Strategy + Design + Build
We Build Luxury Spec Homes on Smith Lake, Alabama.
Where Vision Meets the Waterline
At Emerald, we don’t just build homes, we craft places with presence. Homes that live beautifully, perform effortlessly, and invite moments that matter. Rooted in the natural beauty of Smith Lake, AL, each project is designed with care, built with integrity, and created to stand the test of time, for those who live here, and those who will.
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Welcome to: Shady Cove
Nestled along Smith Lake's prestigious "Millionaire’s Row," Shady Cove offers an unparalleled lakeside living experience. This exclusive area is renowned for its luxury estates, with recent sales reaching beyond $4 million, reflecting its status as one of the lake's most coveted locations. Situated near the iconic Lewis Smith Dam, Shady Cove provides deep, year-round water access and a private swimming cove, ensuring both convenience and tranquility. Surrounded by multi-million-dollar homes and accessible via well-maintained paved roads, this property epitomizes the best of Smith Lake living.
2,048 sq ft / 3 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom
Offered at $990,000
The Emerald Homes Story
On the banks of Smith Lake, something is taking shape.
On the emerald-green banks of Smith Lake, something different is taking shape.
Emerald isn’t your typical spec home builder. We design and build each home as if it were our own, places we’d proudly live in, vacation in, and pass down. That mindset guides everything: how we choose a lot, how we design the layout, how the light moves through a room, and how a family might gather on a Saturday afternoon. Every detail is considered with intention, not for mass production, but for the people who will one day walk through the front door and feel like they’ve arrived.
While most spec homes aim to hit a price point, we aim to hit a standard, one that prioritizes design, experience, and enduring value. You won’t find builder-grade finishes or cookie-cutter plans here. Our homes are custom, turnkey, and thoughtfully crafted to balance style with substance. From the first sketch to the final walkthrough, our goal is simple: create a home that feels effortless to own and unforgettable to experience.
Emerald builds exclusively on Smith Lake, Alabama. It’s a place we know well and love deeply. We believe the shoreline itself deserves better than generic, short-sighted construction. So we build with care, for the lake, the land, and the lives lived here.
Emerald was founded by two friends with very different backgrounds and one shared vision. Shannon Fondren, a retired teacher and baseball coach, is now the licensed general contractor and head of construction. His second career is rooted in craftsmanship, detail, and a lifelong instinct for leading teams. Derek Miller, the creative force behind our design, also runs a global creative agency, helping brands tell their stories with clarity and emotion. Together, they bring a unique perspective to real estate, equal parts strategy, beauty, and heart.
At Emerald, we believe a well-built home on Smith Lake should do more than just look good, it should feel right, function beautifully, and offer a return that lasts far beyond the sale.