Maison Roc, a stunning modern estate located on Smith Lake in Alabama, is currently listed for sale at $2.495 million. According to real estate agent Justin Dyar, this custom home designed by Shepard and Davis Architecture has been showcased in Veranda magazine and various other publications.
The home’s design of reclaimed limestone, steel, and concrete was built to stand the test of time. However, the home’s main attraction is its glass bridge connecting the home’s two living areas.
“Enjoy sunsets or vistas of the main channel while being tucked away in a private cove,” [Justin] Dyar said. “Maison Roc is a true destination home on Smith Lake.” – AL.com
Alabama’s real estate scene is a delightful fusion of Southern appeal and refined lakeside lifestyles. With a variety ranging from lavish plantations and oak-lined properties to contemporary residences with stunning views of Lake Martin and the Gulf Coast, the Heart of Dixie showcases a remarkable selection of high-end real estate. Rich with history, cities such as Birmingham and Montgomery offer charming neighborhoods while waterfront residences provide luxury living akin to resorts.
For those seeking opulence in unexpected places, Alabama doesn’t disappoint. Here are five of the most expensive houses that epitomize luxury living in Alabama at its finest.
Picture starting each day with the serenity of the water—owning a waterfront home can make that dream come true.
From retirees seeking a peaceful retreat to those chasing a personal paradise, lake homes offer a unique appeal. Even investors looking to expand their portfolio may find these properties a smart choice.
Learn what’s involved in buying a waterfront home and decide if it’s the right step for you.
“Spend time in the markets that interest you first. Visit several times and explore,” suggests Glenn Phillips, CEO at Lake Homes Realty & Beach Homes Realty. “Get a feel for the area, and a feel for the differences in these markets with the seasons.” – Realtor.com
Imagine waking up to vacation vibes every single day—owning a waterfront property can turn that dream into reality.
Whether you’re a retiree seeking tranquility or simply craving your own piece of paradise, lake homes are worth considering. Investors looking to diversify their portfolio may also find these properties appealing.
Discover the process of buying a waterfront home to help you determine if it’s the right move for you.
“Spend time in the markets that interest you first. Visit several times and explore,” suggests Glenn Phillips, CEO at Lake Homes Realty & Beach Homes Realty. “Get a feel for the area, and a feel for the differences in these markets with the seasons.” – Realtor.com
A survey conducted recently has pinpointed the leading vacation home markets for 2025, showcasing locations that have become increasingly popular among buyers in search of secondary residences. This trend mirrors larger changes in consumer tastes and economic factors impacting the real estate market.
“Across all lake properties listed on LakeHomes.com, the average price is more accessible at $539,739. In Oklahoma, the total market value for lake homes and lots is $857,348,690, up 5% from spring 2024. The total number of listings is 2,587, up from 2,319 last spring.” – The Journal Record
Although vacation home markets are thriving, it is crucial for potential buyers to conscientiously evaluate financial and market conditions before delving into such investments.
Home ownership is a big deal and a large part of the American dream. And when that home is a lake home, it makes the dream even more vivid. But owning a lake home is no walk in the park. It requires long-term commitment and a ton of responsibility to keep the place up and running.
The maintenance in and of itself is a lot to keep up with, and at a lake home, maintenance is an even bigger factor.
That’s why so many choose to just rent vacation homes for a few months at a time rather than buy them.
So how do you decide when it’s a good idea to opt for ownership? Let’s take a look at some common advantages and disadvantages of owning a lake home. That way, you can make a sound decision about what’s best for you and your family in the future.
The Advantages of Owning a Lake Home
Most of the advantages of owning a lake home are glaringly obvious, while some aren’t as easy to spot at face value.
First, mortgage costs–which are typically fixed-rate payments–are more stable and predictable than rental rates, which are known to fluctuate. Additionally, buying is often cheaper than renting.
When making the switch from renting to owning, the average person adds one bedroom and 400 square feet to their home, according to Zillow’s 2017 Consumer Housing Trends Report.
Assuming they make a 20 percent down payment and a typical monthly rate, the average renter could buy a larger home and still pay $330 less each month on their mortgage than if they were renting.
Also, when market conditions are stable, homes tend to increase in value and build equity, making them sound financial investments. If you use your lake home as a second home, renting it out a few times during the year can speed up the process and make for an extremely lucrative source of residual income.
According to Home Away’s Vacation Rental Marketplace Report, in 2014, vacation rental owners charged an average rental rate of $1,520 per week ($217/night). That translates to a residual annual income of $27,360 for the owners, and that’s just on average.
Home Away also noted that 54 percent of vacation homeowners cover at least three-quarters of their mortgage costs by renting their homes to vacationers. In short, owning a vacation home can make you some money.
Additionally, owning a home creates an asset that will only increase in value for years to come.
The Disadvantages of Owning a Lake Home
As with any home, ownership of a lake home does come with its disadvantages.
For starters, owning a home is essentially growing roots. It ties you to your community and makes it difficult to just pick up and leave.
This long-term financial commitment includes high up-front costs like down payments, closing costs and moving expenses. Plus, in many cases Home Owners’ Association fees are inevitable.
It’s also harder to qualify for a loan on a second home than on a primary residence. Those shopping for secondary residences are often expected to have higher credit scores and put more money down.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the higher down payments reduce the lenders’ risk if the borrower defaults, which is seen as more likely with second homes.
Another disadvantage: as a homeowner, all repairs and maintenance responsibilities fall on you.
And lake homes tend to require more frequent repairs and maintenance. Since lakes are usually surrounded by more trees than the average neighborhood, structural damage to roofs/buildings are a real threat.
Lake homeowners also have to fight against mold and mildew, which is more prevalent thanks to all the moisture in the air.
In addition to all of that, traditional wooden docks tend to have a lifespan of 20-25 years. This can be shortened in the face of environmental factors like storms or water damage, so frequent upkeep is a necessity.
These disadvantages, while inconvenient, are inevitable aspects of owning a lake home. But do the pros outweigh the cons?
So Is It Worth It?
The good thing about lake living is that the experience varies greatly depending on what lake you choose to buy on, so you have options.
Purchasing a home in a small, suburban community that has a tiny lake for aesthetic purposes is a lot different than buying a waterfront estate on New York’s Lake George.
Lakes are perfect for those who prefer peaceful, tranquil living to hectic city life. And if you actually like hectic city life, there’s a lake for that.
Do you like hiking, mountain biking, skiing or sledding? There’s a lake for that. Are you into nature photography, hunting or fishing? There are so many lakes for that.
Purchasing a lake home has its disadvantages that are similar to what you’d face buying any home.
However, it’s a sound financial investment, a valuable generational asset, and it offers a certain lifestyle you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
Whether you plan to live there full time or visit only when the weather’s nice, buying a lake home is totally worth it.
Get to know your future neighbors before you buy with these three important questions.
Congratulations on finding the perfect lake home!
You’ve talked to your agent, the listing agent and even the sellers to get as much information as possible on the average cost of living in the area, the neighborhood and the homeowner’s association.
By now, you are probably thinking there can’t possibly be any more questions to be answered, but not so fast.
Before buying a home, it is always a good idea to talk to your prospective neighbors. They could be a potential source of invaluable information.
So before you dot the I’s and cross those T’s, consider asking your neighbors-to-be these important questions:
How long have you lived here?
The answer to this question may be simple, but you can learn a lot from how long someone has lived in the neighborhood.
If the neighbors have lived in the area for a number of years, they can speak to how the neighborhood has changed and can give insight into the benefits and disadvantages of living in the area, such as a strict HOA.
These neighbors can also give an indication about how long people typically live in the area by pointing out how many new faces they’ve seen come and go in the time they have resided there. You might ask if residents are year-round or seasonal, as well.
In this conversation you could also ask if the neighborhood holds any annual events such as holiday boat parades or a Memorial Day cookout.
How often is crime reported in the area?
Lake houses are frequently bought as second or vacation homes, which means they are not lived in year-round.
Because they are often unoccupied, it is exceptionally important to know how often police and other first-responders are called to the neighborhood.
Prospective neighbors can give you a sense of whether police are called on a regular basis for issues of burglary, theft and vehicle-related crimes.
Frequent police visits are often a red flag for buyers; however, a neighborhood that is NEVER visited may not be the best thing either.
Ask the residents how frequently officers patrol the neighborhood. In neighborhoods where residents are seasonal, regularly scheduled patrols can provide some peace of mind that owners’ properties are being looked after.
What is your favorite and least favorite things about living here?
Whether they have lived there for two years or 20, your potential neighbors will have their fair share to say about what it’s like to live in the area.
By asking this question, you could learn about how everyone in the neighborhood gets along, what the noise levels are like, and if the community is kid friendly or not.
Neighbors could also tell you if the area floods, if the neighborhood is subject to power outages and some of the HOA rules and regulations.
Is there anything I should know about this home?
Finally, be sure to ask your neighbors-to-be if there is anything out of the ordinary you should know about the home you are looking to buy.
Of course, some people want to know if the house is said to be haunted or if anyone has died there.
But more seriously, current neighborhood residents can tell you whether the home was lived in long-term or if it has had many owners.
Additionally, you can learn if the current owners ever had issues with areas of the house flooding, electrical problems, how their lawn was cared for, etc.
Prospective neighbors can be invaluable sources of information. So before you buy, be sure to get to know the neighborhood by getting to know the neighbors.
Smart gadgets for your home are becoming more and more commonplace. But homeowners don’t have to be tech gurus to make smart updates to their homes, especially those who are reaching retirement age.
The”aging in place” movement emphasizes how smart home improvements can help the baby boomer generation save money, time, and energy though simple smart home improvements.
See how your life can be made easier, safer and greener with these handy smart home gadgets!
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
Ecobee devices work by monitoring outdoor, indoor and body temperatures through sensors placed throughout the home.
These sensors help regulate room temperatures based on occupancy by detecting temperature changes caused by people entering or exiting a space.
Through this technology, the Ecobee smart thermostat saves consumers an average of 23 percent on energy bills annually, according to the company’s website.
Like many modern thermostats, Ecobee can be set to kick on when residents are expected to be home and off when they are away.
Unlike traditional devices however, temperature readings and activity reports can be accessed remotely through Ecobee’s smartphone app.
Homeowners can also control temperature settings from the app as well as receive energy conservation reports and system alerts at no additional cost.
Most Ecobee systems are compatible with smart hubs like Amazon Alexa, Echo and Samsung SmartThings and can be installed without the help of an electrician.
Ecobee home systems start at $169.
For more product information and pricing, visit the Ecobee smart thermostat website here.
Roomba and Braava Cleaning Systems by iRobot
iRobot is making the “self-cleaning home” dream a reality with their Roomba automatic vacuums.
Each system features the iRobot patented three-stage cleaning technology, which “loosens, lifts and suctions dirt” from all floor types and can run for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the model.
All Roomba vacuums are wifi compatible, with the exception of the base model, Roomba 614. Wifi connection allows users to schedule cleaning times, pause cleaning and keep the device up to date with the latest operating system.
These hands-free cleaners use sensors to make 60 decisions per second to detect dirt, cleaning paths and obstacles to avoid while operating. Such obstacles include furniture, toys, and corners of the room.
The Roomba’s companion, iRobot’s “Braava,” combines the basic components of the vacuum with Swifter-like elements to provide homeowners with an automatic broom and mop system.
Braava offers two devices, the jet and 300 series, which can perform wet mopping, damp or dry sweeping and can clean spaces 200 square feet to 1000 square feet in size.
A complete list of models and performance capabilities can be found at irobot.com.
Lutron Automatic Lights
Lutron products are all about conserving energy and saving money. Simply installing one of the company’s motion activated lighting controls can help homeowners cut annual energy costs by 20 to 60 percent.
Lutron’s Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensors detect motion through temperature changes and ultrasonic sound waves upon one’s entering or exiting a room.
As changes and motion are detected, wall or ceiling sensors will trigger the light.
Spaces to consider installing motion sensors include closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, where lights are frequently lit while not in use.
Maestro sensors can typically be installed without the help of a professional and can be found online or at most major hardware stores starting at $20.
Discover how Lutron can make a difference in your home by visiting their products page here.
Some of the remarkable lake homes on this list are giant and luxurious while others are tiny (No really, we have a “tiny” lake house for sale), but all of them have unique qualities that make them stand-out properties for buyers.
Think you can’t afford a lake house? This tiny lake home on Center Hill Lake might prove you wrong. For under $200,000, you can have this 1-bedroom, 1-bath Tennessee lake home with a humongous deck and gorgeous lake views.
This home lives up to its fascinating name. Elysium has five bedrooms, four baths, and almost 5,000 square feet of luxurious living space. One thing that makes this South Carolina lake house particularly desirable is its construction. According to Doug Geisler of Lake Homes Realty, “[Elysium] is the most solidly constructed home I have ever put my feet in. You won’t hear a single squeak as you walk its floors or up its stairs. It is quite amazing.”
Cherokee Lake real estate doesn’t get better than this! For only $695,000, this gorgeous lake home has five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, five garages, and a unique elevated tower with two levels of windows. Four balconies and decks all face the lake and the 400 feet of dockable waterfront shoreline on this 2-acre lot. There are also multiple fireplaces, custom carvings, and stained glass windows in this amazing house.
With its impressive size and high rock walls, this Smith Lake lake home is affectionately known as “Smith Lake Castle.” Located on 18 acres overlooking the main channel, this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is one of the most interesting properties you will ever see anywhere.
For starters, the master suite covers an entire floor. There is extensive custom tile work, a gourmet kitchen, a beautiful solarium, and dozens of windows. If that’s not enough, there is also a workshop with a five-car garage.
This romantic lakefront home is located on Norris Lake about 50 miles from Knoxville, Tenn. What makes this three-bedroom, three-bath lake home special is the state-of-the-art wood stove that delivers high-efficiency heat, and its unique lake-drawn water system. A wonderful bonus is the home’s convenient proximity to a 24,000-acre wildlife management area.
This property stands out in almost every way. Landscaped grounds will make you feel like you are in Augusta, Georgia, instead of at Lake Sinclair. A gazebo-style screened dining room, and full-size lakefront deck that spans the main level, will give you perfect waterfront views whether your family is enjoying a leisure dinner or afternoon drinks. An outdoor kitchen, outdoor stacked-stone fireplace, in-ground saltwater heated spa, and surround-sound speakers inside and out will make sure you never want to leave! This gorgeous home has everything you could ask for in a lake house.
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