Things are looking different these days at 22 West Montcrest. For years, the original house sat empty. “The roof was leaking, the ceiling was falling in, and there were holes in the floor,” recalls Laurie Smith.

Laurie, a REALTOR®, found the property when she showed a client the house next door. The sale fell through, the abandoned house to blame. “Suddenly, there was a lot of pressure from neighbors and the City of Mountain Brook to fix the house or sell it,” says Laurie.

Meanwhile, Laurie’s family was growing and changing. She and her husband, Scott, didn't want to leave Crestline. This would be their third move within the village. “We love Crestline,” says Laurie. “We love the walkability, we love the people and just the neighborhood feel.” 

They wanted a new build; this time to get exactly what they wanted. That’s when Laurie made an offer on the abandoned house on West Montcrest.

“Especially on this street, it’s hard to get a lot. To be able to tear something down is almost impossible because all of these houses are already redone,” says Laurie. 

 

After months of discussion, the owner agreed to sell, and the Smiths’ real work began.

The couple hired architect James B. Laughlin to design a home that would fit the needs of their four children: two college-aged and two at Crestline Elementary. All the kids' bedrooms are upstairs, and each has its own bathroom. 

The Smiths wanted an open floor plan so the family could all be together, but they also needed space for themselves. “Our bedroom would be a retreat,” says Laurie. She requested nothing be built above the master bedroom so it would be quiet through all the sleepovers. Adding to the serenity, the bedroom opens up to the screened porch.

The couple has also created a living room that’s a relaxing escape after a busy day. “We like to come in here, have a glass of wine and catch up on each other’s day,” says Laurie.

Laurie’s friend and designer, Mary Lauren McBride, used a soothing palette of creams, grays, and light blues throughout the house.

There are a lot of hidden features, like cabinets in the walls and a bar tucked neatly between the kitchen and dining room. 

But perhaps the best surprise has been the bonus room over the porte-cochère. It was designed to be an exercise room, but the Smiths find themselves piling in, hanging out and watching movies there. “We pick the smallest spot and get in it,” Laurie says, laughing. “It’s just cozy.”