“The view is the most amazing part about the house,” said Jan Herring. Living in a home with a view has always been important to Russell and Jan Herring. However, when they built their dream home on family land in Phenix City, they were astonished to discover an unparalleled view of the Chattahoochee River valley.

“We always knew we would end up living here, and because of the elevation, we knew the property had a view,” said Jan, whose father-in-law Herbert Herring purchased the property over 40 years ago. “But nobody knew just how stunning the view was until we brought in the bulldozers.”

It was love at first sight. And, for the past four years, the Herrings have enjoyed the magnificent vista, overlooking four lakes—including the sparkling waters of Lake Oliver—and Columbus.

“At night the lights of Columbus twinkle in the distance. We can see the lights of East Bradley Park Drive and Hollywood Connection really well. During the day we can see Cascade Hills Church, the roof of Chef Lee’s Restaurant and the East 80 Bypass,” said Russell, who owns HerringRealtors.com.

After years of working in the real estate, land and development business, the couple had an idea of the home they wanted. They toured homes in Atlanta and around the country and took pictures of the features they liked best. “We designed with pictures,” said Russell, who, along with his father, has been in the business for a combined 70 years. Together, they say, they have developed more properties in the Phenix City area than anyone else.

Building a home can be a challenge. For the Herring family, there was a twist—they needed two sets of floor plans. At the suggestion of Russell’s father, the two couples constructed the house together. Herbert and his wife Jackie live on the lower level. Russell, Jan and their children live on the main floor and upper level.

But that wasn’t the only challenge. The Herrings have two sons—Timothy, 14, and Micah, 8, and wanted to create a home where their kids could be comfortable, and when they are teenagers, would
enjoy hanging out with friends. “Our world revolves around our kids, their school and our church,” explained Jan, who is on the foundation board at Glenwood School where both boys are involved in sports and other activities.

Because of the Herrings’ attention to detail, the building process took several years to complete. Construction didn’t begin until 2002. It was another three years until the 10,000-sq.-ft. house and 4,000-sq.-ft. pool house were actually finished. But the wait was well worth it.

With the help of Atlanta builder Harry Johnson and Phenix City builder Mike Marsh, the Herring family integrated traditional styles into the home’s six bedrooms, six full baths, two half-baths, office, great room, dining room, kitchen, playroom and adjacent pool house.

Unique features such as soaring, 30-foot ceilings and custom trim add extra interest. Russell designed the elaborate, hand-milled crown molding made from poplar wood. Every room features a different ceiling design. The hardwood floors are made of rich Brazilian cherry.

The double front doors are made with beveled glass and open into a two-story, light-flooded entryway. Visitors are greeted by…

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