By Ally Morrison
RealtySouth Realtor Stephanie Robinson describes one of her listings with one word: magical.
In a letter from the sellers, Jamie Thacker wrote about her first time seeing what would end up being her home of 30 years.
“It all began in 1992, when Bobby and I were living in Vestavia,” Thacker wrote. “He had completed landscaping the yard, I had completed decorating the house, and we realized we were ready for a larger challenge. He wanted more property, privacy and a nice, landscaped yard to give him a challenge. Our real estate agent called and said she had a property like none (she) had ever seen and insisted that we look at it, and the love story began at first sight.”
Sitting on 144 acres, the four-bedroom, 31⁄2-bath Alabaster home features a stocked 37-acre lake for fishing and water sports, a dogtrot-style cabin with three bedrooms, bath and kitchen, a caretaker cabin and gated entrance. 
Only 30 minutes away from downtown Birmingham and 10 minutes away from the nearest Walmart, the Shelby County home is a white Georgian-style structure with a semi-circle driveway that offers tall ceilings, marble and hardwood flooring and custom millwork. The space has proven to be perfect for entertaining with spacious rooms and outdoor terraces with a breathtaking view.
Owned by Vestavia Hills natives Jamie and Bobby Thacker, the property is on the market after being occupied and well- loved for nearly 40 years.
“The house was owned by Ed Osborne, and we bought it from him in 1992,” Jamie Thacker said. “Ed oversaw all of the construction and started by building the man-made lake. He carefully planned the placement of every structure and positioned everything on the property so there is always a breeze.”
Thacker describes the landscaping, adorned with large multicolored native azaleas, as tranquil.
“From every vantage point, you just have absolutely beautiful views,” Thacker said. “From the moment you drive in you see a beautiful landscape of the lake and a canopy of trees. It’s magnificent. When we found it, we fell in love. We never imagined something like it even existed.”
Over the past 30 years, the Thackers have dedicated much of their time to raising their son and entertaining friends and family.
“Over the years, we’ve had weddings, receptions, parties, Halloween hayrides, school events and birthday parties,” Thacker said.
The tranquility and peacefulness of the property expand far beyond the well-manicured grounds, as the wildlife is abundant.
“We have birds everywhere,” Thacker said. “Canadian geese come and go, and we have an adult heron who has been there for years. It’s almost like he greets people as they come in the gate.”
Making Memories
Thacker describes the atmosphere of the home as a great gathering place for good friends and beloved family.
Looking back on the time she and her family spent on the property, Thacker says she enjoyed all aspects of the home like a true resort. She and her family enjoyed nothing more than hosting and entertaining.
“It was a perfect place to raise our son,” Thacker said. “He and his friends built forts, played airsoft, fished and learned how to ski. We would take the boat out sometimes at night with the moon shining and the kids would be so thrilled. We would have Halloween parties and completely decorate the chicken house and log cabin. There are just so many memories we made there.”
Though Thacker has a heavy heart about leaving the property behind, she is sure new memories will be made.
