hidden along the south end of Lake Wedowee formed by the Tallapoosa River, this grand lake home is just waiting to surprise the perfect buyer. This residence offers serene privacy with lush landscaping that does not disappoint.

This home is conveniently located about an hour and forty-five-minutes from either Atlanta, Georgia, or Birmingham, Alabama. Lake Wedowee is number three on the Lake Homes Realty Lake Real Estate Market Report for the largest land markets.

Lake Wedowee lake house built in 2005

This hidden gem nestled on 1.62 acres makes you feel like you are the only one on the lake. The home, built in 2005, underwent a recent renovation where no expense was spared. The residence has an impressive seven bedrooms and six full baths!

You are guaranteed a view of the lake from any point in the home. The main level has an open family room, decadent kitchen, and two dining areas. The master bedroom provides a stunning view. The master bathroom has a walk-in shower with luxurious proportions that would make anyone envious. The guest suite is ample with a full bath and is located over the garage.

Newly renovated lake house kitchen Lake Wedowee

The sunroom gives you a view of the heated swimming pool and hot tub. The terrace level has four additional bedrooms and bathrooms, a game room, and a home gym! Entertaining outside is made easy with a cozy fire pit for chilly spring and fall nights. The dock has an expansive sun deck, boat lift, and jet ski ports. This dream home is a treasure!

Southern Living Come to Life

Southern charm lake house on Lake Guntersville
307 Clairvaux Drive, Scottsboro, AL 35768

$1,100,000

Are you looking for something a little more in the craftsman style? Then take a look at this perfect example of southern living at its best, located on Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, AL, along the Tennessee River. This home is the dream home of every fan of the Fixer Upper TV show.

Lake Guntersville comes in at number three on the largest home market list, according to Lake Homes Realty’s Lake Real Estate Market Report. With five bedrooms, three-quarter baths, and one full bath, the shiplap walls and 10 feet high smooth ceilings give this home that perfect southern touch.

Miele built-in Espresso/coffee maker

The kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinets, and a built-in Miele Espresso/coffee maker. The kitchen has a bar with a seating area that allows you always to be a part of the party. The great room has a beautiful stone fireplace fired with gas and opens up onto a back deck that has an unforgettable view of Lake Guntersville.

Vaulted ceilings and large windows in dream lake house on Lake Guntersville

The master suite has vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and yet another beautiful view of the lake. The master bathroom has a double vanity with a stunning walk-in tile shower. Above the 3-car garage, there is a living space with a full kitchen. The garage even has a dog washing station for faithful companions that love the water as much as you do.

The back patio is an excellent space for entertaining and there is even a putting green to get in some practice when you are not on the links. Below the home, on the river, there is a covered boat slip. This is a southern dream home come to life.