LOVE IT AT THE LAKE

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

The sunroom was incorporated into the home by removing interior doors

EEddie and Helen Dickinson made Lake Martin their home 20 years ago. After owning two previous homes for part-time use, they knew what they wanted and where they wanted to be on the lake, so when retirement came along, they were ready to make lake life a permanent lifestyle.

“We loved the neighborhood and the neighbors, and when this point lot came open, we knew we wanted it. Even before we did any renovation on the house, my son Greg and his wife, Holley, were married at Church in the Pines and the reception was on our point,” Dickinson said. A long driveway winds through a heavily wooded lot to the house, where a courtyard welcomes visitors. Pots of fresh herbs and flowers and the calming sound of a bubbling urn add to the ambience of the porch, which the Dickinsons added to the original home. The foyer was updated with the help of Dickinson’s friend, decorator Nan Jackson. A Schumacher wallpaper with a creative scalloped pattern in shades of blue and cream graces the main wall, while a long console table from Mark King Furniture displays a large stone bowl Dickinson found while shopping on a beach trip. Her sister, Pat, painted the horse on the easel. The brass sconces are from Current and Company.

The living room, redecorated with the help of her daughter, Leah, showcases a neutral gray and blue combination for a serene setting. The furniture is a mix of new purchases from At Home in Homewood and antiques handed down from both the Dickinsons’ families. Two small wooden stools from Scott’s Antiques are near the coffee table. Egrets painted on canvas hang above the sofa. The couple added a fireplace, with matching poufs in front, and a powder room, hidden behind a barn door.

The kitchen was remodeled two years ago with design advice from Lake Martin decorator Phil Spraggins, who commented that he loved the flow of the house and how the view is captured with all the glass. A bar-height pass-through window with a polished black walnut live edge counter and stools was added between the living room and kitchen. Four illustrations by Lila Graves frame the window. Adding quartz countertops, white subway tile and new cabinet doors brightened and opened the kitchen, creating a lovely working space for Dickinson to enjoy. Catie Radney paintings with blue accents complement both the kitchen and the living room.

Jackson stepped in to convert the pantry into a more functional and attractive work and storage space. The

A spacious deck allows views of the lake point lot

Clockwise from Top Left: One of the three guest rooms includes a king-sized bed and private bath; Windows across the back of the home provide unobstructed lake views; The pantry was reconfigured to create both storage and serving areas; Guests enter the front of the house through a courtyard; A nautical themed bunkroom was designed with the grandchildren in mind; The covered deck area is perfect for gathering in the shade.

The traditional dining area was updated with a modern chandelier and side console table

A special wallpaper defines the foyer

The works of local artists are displayed throughout the home

The bird was painted by the owner's sister pantry doors and an accent wall inside the pantry are painted Benjamin Moore’s Wolf Blue. Baskets of assorted sizes, decorative and functional, store kitchen items and supplies. Dickinson’s collection of every year of Southern Living cookbooks have a special place.

“I cook for company and family. I enjoy making pecan pies and keeping macaroni and cheese handy for grandkids and as a comfort food for friends. I like to pick blueberries and strawberries, and I make blueberry jam and pear preserves each year. There’s a pear tree at the farm in Goodwater. I love entertaining, and this house is perfect for that. The owners before us had already added a tiled sunporch with windows all the way across the back of the house. We just took the doors from inside the house to the porch down, so the porch would be part of the house,” she said.

The porch area nearest the living room has an oak pub table the couple found during their years in Chicago. A love of games keeps that table in continual use by family and friends.

Designed by Spraggins, a comfortable gathering area in front of the kitchen includes four matching armchairs on a soft rug. A beaded chandelier hangs overhead. Jackson added Jim Denney wildlife photos, and Dickinson hung boomerangs brought to her from Australia by her son, completing the space.

“Any time people are here, that area fills up first. The chairs are taken; then, people pull out the barstools to join in. It’s really a great space,” she said.

Spraggins updated the traditional dining room table with a rug and newly reupholstered chairs. Dickinson and her daughter found the contemporary glass chandelier on Houzz.

Dickinson calls her den The Auburn Room. A sectional sofa there is perfect for watching games. A gallery wall displays a collection of framed photos, and built-in bookcases are filled with memorabilia. Spraggins changed the rug and reorganized the books and items on the shelves. An antique icebox and a small school desk from the Kellyton School are part of the furnishings.

“We were both from Goodwater, and I just really enjoy having the old pieces that belonged to family in my house. The changes Phil made in the Auburn Room might seem small but made such a huge difference. My son-in-law, Marty, our only Alabama fan, actually sits in the room and cheers with us,” she said.

Private guest space can be found in the cabin’s original three bedrooms and two baths. One room is dubbed the Cousin’s Room and has all things ready for grandchildren. Dickinson’s daughter painted oars in bright colors for over the bunk bed. A trundle under the bunk provides another bed. Navy and white curtains join the nautical theme.

The master bedroom was an addition onto the home at the opposite end of the sun porch. Windows

Recently acquired furniture pieces are mixed with antiques in the living room

The kitchen renovation added new cabinet doors, subway tile and quartz countertops

existing from the sun porch offer the bedroom a panoramic view of the lake, and side windows allow a perfect view of deep purple hydrangea bushes in the summer months.

“I’m ready to redo my bedroom next. Nan helped me with a new bed and Annie Selke bedding, bringing in the blue I love. I’ll look at furniture and maybe a renovated master bathroom down the road. I have a very large closet that could be reconfigured and add space to the bathroom. Until I do that project, Nan found a great rug for the bathroom and new drawer pulls. She added a new light fixture, and I found colorful artwork, a big change for me. Small things make such a difference,” Dickinson said.

The expansive deck offers multiple levels, perfect to continue entertaining outside. Different areas are committed to tables and chairs or chaise lounges. A covered porch has lots of cozy, comfortable seating. The Adirondack chairs were built by Gary Hardman, her sister Susan’s husband. Dickinson strives to have flowers blooming continually throughout the spring, summer and fall in the yard and in containers on the porch: limelights, gardenias, camellias, snowballs, crape myrtle, azaleas, geraniums and succulents, among others.

“I did not think I would still be living at the lake at this point in my life, but I am so blessed with the best neighbors and friends. I love all of our groups in the neighborhood for games, tennis, dinner or mahjong. Lake people are the best, and I think our neighborhood is a great melting pot from all over. I can’t imagine a better place to live,” Dickinson said.