We have all heard the expression "a man's home is his castle". Sometimes the idea of living in a castle brings to mind words such as dark, damp, dreary, somewhat forbidding.

The Smith Lake Castle in Bremen, AL is none of these things. It is welcoming, restful, private and in total harmony with the eighteen acres of nature on which it sits. Oh, and the views are spectacular.

This castle was built into the side of a mountain. Even on the lowest level of the home one is in the top of the tree canopy. This seems very odd since the long winding gated private drive to the front door allows a visitor to walk straight in to the entertaining level. Once inside a panoramic view opens up on all sides to the magnificent lake below.

The home was built atop layers of boulders so that it sits 400 feet above the water. There are 4400 feet of waterfront with no neighbors in sight. This castle consists of four levels and of course each is oriented so that the view is the focus.

The "ground" entertaining level consists of an open kitchen/living/dining area and also opens to a slanted glass three-story atrium attached to the north side of the structure.

The level below contains two private suites each with a sitting area, bedroom and fabulous bath. There is a lake-side balcony accessible to both suites. Also, on this level is a massive "dungeon" that houses the mechanicals of the home. It also serves as a tornado shelter and one can easily envision a wine cellar and tasting room in the space as well.

Above the entertaining/living level sits the master bedroom suite. Totally private, totally secluded, it is all about the amazing views. Above the master suite level, at the very top of the castle is another suite currently used as the ultimate home office.

All of these levels are accessed by spiral staircases. The grand staircase from the main level to the master suite is massive. The lower level staircase is constructed of multilayered sheets of wood bonded in such a way that the wood glue ran down like honey. The plan called for sanding off all of these glue drips but they were so interesting that the curved walls were glazed to preserve the texture.

This is not a wood frame home. It is a steel frame home. It is strapped into the side of the mountain and proved its strength when a tornado in 2002 blew out the windows but could not blow the house away. Interior walls are plaster, not sheetrock.

The current owner remembers learning a song in Sunday School that says "the wise man built his house upon the rocks and the house on the rocks stood firm". Indeed this castle is firmly built upon the rocks. The exterior is largely maintenance free and features copper detailing.

The property includes an 8000 sq ft garage/workshop that is air-conditioned and could be used to house tour buses, boats, and all manor of gear for lake living. A 50' x50' boat- house on the waterfront has three boat lifts and multiple vantage points for fishing off the dock or enjoying porch swings looking on the lake.

The crystal clear waters of Smith Lake reflect the setting sun each evening and, as the home faces west, it is impossible to look away as the boats on the lake below are parading by to take in the last light. This home is a focal point on Smith Lake and the sunset reflecting in all the glass of the castle draws boaters by for an amazing view from the water.

The current owners have enjoyed this castle for 19 years. For the right price, they are now ready for a new owner to share it with their family and friends making new memories. Whether as a full-time residence or a vacation home, this cool castle will not disappoint.

https://www.al.com/

Free

Nice view

Private property, no visiting