Turtle Rock Estate...May is Decorators' Showhouse Time!

I didn't find my friends;
the good God gave them to me.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

My husband and I had a wonderful time with our friends in Birmingham this past weekend. They are truly the best host and hostesses. No treatment at a five star resort, could compare to all the gracious things they did to make us feel pampered and welcomed! One of our weekend highlights was our trip to the Decorators' Showhouse. The house this year was in Vestavia Hills and is know as Turtle Rock Estate. (for more information)

The Showhouse is in support of the Alabama Symphonic Association. The home was built in 1993 and sits a top a hill surrounded by trees and natural rock formations. The two acre estate has waterfalls and European style gardens.

The estate takes its name from a large turtle shaped rock on the left side of the house.  The exterior of the home looks like a historical Spanish villa with a barrel tile roof and blends of tumbled brick, stone, tongue and groove cedar, stucco and copper gutters and chimney caps.

The house represents a feeling of serenity and one of the main places where you get this sense of relaxation is in the Master Bath. The oversized tub overlooks Double Oak Mountain. There is a double headed shower and a dry sauna too also help you escape!

The master bedroom and sitting area is a place to relax and recharge. With beautiful tree top views, accents of nature and comfortable spots to lounge, the homeowners can sleep read and connect.

This lovely bedroom treatment creates a perfect Home Away from Home. The entire room wraps you in comfort.

A hanging boat bed would immediately attracted any young boy. Burlap window treatments, a light fixture made out of a globe, old Hardy Boys’ books on the shelf and framed fish prints carry out the outdoor theme.

The heart of the home includes a kitchen with a dining room, den and great room. The floors in the kitchen and dining area are slate, and in the great room they are sugar pine wide plank.The kitchen has granite countertops with stainless steel GE Monogram appliances. The large island has a 4-inch-thick walnut butcher block countertop. Natural finishes in these areas showcase comfort, elegance and convenience.

I can really imagine myself curled up with a good book on this sleeping porch! With a sitting area at the other end, this space is ideal for one or several!

On the lower level is a complete in law suite designed all in classical blue and white.

Behind this comfy outdoor seating spot is the 35 foot rock that has a waterfall made into it. The house fits right into the natural elements that surround it!

The house at the top of the hill is a magical place "...where the clouds go drifting by, and each lovely flower in the garden lifts its smiling face to the sky."

source: The Birmingham News, Over the Mountain Journal, Birmingham Home and Garden