Community & Real Estate
Cabin comfort: Something old becomes something new

A prospective property owner from Georgia asked a question. He had been on most southern lakes before settling on Lake Martin and he noticed several differences. The first was the large amount of undeveloped shoreline. The second was the cute, little green cabins nestled in quiet coves or humbly perched on point lots with mile-wide views.

He then formed his question, “Who are the lucky people who own those cabins?”  Any Lake Martin lover can answer that question. The owner of these 300-plus humble little cabins is not multiple people, but Russell Lands. And the lucky people who make these cabins their lake place are the families who rent them from Russell Lands.

A Short History
These cabins did not all arrive at their locations at the same time or in the same way. The oldest cabins were built in the late 30s and 40s by local folks who wanted a “fish camp” on the lake. In some cases the cabins were not built, but relocated from the mill villages in Alex City. Later, in the 50s and 60s, families from Montgomery or Birmingham (those we lovingly call doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs) approached Russell Lands about building a cabin on this beautiful lake.

In the early days, men from the Lands portion of Russell Mills would take a prospective tenant out to the lake to “find” their point spot. The selection process was called the 30-06 rule. That is if you could shoot a 30-06 rifle from your lot and hit another cabin, you were too close. If you want to find the best lots on the lake, find the oldest Russell Cabins.

Recent History
Russell Cabins have been and will continue to be rental properties.  Leases are not short-term, but long-term, annual leases, in the case of the older cabins, and 3 to 5 year leases for newer cabins.  Older cabins tend to be small (some only have two bedrooms and a small bath) and rustic (some without central heat and air). All are modest and hide on larger lots with mature timber.

Six years ago, Russell Lands began to update the cabin design in response to requests for slightly larger space and modern amenities.  The best example is The Nichols Cove section near Kowaliga Bridge.  Lake lover and long-time cabin tenant, Bobby McAlpine, sketched his vision of the perfect lake cabin for this cove.  His understanding of lake life was perfect for people who wanted something slightly larger, while still suited to lake life. Russell Lands built four of these cabins under the rental program.  Five years later, as the leases came up for renewal, the tenants offered to purchase the cabins. 

Russell Lands, though hesitant to break with tradition, decided to sell these few cabins, only after recognizing that this cove could be home to a total of 11 cabin lots. This was possible only as long as the houses would be based on the original concept as envisioned by Mr. McAlpine.  Not only were the four original cabins purchased, but Russell Lands has committed to building similar cabins, on five of the new, large lots, for the summer of 2012.

A Look to the Future
Russell Cabins will always be a part of Lake Martin.  It is a great way for hundreds of families to affordably enjoy the lake.  Our recent experience confirms that smaller cabins on larger lots have appeal for potential owners.  Rustic features also guide trends for new construction in The Ridge and Willow Glynn.  To explore the potential for renting a Russell Cabin, call Russell Lands at 256.329.0835. To check on availability in Nichols Cove, or a cabin-like structure in a Russell Lands On Lake Martin neighborhood, call 256.215.7011, or come by the Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads.