Belle Maison

A SOUTHERN SANCTUARY

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMMER DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

ith a moniker like “The Estate,” the Smeraglia family property sets up the expectation of grandeur—and grand, it is. Originally built in the late 1990’s, the W main house boasts 4700 square feet sitting on 6.5 acres of picturesque landscape that is the embodiment of Southern charm. Leading up to the driveway, a one-road lane bordered by giant oak trees sets the scene, with Bradford pear trees flanking the drive to The Estate.

DESIGN.

DEFINE. Discover.

200 South McKenzie Street Foley, Alabama 36535 251.943.2941

Purchased in 2014 by Judge and Sherri Smeraglia, the home was completely remodeled with the intent of becoming a family retreat—and, with its proximity to their business and their home, it has served as just that, a getaway without the need for travel. “They initially envisioned a family retreat inspired by their travels to Napa Valley and around the world,” explains property manager Dana Goodman. “It was important that the family retreat be close to home and their family business. They also wanted the home to be a beautiful backdrop for pictures, as we take a lot of pictures for social media, marketing both the business and the farm.”

The “farm” to which Goodman refers is part of the property, but also part of their business, breeding Teddybear Goldendoodles and Schnoodles. The couple also runs a Doodle prep school and dog training center neraby. The Estate was expanded in 2019 with the addition of the Chapel Barn, which became the premier destination for people traveling from all over the U.S. and abroad to pick up their Teddybear Goldendoodles, Schnoodles or Twoodles, occasions which the Smeraglias call “Gotcha Days.” Inspired by a venue in Los Angeles called the Lombardi House, the Chapel Barn is used daily as a place Smeraglia clients come to for their Gotcha Day pick-ups. They also have an exclusive in-house puppy boutique where their clients purchase puppy necessities before taking their puppies home. The Chapel Barn is also used for both private family and company events.

The Estate is nothing if not breathtaking. Exquisite finishes abound, both inside and out, and the design has distinct touches of Hollywood regency in a way that is tasteful rather than over the top. With an exterior that is modern farmhouse complete with porches and rocking chairs, the Napa and European-inspired touches include wrought iron-set double entryway doors and a beautiful arched window set with beveled glass on the second story. The front porch also boasts a side gated door with an arched design, made of mahogany with iron accents.

Inside, the home’s style is transitional with accents of modern farmhouse design, echoing the exterior. “The interior was inspired by their travels to Napa Valley, and special care was taken in choosing the lighting fixtures and chandeliers in every room, most of which come from Fisher-Gambino in New Orleans,” says interior decorator Karen Hamilton. “Mixtures of wood tones were used throughout the home with pickled, rustic woods to bring in an element of the outdoors. Matching sconces elevate the rooms by introducing additional décor and lighting. All lighting is on dimmers so the ambience can be set for every occasion, curated by as many local vendors and craftsman as we could source.”

Comprising five bedrooms and four full bathrooms, the home also features a massive kitchen with a large Island and farmhouse dining table, a “Cigar Room,” a butler’s pantry and laundry combo, a large walk-in pantry, a separate dining room called the “Tea Room,” a beautiful foyer entrance with a statement staircase whose custom-made wrought iron rails boast ornamental bespoke “S” designs for the family name. Downstairs an executive office offers space for business, and the upstairs features a common living room and a “Glam Room.”

“The Smeraglia family is Italian, and they love to cook and spend time together at The Estate,” says Goodman. “They celebrate holidays and special occasions enjoying the comfort of the home, the grounds and especially the shady large oak trees in the back of the home near the fireplace. It’s a wonderful home for entertaining, which they love to do! The family enjoys gathering in the kitchen to cook, visiting in the Cigar Room and watching SEC football on game days. The outdoor fireplace is a favorite in the winter, and the back patio is used often for family gatherings, employee parties, and is tented each year for our annual Christmas gala. We also host a semi-annual Doodle Romp, which brings many clients and their dogs back to the Smeraglia Estate from all around the U.S. It’s beautiful here. There’s a tranquil, peaceful feeling, and we often refer to The Estate as our Southern Sanctuary.”

Real Estate Photography that’s sure to impress.

SummerDavisPhotography.com | 251.747.3121