Coming Soon: The Barn at Smith Lake
Situated down Coon Creek is what many know as the "Glass House". That name wasn't given by the owner, but rather by Smith Lake patrons, who much like myself, have admired it from the water since it was built in 2015. Smith Lake's Glass House has been nominated for many national architecture awards for its intriguing design. This gem is one we are proud calls the banks of Lewis Smith Lake its home.
Coming from a background complete with many off-site corporate retreats and events (I even had a destination wedding years ago at Alys Beach), I receive lots of questions regarding Smith Lake and special event venues. So it was no surprise I was delighted earlier this month when a photo caught my eye. My heart may have fluttered a bit when I read the caption: "Coming in 2019 - The Barn at Smith Lake" a first class event venue situated on 40 acres of private land at beautiful Smith Lake and complete with event space for 200+ people with luxury overnight accommodations for 20+. Immediately I had to know more and not just about the space, but the person who was bringing this fabulous idea to life, who also happens to be the owner of the much talked about "Glass House".
Peter Kuhn, raised in Durban South Africa, works and lives full time in Hoover. Peter came to the USA on a tennis scholarship in 1988 at 18. After graduating from South Alabama in Mobile, he played on the ATP tennis tour for two years before settling in Birmingham and starting a medical software business in 1996. Peter has two daughters ages 13 and 17 who are following in their father's footsteps with a love of athletics. 
The Beginning: The Glass House
Peter tries to spend as much time as possible as he can on the property. When his kids are not doing their sporting activities, they love to bring friends up and relish in the peace and quiet of the property.
Renting the Glass House:
AirBnB: Smith Lake's Glass House
Note:The Glass House is available for small weddings at a price range of $4500 - $7000 plus $1500 per night for overnight stays.
The Beginning: The Barn at Smith Lake
In 2017, after allowing several small weddings at the house, and receiving so many wonderful comments from people who had enjoyed the property, Peter started thinking about creating a separate venue that would allow larger groups to access the location for bigger events – like weddings. He waited until the summer of 2018 to really start thinking it through and began toying with the location and style he wanted to build. Peter approached Chris Reebals at Christopher Architects in July and started brainstorming on the design.
Coming in 2019: The Barn at Smith Lake
Peter hopes to allow others to enjoy the spectacular views and peace and quiet Smith Lake offers, while making cherished memories with their loved ones. With his announcement of the coming venue earlier this month, many questions came to mind. Peter was kind enough to answer some questions about the venture and what Smith Lake patrons should expect.
When do you break ground and what is the slated completion date?
Who is your architect/builder/interior designer/group?
PK: Christopher Architects in Birmingham designed it. Chris Reebals was the architect who designed the Glass Farmhouse as well. I am working with Chris and Jared Fulton as they do fantastic work!
When did you start planning this venture?
PK: I have toyed with this idea since buying the 40 acres in 2012. The views from the land are simply awesome, and it’s very private with very little construction around me.
What inspired you to do this?
PK: When I initially bought the land, I had often thought about building an event venue for board retreats, corporate retreats and other business-related functions. I have attended many corporate retreats / functions at places like Farm Links and really enjoyed the idea of getting out of the office with colleagues to do corporate work in a relaxed environment. I had never thought about weddings or other types of events until people started asking to rent the Glass House.
After doing some research on event locations on Smith Lake, it was clear that there really is very limited space for hosting events, in particular high-end space for larger events that would also allow people to stay overnight before and after the event. I also looked at wedding and event locations around Birmingham and could not find anything that matched the privacy, water views and beauty this land on Smith Lake offers. It really is unique and feels like something the community would enjoy. I also really loved the process of building the Glass House, so another project like that is very appealing and exciting to me.
My objective is to create a top-notch venue, with space for 200-250 people, that will have unobstructed views down to Cocktail Cove. The Barn and outdoor area should be perfect for any type of event, including parties, bands, proms and of course, weddings. My guess is that lots of folks will want to use the Barn and the Glass House together for events and getaways, so I will offer them up as a package, and my neighbor next door also has a beautiful house that sleeps 16, that he will rent when it's available. So, all in all we will have a location that can host 225+ people, and sleep 30+ for overnight stays.
Will there be water access or via road only?
PK: Eventually I will absolutely add water access. Likely in late 2019 / early 2020 I will add a dock that can hold multiple boats to allow visitors to access the property via water. But for the short term, it will be road access only.
Do you have plans to hold events there yourself?
PK: I have not thought about that! Maybe a summer kickoff with a band and BBQ would be a good way to open it up! {We agree!}
When will you start taking reservations/reserving dates? If someone wanted to reserve a date, who do they contact?:
Well, obviously I will need to be careful with this given I have not broken ground. However, I have everything I need lined up to start the build, and the estimates are that it will be 4 months to complete. I also realize that wedding planners typically plan well in advance, so I am taking reservations now, with mid-May / early June event dates. Anyone interested can email to thebarnsmithlake@gmail.com or visit www.thebarnsmithlake.com
When will you set your prices? (thinking of the brides out there)
PK: I have a tentative price list right now. People can rent the Barn for day or evening events, or they can rent the Barn and Glass House for retreats, bridal parties, receptions and overnight stays. I have already had inquiries from groups that would like to rent the entire “compound” – the Barn and both houses – for longer stays, so I am working on pricing for that too. Hopefully I will have lots of flexible options that will allow folks to enjoy the space for various events.
Do you have plans to have a catering service or will you allow vendors to come in?
PK: Initially I will simply rent the venue. I will allow approved vendors to come in and cater, supply chairs and other equipment needed to host events.
What is your overall vision for this MUCH needed venue location on Smith Lake?
PK: My goal with the space is not volume – its high quality. I want to create something special, that’s different from anything else around, and caters to people who are willing to pay a little more for that kind of experience.
If phase 1 goes well (and I am having fun of course), I will continue to add to the property. Phase 2 for the Barn will be to fully enclose it with large (hopefully) glass “barn” doors that can be sealed during bad weather but opened during nice weather. This will allow the space to be used for more corporate type events during the week. Beyond that, my plan is to add several “cottages” that can sleep 14-16 people each where larger groups can use the Barn and cottages for longer periods.
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For more information about about The Glass House & The Barn at Smith Lake,
check out their new webpage.
check out their new webpage.
For additional features on Smith Lake's Glass House, see the links below.
Thank you, Peter, for letting us feature your lovely home!
