Belle Maison | At Home on the Bay
At Home on the Bay
-Liesel Schmidt
There’s a distinct feeling of escapism in the home that Robert and Renee Burroughs own in Orange Beach. It’s a sense of grandeur that fits the Mediterranean architecture, which is surrounded by lush tropical plants and a landscape to match. Built in the early 2000s, the home boasts large, concrete pillars across the back supporting the second story of the structure, with a stucco exterior and a beautiful terracotta roof. The aesthetic is echoed by that of the marina and boathouse, completing the picture of paradise that the Burroughs have created with their property at the water’s edge of St. John’s Bayou. “The view and the beautiful setting make this a wonderful place to have a home,” says Robert, who is the owner and founder of the Burroughs Companies located in Laurel, Mississippi, where he and Renee have their main residence.
With a courtyard that features a waterfall as well as massive gates salvaged from an ancient English castle dating back to the 1700s and in addition to a heated spa, the home is set back on the property for just enough privacy to give it the true sense of sanctuary. At approximately 7,000 square feet, the massive two-story home comprises three bedrooms and three and a half baths as well as massive living spaces whose look and feel work in perfect harmony with the exterior. Faux finished walls, travertine tile flooring, interior columns, soaring ceilings with inset detailing, and polished woodwork make each space cohesive to the next, given a warmth created by the natural tones and textures used in each room.
Perfect for entertaining, the kitchen features polished dark wood cabinetry crowned by granite as well as a massive center island. Stainless steel Sub-Zero appliances complete the room, offering top-of-the-line amenities for the at-home chef. Along one wall of the galley-style kitchen, a pass-through window overlooks the living room, opening the spaces to one another.