During the early 19th century, in an effort to escape the humidity of the Mobile River and the yellow fever epidemic that came with it, Mobilians began to flee to the rolling hill west of Downtown. The homes these early families built were quaint summer retreats. However, as transportation improved with the streetcar, many residents began to build gracious antebellum homes to remain there year-round.
Today, Spring Hill is home to more than 5, 000 families. Yet the reputation has remained the same: Shady lanes, oak- and azalea-filled landscapes, well-groomed yards and charming Southern homes. White rockers wait on the front porches for friends to come by for coffee. Dogs bark, babies swing, grandchildren tumble in the front yards, and the gracefully curved driveways fill with cars of family and friends always welcome.
The gracious living has remained.
ABOVE Evocative of a royal European estate, a pair of lions flank intricate ironwork, while lush creeping greenery adds elegance and dimension to the brickwork.
ABOVE LEFT May 1, 2015, marks the 185th anniversary of the establishment of Spring Hill College, located right along Old Shell Road. Its oldest remaining structure, Stewartfield (circa 1848), and the surrounding Avenue of the Oaks are majestic icons of the genteel community’s earliest days.
ABOVE RIGHT Meticulously manicured gardens and window boxes of blooms are treasures to behold, offering residents ample opportunity to stop and smell the flowers.
ABOVE Amongst bountiful foliage, this stately abode, with its golden yellow stucco, charming sienna roof and rich mahogany doors, invites family and friends in to enjoy the warmth.
ABOVE LEFT Floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light to bathe regal moldings and antique furnishings.
ABOVE RIGHT A white-washed swing beneath a shady vine-covered pergola is Southern charm incarnate and a welcome respite from the summer heat.
ABOVE There’s nothing quite as welcoming as turning onto your street at the end of a long day and seeing home come into view, the beloved family dog welcoming you at the door.
THE HOMES OF SPRING HILL
Judy Marston's coffee table book, “The Homes of Spring Hill, ” showcases the beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes of the Spring Hill community. Click here to order your copy for just $24.95 plus tax and shipping.
text and photos by Judy Marston
