Community
Gather 'round the warmth and enjoy the lake all year

It’s cold outside and the lake is still beautiful in January.  Why not extend the outdoor living season with an outdoor living area and fireplace?  This popular trend is particularly evident on Lake Martin in Russell Lands’ neighborhoods of The Ridge and Willow Point.  Just take a look at these beautifully crafted living areas with warm, cozy fireplaces that make spending time outdoors a treat….especially sharing it with friends and family.

Scotty and Jane Howell’s outdoor fireplace (top right) was designed by Scotty and built by local rock artisan, Ben Newman.  The unique iron fireplace screen which features frog motifs (a favorite of Jane’s), the frog clad iron lighting highlighting the low rock wall and the iron frog drain are all Scotty’s special design touches.  And, don’t forget to look for the rock frog that Newman left at your feet in front of the fireplace or the hidden nooks that have become a trademark of the artisan.  The sunset is priceless!

Other photos of outdoor fireplaces and living areas found in The Ridge show wonderful extensions of the indoor living areas.  Some fireplaces (like the one above right) are surrounded with “comfy” furniture to settle in while the steaks are on the grill.  Who knows, you might even see an eagle in flight.  Or, you might want to gather around the fire pit with marshmallows and really take in the feel of the outdoors.  Either way, the experience is breathtaking — afterall, you're overlooking Lake Martin.

Or maybe it’s the early morning,  cozy fire with that first cup of coffee that you enjoy the most.  Pull up a rocker and a blanket and watch the squirrels play, read the newspaper or a good book.  Anything you enjoy doing indoors is available to you outdoors.  Just think of it as an extension of your house and lake living at Russell Lands On Lake Martin.

To find your very own cozy spot in one of these distinctive neighborhoods, click here.