One of the great assets of living in North Alabama is its waterways. With beautiful lakes in all directions, it is no surprise why many people choose second homes nearby. Jaunt down 65 for about an hour and you will discover Lewis Smith Lake, more commonly known as Smith Lake. With approximately 22,000 acres of deep, clean, emerald green water, it has become much sought after shoreline. Noted as one of the cleanest lakes not only in the Southeast, but also in the country, Smith Lake is a retreat for many families, including The Parks.
Perched high above the water among the wild magnolias and blackberries with beautiful views of the landscape, the moment you step into The Parks' lake house you feel your blood pressure lower and your mind calm. The neutral tones of the home paired with gorgeous greens that reflect the green hues of the outdoors surrounding the house, relax you and draw you into the quiet, serene refuge they have created.
Chris and Susan Parks are accustomed to a variety of moving parts both literally and figuratively. Both are practicing physicians in Huntsville, parents to four active children, and still manage to be involved in their community and church. While juggling work, sporting events, and their social calendar leaves their schedule tight, they knew a cozy reprieve at Smith Lake would be the perfect place to get away and unwind.
Why did the Parks choose Smith Lake? The lake itself. “We chose Smith Lake for many reasons, but there is one defining element that had no comparison in our region…the water!” After researching drivable options, they found that Smith Lake has been nationally recognized as one of the cleanest and clearest lakes ever created in the US, making all of the many water sports and activities all the more enjoyable. They love that it is just far enough away from Huntsville to feel like a vacation spot, but close enough to make an easy weekend trip. “Smith Lake is our family’s escape from the stresses of everyday life. The clear emerald waters and towering rock shorelines make it a special place like none other in the Southeast.”
Growing up, both Susan and Chris were river people. Chris, having spent his childhood vacationing on the northern portion of the Tennessee River, and Susan in the southern portion in Alabama. They opted to “plant their family right in the middle at Smith Lake.” With close proximity to Huntsville, it is easy to see why it was such a desirable option.
When questioned how much time they are able to spend at their beautiful lake home, they felt it was not nearly enough. “The hustle and bustle of everyday life makes it challenging to get as much time as we want on the lake, but certainly makes every minute we spend there that much sweeter.”
The Parks’ airy and peaceful home creates the ideal space for family time and provides the perfect backdrop for a sunrise cup of coffee. “It creates the perfect balance between a quiet and restful retreat, that can turn into a party full of fun times in the sun at any given moment.” It’s spacious enough to host friends and extended family, and no detail has been left unfinished.
Susan enlisted the help of Victoria Byrom of Victoria’s Interiors in Huntsville to make this lovely spot her own. The exposed white oak ceilings, extensive natural light, and earthy neutral color palette make the home feel serene and crisp. Susan describes her desired design elements of a lake house to be a combination of craftsman and rustic, while still having classic and contemporary design elements and finishes.
Her favorite design elements include the decorative shiplap walls, the bluestone patio, soaring wood ceilings, and elevated screened porch. Outdoors there is an extended porch area with an in-ground hot tub that provides a breathtaking view of the water. Another functional, yet chic feature is the garage door basement featuring an exquisitely decorated family room and bunk beds that opens to the outdoors for easy inside/outside entertaining and fun. Artwork and rugs along with pops of green fabric bring color into the home that also reflects nature, while textures in both finishes and furniture add depth and personality to each room. While serenity is the driving force behind interiors, sophistication can be felt in every nook and around every corner.
With such a classic lake house aesthetic, the Parks feel that this will be a second home full of memory making for years to come. “We were careful in selecting a home that was very livable for our family of six but could easily accommodate and be comfortable for our many friends and family that would visit. We are in a quiet cove just down from the Trident Marina that is still near all the action.”
Having owned the home for only a short time, there have already been ample opportunities for building memories. An activity that has quickly become a tradition is what they refer to as a “sunset cruise.” The kids love to take an evening boat ride with the entire family enjoying the sunset on the lake, rocking tunes, and neon lights provided by the marina in close proximity to their home base.
Their young and active family not only enjoys boat rides, but also a diverse variety of water sports. From paddleboarding and water trampolining off their beautiful dock to tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding, there is truly an activity for everyone to enjoy. “Capping off a long day on the water with a sunset view from the dock is hard to beat.”
For someone thinking of purchasing a second home at the lake, The Parks advise, “Find a place where you know you are on vacation as soon as you walk in the front door, and one that is nearly impossible to leave when it is time to get back to reality.” It seems they have found just the spot to call their own.
“Find a place where you know you are on vacation as soon as you walk in the front door, and one that is nearly impossible to leave when it is time to get back to reality.”