With just 53 miles of Gulf Coast property available in the state, Waterways has created a homestead where a life near the water and on the water intersect. The 60 homes here not only offer stunning water views, but they also give homeowners access to a private marina where they can easily slip out into the great blue beyond. 

The 20-acre Waterways neighborhood in Gulf Shores embraces each of these ideas with homes that are as gorgeous as they are functional. 

It is a vision that has been percolating in developer Jeff Lowes’ imagination since he purchased the property seven years ago. 

At the time it was designated for a multi-family project. Lowe said he knew the patch of forest-covered land could be so much more. 

Inspiration struck. 

Lowe said Ursey Godwin, a surveyor from Daphne, pitched the notion of a cottage-inspired subdivision. The idea sparked visits to similar properties in other states. 

Soon, the vision took shape – large, multi-paned windows with gabled rooflines looking out upon breathtaking water views, simple yet elegant white brick exteriors, storybook-like shutters and inviting entry ways and cozy verandas and porches.

“Several people put their heads together to do this,” Lowe said. “It’s really about friends and families enjoying these amenities together.” 

The crux of the project was the vision. 

Lowe was not just building a property, he was building a story. 

In his mind, he could see families heading out into the Gulf to fish for the day. He could see them bringing home their catch, finishing the day with a cookout among neighbors and friends. He could see the children riding their bikes along the ride lanes and the ladies of the neighborhood zipping out on golf carts to visit. 

With one look along the thoroughfares of Waterways, it is easy to see Lowes’ vision coming to life. 

In addition to the marina, the property boasts a zero-entry, resort-style pool, outdoor cabanas with outdoor dining space, a gas grill and fire pit. Walking trails surround the property, and residents have access to covered dry boat storage space. 

For the Lowe family, who hail from Shreveport, Waterways is a deviation from the multi-family projects and commercial construction they are well-known for across Texas, Louisiana and Baldwin County. 

Home décor aficionados might best recognize them as the developer of the sleek and modern Jeffrey Alexander hardware cabinet line. The family built and owned the popular decorative hardware enterprise Hardware Resources before selling the business in 2010. 

That expertise in design helped Lowes’ son, Alex Lowe, create the modern coastal look of the cottages’ interiors. The contemporary seaside esthetic breaks the notion that beach interiors must include only bright hues, ropes, distressed wood and sea creatures. 

“I wanted more of a luxury, modern beach feel,” Alex Lowe said. “We’re using accents of gold with white and blue.”

Marble and quartz accents and a sleek use of splashes of color keep the interiors fun and coastal without compromising that modern, sleek feel. 

Alex Lowe is on hand to help buyers plan their design choices in the homes, a role he cherishes as buyers plan their dream homes. 

“He holds customers’ hands all the way through the process,” his father said. “He makes sure they extract the maximum value in their home.” 

The younger Lowe will also help new homeowners customize the layout of their Waterways home. Every layout can be personalized to the owners’ needs, he said.

 Weekly open houses can give potential homeowners a look at what is available and help them imagine what is possible. 

“If they see something they like and it’s not exactly what they want, no problem,” Jeff Lowe said. “We’ll build them a new one.”

As the homes near completion, and families move in, Jeff Lowe said it has been rewarding to give customers a home that is reliable, beautiful and affordable. 

“What’s really fun is giving people what they want at a price they can afford,” he says. 

Currently, the smallest home listed in Waterways, at 2,290 square feet, can be purchased for $796,000. 

A total of 60 homes are planned for Waterways and construction is complete on about half of those homes. Each is gold fortified. 

 The overall design was intended to appeal to primary and secondary homeowners as well. 

The gated community provides full yard service to every home, including maintaining flower beds. Each property has a filtered well for irrigation. 

The management company will operate much like a concierge service. Any maintenance or upkeep service a homeowner needs can be completed. 

“I don’t know that we can buy groceries for them,” Jeff Lowe said with a laugh. “But we really can take care of anything they need.” 

Waterways, he said, is the neighborhood of his dreams. 

“I tried to think how I want to live. I want you to live the same way,” he said. “I’m hoping this becomes a peaceful, friendly, cohesive neighborhood bound by the common interest of saltwater fishing, boating and outdoor living. 

“It’s a fun way to live,” he said. 

For more information about Waterways, visit their website.