Only 145 miles from Franklin sits Alabama’s Lewis Smith Lake, commonly called “Smith Lake,” and rated the second-cleanest lake in the country besides Lake Tahoe. Smith Lake is fed by small rivers that run through rural areas. It reaches a depth of 300 feet and most channels are 100 feet deep, making the lake clearer and cooler.
Melinda Edwards, a realtor with Lake Homes Realty, grew up on a 100-acre lakeside farm and has lived there all her life. “My granddaddy was a farmer and he bought land prior to the lake being formed, and with the creation of the lake, he provided a wonderful place for generations of our family to enjoy," she says. "Having lived here all my life has given me an advantage I can share with my clients of knowing the lake so well.”
Melinda wants others to experience the Smith Lake she feels blessed to have. “There’s nothing like seeing the lake from my bed first thing in the morning, watching nature from my deck as I sip a cup of coffee or feeling the wind in your hair with a boat ride after a stressful day," she says.
The lake comprises 22,000 acres with over 500 miles of shoreline. “There’s so much to do year-round. In the summer we have boating, jet skis, kayaking, all the water sports, fishing tournaments for large-mouth bass, crappie – over 70 species of fish!," says Edwards.
“We enjoy packing lunch and taking the whole day riding and seeing the beautiful lake homes, people enjoying themselves, stopping to swim or pull the grandkids on the tube. A usual treat is heading to the marina for dinner and an evening concert and meeting people, swapping business cards while kids play. The marina and grill are a great environment for lake goers," says Melinda.
Several restaurants and marinas serve the many lake visitors and grocery store chains have begun delivery service to the lake area which may be rural but is thriving, especially in the summer.
Melinda estimates that about half of their Lake Homes Realty/Justin Dyar Team clients come from the Franklin and Nashville area and buyers from other states are also snapping up properties.
“We have many interesting newcomers arriving in the area,” says Melinda. Some are buying ‘legacy homes’ to pass down to children. The better lots start at $100,000 and homes currently go up to $4.5 million. Lake Homes Realty, under team leader Justin Dyar – aka “Mr. Smith Lake” – produced over $300 million in sales in 2023.
“Our buyers purchase lake homes to enjoy for themselves and their families and many add in the rental facet to assist in paying for their home or for investment purposes.”‘
Jeff Thomas, owner of Smith Lake Rentals for over 20 years said, “Post-pandemic has seen an explosion in rentals with many buying on the lake with renting the property in mind. Many are trying to pay for the property with rentals similar to what used to be possible at the beach.”
One advantage to owning a lake house instead of a beach house is the savings on insurance. “We don’t have hurricanes and floods and I believe once you spend time here, it becomes part of your soul," says Melinda. "Many who have spent time on the lake as a child are coming back because they miss it so much.”
Are you thinking of buying a second home? Melinda offers the following ideas to consider:
+ Will you be renting out the home? “The rental market around Smith Lake has really taken off. Be sure to choose a neighborhood that allows rentals, including through VRBO and Airbnb. Rental income can help cover your mortgage.”
+ If your second home is more than a summer place, choose one with year-round water access. Reservoir lakes like Smith Lake have lower pools in the wintertime, with water levels managed by Alabama Power.
+ Hire a property manager to look after your home when you’re not there. “Smith Lake has several concierge service companies that will check on your house and your dock and manage maintenance needs for their clients,” says Melinda. “An advantage of using our real estate team is that we have a strong list of contacts for whatever our clients need.”
+ Work with a local realtor who understands the region’s water access and levels, knows where the flood zones are located, understands dock permitting and access, and who can recommend the best maintenance teams to help with your plumbing, HVAC and other home care needs.
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About this property:
$3,950,000
119 COUNTY ROAD 2112, Bremen, AL 35033
6 BD 4.5 BA 6,600 SF
Smith Lake (Ryan Creek) The true definition of lakefront luxury! This custom home is located in the prestigious Moss Rock Pointe community. Positioned perfectly to capture some of Smith Lake's most magnificent sunsets. Soaring ceilings in the great room bring in natural light. Close the blinds with the touch of a button. A custom outdoor fireplace and grilling area highlight the outdoor space. This home has remarkable detail from the custom heavy wood doors to the metal and cedar shake roof. Designed to appear that the home has been nestled in the trees for many years. Tucked away just off the main channel while you are still able to enjoy massive views. The upper level has a large bonus room currently being used as an office and exercise room. With two laundry rooms, two kitchens, and 3 living spaces, this home is truly built to provide the best experience possible. Absolutely one of a kind and this property will remain a staple on Smith Lake for years to come!
