A Dream Realized: Building Coastal Elegance On Arnica Bay

When Kitty and Jerry James, longtime residents of Orange Beach, Alabama, stumbled upon a picturesque plot of land on Hayden Drive overlooking the serene waters of Arnica Bay, they knew they had found something special. After years of living in various homes across the area, they were finally ready to build their dream home. To bring their vision to life, they turned to Bob Chatham of Fairhope, a renowned designer of waterfront homes along the Gulf Coast, from Mississippi through the Florida Panhandle and beyond.

The Jameses were immediately captivated by Chatham’s unique design process. Chatham engages his clients in a deeply collaborative way, taking their ideas and transforming them into sketches right before their eyes. This interactive process delves into the homeowners’ dreams, transforming them from mere concepts into tangible possibilities. Through communication and occasional adjustments, the home begins to take shape, with Chatham and his talented team refining the designs and navigating challenges to bring out the unique character of each project. The result of this collaboration was a breathtaking home in the Southern Classical Cottage style. “The classical style of this home, and many that we have designed, exudes a gentle symmetry and a welcoming vibe,” Chatham explains. “The wraparound verandas are a hallmark of this genre, especially in designs that focus on the water. This home is no exception - it has a strong visual appeal that invites visitors to relax and enjoy.”

The first level of the home is a haven for entertainment and practicality. It features generous parking areas, a climate-controlled workshop and storage space, and a full bath to serve the pool, outdoor kitchen, and waterfront areas. This level is designed for fun, with amenities like a pool table, fire pit, wet bar, and an oversized TV. The approach to the home is as impressive as the interior, with a wide, curved driveway punctuated by a custom-designed medallion compass that points true north. “We actually designed the driveway ourselves and worked with PAVERART in New Jersey on the compass,” says Kitty James. Custom-made mahogany front doors mark the entry to the home, inset with glass and wrought iron, flanked by lanterns and warm lighting. “Our light fixtures come from various sources, far and wide,” Kitty notes. “The foyer chandelier, with amber crystals, was imported from Italy through a dealer in Miami; the cobalt drum chandelier over the kitchen sink came from Ferguson Lighting in Daphne, AL, and the sunburst light in the ground floor entertainment area was imported from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Ascending to the second level, the heart of the home reveals itself. A broad central staircase leads to a wide veranda and a striking solid mahogany door. The immense open space inside is anchored by an oversized curved counter oriented toward the kitchen which occupies two walls at right angles. Additional living, dining, and entertainment space is positioned in the opposite corner, complete with conventional dining furniture. This level also features two spacious bedrooms separated by a huge primary bath. Wide verandas provide plenty of outdoor seating and entertaining pace. The third level houses three additional bedrooms, and a bunk room, along with three baths.

The outdoor spaces of this home are a true extension of the living area, featuring an outdoor kitchen and a stunning pool area. “We designed the pool ourselves,” notes Kitty. “We worked with Premier Pools, who did a fabulous job of bringing our vision to life. The pool tiles are Savannah Old World Tabby Tile, from White Oyster of Savannah GA, and were sourced for us by Riley-Stuart of Mobile.” The couple also designed all the landscaping on the property and worked closely with Josh Goldbold, owner of Emerald Coast Landscaping to make it all a reality. “Josh also installed the compass medallion in the driveway, after its large pallets of stone were shipped from the east coast,” Kitty adds.

Beyond the beautiful pool, built by Premier Pools, and the outdoor kitchen, the property features a stunning dock and boathouse, complete with an old-fashioned porch swing overlooking the water. A private sandy beach complete with a fire pit just beyond the pool area adds to the allure of this coastal retreat.

Kitty and Jerry James have enjoyed every minute of conceiving, constructing, and adorning this beautiful home in the paradise of the Gulf Coast. Now, as they prepare to move on to be closer to family and new adventures, this exceptional home is on the market. For the next fortunate owners, the dream of paradise on the Gulf Coast is ready to become a reality.