Empty-Nest Sanctuary

Natural light spills into the main living spaces of the Campbells’ new home. French doors in the living room, kitchen and dining spaces bring the outdoors in, and each room boasts full access onto an outdoor patio. It makes for an atmosphere that is welcoming, comfortable and warm.

For the sake of function and design, the Campbells made the decision to move from their home of 20 years – the place where they had raised their five children – to build an elegant charmer near the Country Club of Mobile built by Randy Broadway. Robert and Judy both wanted to have a downstairs master suite that accompanied living space, and to move closer to the outdoor recreation that they love most — golf, tennis and walking with friends. Beyond accommodating their lifestyle, “We also wanted a home where we could entertain and have enough room for all of our children and grandchildren when they visit, ” Judy says.

“We wanted a home where we could entertain and have enough room for all of our children and grandchildren when they visit, ” Judy says

In order for their vision to become a reality, the Campbells each made a wish list that architect Lucy Barr would incorporate into the home. Judy, right, had spent years collecting design concepts pictured in magazines and books. Some of these filed-away ideas included solutions for better storage, a big laundry room and a place to work on flower arrangements.

The best part for her was working with vendors to design the kitchen. “Having a big kitchen where family and company can mill around and congregate was what I wanted most.” Judy adds, “I love to cook, especially when the family is together, and whether you have a small kitchen or a big kitchen, it doesn’t matter, this is the gathering place in any home.” As for Robert’s priorities, the avid Alabama football fan wanted an outdoor kitchen along with living space equipped with a television. He also requested a study and an extra large shower.

Each and every element throughout the home, from the tongue-and-groove ceiling in the kitchen to the Alabama white marble countertops, exudes the attention to detail that both the designers and homeowners worked closely to achieve. “I can look around my home, and I think that every fixture, piece of wood – everything in the house – has a story to tell, ” Judy says.

The couple recently tested the entertainment function of their new home when they hosted an open house for the Child Advocacy Center’s fall fundraiser in celebration of the organization’s 25th anniversary.

ABOVE LEFT Judy Campbell’s longtime friend and decorator David Erhardt selected the beautiful foyer light fixtures and “Eve” sculpture in an Atlanta boutique just before his sudden passing last November. Campbell and Barr completed the home’s design just as Erhardt had planned it. An antique sideboard, purchased in Virginia, is adorned with collectibles from Provence, France and Russia.

ABOVE Art and antiques abound. Erhardt combined many of the couple’s existing pieces and a few new additions in keeping with the couple’s sleek, sophisticated style. An assortment of exquisite mirrors throughout the home reflects the beautiful natural light.

ABOVE The only truly formal room in the Campbells’ home is their front dining room. The back wall is home to family photos. In her spare time, Judy enjoys arranging flowers for her home.

ABOVE Art and accessories take center stage in the living room. A pair of Jamali paintings hides the television, which has been custom fitted to rest inside the wall.

ABOVE The home’s pièce de résistance is the exquisite kitchen. Quality Cabinets, of Mobile, created customized cabinetry, which was finished by David Walton, of Decorative Painting. The countertops are made from Alabama white marble, quarried in Alabaster. The large island and eat-in breakfast area provide plenty of room for visiting children and grandchildren to gather together.

ABOVE LEFT Light dances in the master bathroom. The large marble-topped vanity is a lovely space for Judy to primp. A modern drum fixture adds panache.

ABOVE RIGHT In the master suite, a Eugenia Foster original painting rests above the antique four-poster bed.

text by May Laughton • photos by Summer Ennis