On Point

An Atlanta couple assembled a dream team to realize their home away from home on Alabama’s Lake Martin

More than half clear-cut of trees and vegetation, this expansive lot on Alabama’s Lake Martin had seen better days. But owners Rick and Kara Kaldrovics, who own and operate Outside Landscape Group in Atlanta, knew exactly how to bring it back to life. Think evergreens for structure, maples for fall color and tons of ornamental and flowering shrubs. All told, they brought in nearly 200 trees. Stone walls enhance the verdant setting, defining terraced lawns that are ideal for yard games. “We created a very lush landscape,” Rick says.

The couple likewise took an active role in the design of their new weekend retreat, presenting architect Mitch Ginn with detailed sketches of the home they envisioned. The result is a spacious cedar-shake dwelling with battered stone columns, flared rafter tails and arched gable trusses. “This house has a fanciful storybook feel that is reminiscent of European architecture,” Ginn says. 

Like any good storybook, there is no shortage of dramatic scenery. Surrounded by arched windows, for example, the glass front door aligns with a large window that frames a picture-perfect view of the lake and forested hills in the distance. 

And like many of the spaces throughout, the formal living room features a soaring wood ceiling that complements the white shiplap walls. Holding its own against the view, a massive stone fireplace creates a striking focal point for a tailored sofa and a pair of swivel chairs.  

“We selected pieces with simple, elegant details—nothing too fussy,” says interior designer Liz Williams, who collaborated with her assistant, Trente Ashton, on the project.Punctuated by soft blue hues inspired by the lake, the neutral palette flows throughout the interior. In the adjacent open kitchen, for example, traditional white cabinetry flanks a bronze hood with a rustic wooden edge that plays off of the ceiling beams and custom island base. A ceramic tile backsplash adds a touch of texture. “The color palette is very peaceful,” Williams says. 

Intended as a spot for family and friends, the house also includes a serene lower-level family room, stylish guest suites and several covered and partially covered porches outfitted with stone fireplaces, where the couple and their guests often gather to watch sports. Not to mention the waterfront infinity-edge swimming pool, which Rick envisioned from the get-go. 

Given the scale of the project, Rick and Kara were astonished at how smoothly the whole process went—something they attribute to the strong team. “It was an unbelievably fun experience,” Rick says. “When we saw it fully completed, it brought tears to our eyes.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Liz Williams, Liz Williams Interiors, (404) 816-9868; lizwilliamsinteriors.com ARCHITECT Mitch Ginn, L. Mitchell Ginn & Associates, (770) 502-1423; mitchginn.com BUILDER TCC General Contractors, (256) 392-4115; tcccontractors.com LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Outside Landscape Group, LLC., (770) 481-8335; outsidelandscapegroup.com