Iconic 1903 Coastal Cottages in Fairhope, Alabama With 3 Acres on Mobile Bay, Original Hardwood Floors & Private Pier

This iconic Battles Wharf estate in Fairhope, Alabama, presents a once-in-a-century opportunity to own a historic bayfront property that has not been offered in over 90 years. Built in 1903, the classic coastal cottages—originally guest homes for one of Fairhope’s earliest waterfront hotels—rest on nearly 3 acres under ancient oaks, spanning 180 feet along Mobile Bay. With a listing price of $9,850,000, the estate blends timeless Southern charm and modern updates, featuring original hardwood floors, soaring 12+ foot ceilings, and screened porches totaling nearly 5,000 square feet across two parcels. Thoughtfully renovated, this property is perfect as a multi-generational retreat, offering a private pier, boathouse, and sweeping water views steeped in local resort-era history.

Front Garden Pathway

A lush, well-maintained front garden features a gently curved brick pathway leading from a white picket gate to the entrance of a historic blue house. The walkway is bordered by thick, healthy green grass and neatly trimmed shrubs, creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Tall crepe myrtle trees with pink blooms and hanging Spanish moss frame the path, adding color and southern charm. The house has light blue siding and a silver metal roof, while its white-trimmed windows and doors contribute to a classic, timeless look. The enclosed brick wall and mature trees enhance privacy and offer a sense of history.

Front Entrance

A charming historic home is set beyond a classic white picket fence, with a winding stone path leading to the front door. The house exterior is painted a muted blue-gray, accented by white-trimmed windows and a welcoming, softly glowing light from the entryway. Mature oak and pine trees frame the scene, casting gentle shadows across the manicured lawn. Low bushes and flowering plants line the path on either side, adding texture and color. The sunset sky in the background casts a warm pink and orange hue, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere that highlights the property’s timeless appeal.

Waterfront Property Overview

Aerial view of a coastal neighborhood featuring a row of elegant historic homes nestled among mature trees, each with private piers extending into expansive, calm blue water. The shoreline curves gently, framing manicured lawns and long, shaded driveways. At center, a white star highlights one particular house surrounded by lush green landscaping and separated from its neighbors by dense foliage. The homes feature light-colored facades and classic southern architectural styles, with large verandas and pitched roofs. Beyond the houses, a golf course with water features is visible, while the horizon stretches out to meet the bay under a clear sky.

Dock and Boathouse

Wooden walkways stretch from the shoreline over calm, dark blue waters, leading to two covered boat docks, each with a simple, pitched metal roof supported by wooden posts. The boathouses feature open sides for airflow, offering shade and shelter for boats underneath. Rafted boats rest securely in the slips, while stairs and ramps provide easy access to the water. The overall aesthetic conveys a utilitarian, coastal charm with weathered wood tones contrasting against the serene expanse of the bay and a sky dotted with white clouds, creating a peaceful waterfront scene that feels timeless and inviting.

Waterfront Pathway

A long, narrow concrete walkway runs parallel to the shoreline, bordered by a crisp white picket fence on the right and a lush green lawn on both sides. Mature trees provide dappled shade, their branches arching overhead and creating a tranquil, inviting atmosphere. To the left, gentle waves lap the shore, where a wooden pier stretches out over the water, leading to a charming boathouse. The sky above is a brilliant blue studded with fluffy clouds, enhancing the serene and picturesque quality of this waterfront setting, ideal for leisurely strolls and enjoying peaceful views.

Front Lawn View

A sprawling, manicured lawn stretches out in front of a classic blue, single-story American home with white trim. The house features horizontal siding and several multi-pane windows, while a welcoming brick pathway leads to a front porch framed by neatly pruned shrubs and a potted plant. Towering, mature trees draped in Spanish moss provide dappled shade and contribute to a serene, Southern charm aesthetic. Flowering plants and smaller bushes add pops of color. The lush greenery and vibrant grass are complemented by the blue sky and distant water view, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere and highlighting the home’s historic character.

Front Entrance

A single-story historic home features classic blue wooden siding with crisp white trim. The entry door is a soft blue shade, framed by two modest windows, and flanked by tidy, manicured bushes. A quaint covered porch protects the entry, adorned with a simple black wall-mounted lantern and potted green plant for a touch of freshness. The entrance opens onto a charming herringbone brick pathway bordered by low brick walls, leading into a lush, green lawn surrounded by mature trees and blooming shrubs, conveying a welcoming and timeless Southern aesthetic. The home’s setting blends well with the natural landscape.

Garden Entryway

A charming garden entryway with a red brick walkway arranged in a herringbone pattern leads from the side of a historic home. The house exterior is painted soft blue with white trim, lending a coastal, Southern appeal. Lush green grass frames the path, and manicured shrubs and potted plants are arranged neatly near the entrance. In the background, a white picket fence borders the garden area, while a rustic brick wall separates the property from tall, mature trees. Spanish moss drapes gracefully from branches above, enhancing the romantic, timeless atmosphere of the outdoor space.

Front Entrance

A charming historic home features a light blue wooden siding and a steep metal roof, topped with a central white chimney. A neatly trimmed lawn stretches out front, bordered by curved brick-lined pathways leading from a white picket gate to the front door. Two tall, blossoming crepe myrtle trees with pale pink flowers frame the walkway, their branches draped in Spanish moss. Symmetrical, leafy green bushes line the foundation, giving the façade a tidy appearance. Black lantern-style lights cap the gateposts, adding a classic detail to the cheerful, welcoming mood of the home and garden.

Sunroom Seating Area

A bright sunroom features white shiplap walls and a sloped, honey-toned wood ceiling with an overhead ceiling fan. Three large windows, each adorned with woven bamboo shades, allow for abundant natural light and offer a view of a red brick wall outside. A plush, white-cushioned sofa sits central against the wall, flanked by two cream-colored armchairs with rounded backs and a striped blue throw draped over one. In the middle, a woven wicker trunk serves as a coffee table with books and a decorative bowl. Built-in white shelves display pottery, books, small sculptures, and framed art, creating a relaxed, collected look. The brick floor adds rustic warmth, balancing the light, airy palette.

Sunroom Seating Area

A cozy sunroom features a brick herringbone floor and a contrasting warm wood plank ceiling with an overhead fan. White shiplap walls lend a fresh, classic feel while three large windows with bamboo shades bring in natural light. A white upholstered loveseat sits against one wall, complemented by two modern armchairs and a wicker trunk coffee table, all arranged on a neutral woven rug. Light wood built-in shelves display ceramic and glass decorative pieces. Steps with wood treads and white risers lead to an adjoining parlor decorated in soft blue with vintage wooden furnishings, connecting the spaces seamlessly.

Sunroom Details

A bright sunroom with large windows on three sides invites ample natural light, and offers views of the lush green lawn outside. The space features white-painted shiplap walls and a honey-toned wooden ceiling with a rustic fan at the center. The floor is covered in classic red brick with a woven tan area rug, enhancing the cottage feel. Furnishings include two cream upholstered chairs, a white cushioned sofa, and a wicker trunk used as a coffee table. Bamboo shades and warm-toned wooden accents, like a sideboard with a vase of pink orchids, create a welcoming, coastal-inspired aesthetic.

Kitchen and Seating

This open-concept kitchen features white cabinetry with black hardware, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious central island with a round table for casual dining. The soft blue walls contrast softly with crisp white trim and cabinetry, creating an airy, inviting feel. In front, a cozy sitting area contains four wooden armchairs with light gray cushions and dark throw pillows gathered around a small round coffee table. Natural light floods in through a large window behind the kitchen, illuminating the warm honey-toned hardwood floors that extend through both the kitchen and adjoining spaces, fostering a seamless and welcoming atmosphere.

Living Room Seating

A cozy sitting area with four wooden armchairs, featuring pale blue upholstery and dark accent pillows, is arranged around a small circular white table at the center of a polished hardwood floor. The walls are painted a soft sky blue with crisp white trim and wainscoting, enhancing the airy feel of the space. A rustic woven chest supports decorative objects and framed watercolor prints above it. Wide double doorways open to a sunroom with a warm wood ceiling, ceiling fan, and brick floor, while another doorway leads to a bright bathroom with marble countertops and white fixtures. The aesthetic combines traditional charm and coastal elegance.

Kitchen Details

Bright, airy kitchen with abundant natural light streaming through a large multi-pane window above a deep white porcelain sink. Crisp white cabinetry with simple black hardware lines the U-shaped walls, offering ample storage. Shiny stainless-steel appliances, including a gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator, add a modern touch. Warm, rich brown granite countertops provide generous workspace and contrast beautifully with the clean white cabinetry. The ceiling features recessed lighting, further brightening the space. Wide-plank polished hardwood floors add character, while beadboard wall paneling subtly enhances the home’s historic, charming aesthetic. Decorative utensils and small ceramics accent the counters.

Kitchen Overview

Spacious kitchen with an L-shaped layout featuring abundant white cabinetry and dark countertops, complemented by stainless steel appliances including a stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. A large multi-pane window above the sink provides plentiful natural light and a view of greenery outside. The floor is polished natural wood, adding warmth to the crisp white cabinetry and ceiling. The room’s walls are a soft blue, except for the cabinetry wall which is white, maintaining a clean and airy feel. In the center sits a round wooden table with a soft cushioned bench, emphasizing both style and function.

Kitchen and Dining Area

This space blends an open kitchen and casual dining area with a cozy sitting nook. The kitchen features classic white cabinetry with black hardware, dark granite countertops, and modern stainless steel appliances, including a microwave and gas stove. Warm honey-hued wooden floors run throughout, adding a touch of historic charm. The round wooden table with soft cushioned stools creates a welcoming spot for casual meals. Light blue walls and white trim provide a fresh, airy feel. The adjoining seating area includes wooden armchairs with plush gray cushions, and framed art on the walls adds a relaxed, lived-in aesthetic.

Sitting Area Details

A cozy sitting area connects to a kitchen space with a polished wood round table in the foreground. The walls are painted a calming light blue, paired with white trim and cabinetry, creating an airy and refreshed ambiance. Four wooden armchairs with taupe cushions encircle a small white ottoman, set atop gleaming, honey-toned hardwood floors. Classic French doors with glass panes open to an adjoining sunroom, which features warm wood ceiling panels and bamboo blinds. The room is illuminated by a dark-bronze ceiling fan with lights, combining vintage charm with a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Framed landscape art and decorative accents add a homely touch.

Bedroom Details

A cozy bedroom features soothing light blue walls paired with crisp white crown molding and wainscoting, creating a serene atmosphere. A queen-sized bed, dressed in soft white bedding with light blue linens and two green patterned accent pillows, is positioned against the center of the back wall. On either side of the bed, matching vintage-style white nightstands hold simple white ceramic lamps, adding symmetry. Above, a ceiling fan with wooden blades contributes both practicality and character. Bay windows with white plantation shutters allow plenty of natural light, enhancing the tranquil and airy feel of this elegant, comfortably furnished space.

Living Room Details

A serene living room featuring powder blue walls with white wainscoting and crisp crown molding, paired with rich honey-toned hardwood floors. At the front, a white fireplace with exposed brick is topped with modern abstract artwork and framed prints in gold and white. To the right, built-in cabinetry and a vintage-style dresser with a porcelain vase filled with greenery add character. The centerpiece is a pale, tailored settee with accent pillows, placed atop a soft neutral rug and positioned near double windows with flowing white drapes. Overhead, a modern ceiling fan provides both function and balance to the space.

Sitting Room Corner

A serene sitting area features powder blue walls and crisp white trim, with wainscoting adding a touch of classic charm. A cream-colored chaise lounge with nailhead trim sits atop a patterned area rug, complemented by a matching ottoman. A round wooden side table holds a small book, while a single soft blue pillow rests on the lounge. Natural light streams in through French doors dressed with sheer white curtains, and a leafy green potted plant brightens the corner. The ceiling fan with wood blades enhances the cozy, relaxed atmosphere, and the rich, warm wood floors complete the inviting space.

Bathroom Window View

Bright, inviting bathroom with a classic blue and white color palette. A large window with white wooden shutters overlooks lush greenery, allowing natural light to fill the space. The walls are painted a soft blue, which contrasts gently with the white hexagonal floor tiles and crisp white crown molding around the ceiling. The vanity features a speckled countertop and white cabinetry with black handles. On the right side, white tiling surrounds a standard bathtub with a curtain rod above, giving the space a clean and fresh appearance. Overall, the room feels airy, functional, and timeless in its design.

Bedroom Details

A serene bedroom with soft white walls, classic crown molding, and a warm wooden floor. The bed, centered against plantation shuttered windows, has an upholstered, subtly striped headboard and is dressed in crisp white linens with a single blue accent pillow. On each side are matching wooden nightstands with cream table lamps, creating a calm ambiance. French doors with sheer white curtains open to an adjoining space, enhancing natural light. A light beige area rug grounds the room, while a cream dresser with a tall glass vase of fresh greenery and a blue-and-white bowl adds a touch of elegant, historic charm.

Bedroom Fireplace Wall

A cozy bedroom with a traditional aesthetic, featuring hardwood floors and a high ceiling with white crown molding. One wall is painted sky blue, showcasing a wooden and brick fireplace with a decorative mantel topped by a blue and white porcelain vase and minimalist artwork. The rest of the room is painted a soft gray, enhancing the sense of light. A large upholstered bed with crisp white bedding, white and blue accent pillows, sits in front of tall windows covered by white plantation shutters. Matching wooden nightstands with ceramic lamps and a few books add warmth and symmetry beside the bed.

Bathroom Vanity

Soft blue walls and crisp white trim create a serene atmosphere in this well-lit bathroom. The space features a white porcelain toilet centered under a shuttered window, allowing natural light while maintaining privacy. To the right, a wide vanity with a marbled countertop holds a built-in sink, with simple chrome fixtures and a neatly arranged display of towels and toiletries. Above the vanity, a large mirror reflects light from the three-bulb fixture with clear glass shades. White hexagonal floor tiles add a vintage touch, while a glass-enclosed shower and minimalistic hardware provide a clean, functional look.

Sunroom Lounge

A bright, airy sunroom features soft blue horizontal shiplap walls contrasted by crisp white trim and ceiling. Natural light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows on one side, filtered by woven wood blinds. The space is divided into cozy seating areas: one with two gray armchairs and a sculptural white coffee table over a patterned rug, and another with a plush white sofa paired with a minimal wooden table. French doors and transom windows add vintage charm. Decorative touches include indoor plants and layered neutral rugs, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere blending historic elegance and coastal-inspired casual comfort.

Sunroom with Garden View

Bright and airy sunroom featuring an expanse of large, floor-to-ceiling windows with bamboo shades that allow natural light to fill the space. The white-paneled ceiling and walls create a crisp, coastal feel, complemented by neutral gray furniture including an armchair and sofa arranged for conversational comfort. Soft area rugs, a unique scalloped coffee table, and touches of greenery add warmth. There are ceiling fans for ventilation, and the windows open directly to a lush, shaded garden and offer a clear view of the water beyond. The overall aesthetic is serene, open, and inviting, perfect for relaxation and entertaining.

Front Exterior

A quaint, historic American cottage is nestled in a lush green yard surrounded by mature trees draped with Spanish moss. The house is painted a soft, pastel green with white trim and features a pitched roof showing signs of age, partially covered in fallen leaves and moss. Large, multi-pane windows line the front sunroom, allowing in plentiful natural light. The front door sits slightly off-center, with a small brick stoop and a walkway leading through the manicured lawn, adding a quaint, inviting character. Neighboring homes and a glimpse of water are visible in the background.

Dining Area Design

Spacious dining area featuring exposed wooden ceiling beams against a bright white vaulted ceiling, creating a cozy yet airy atmosphere. The room is anchored by a large wooden table with matching benches, set on a light blue patterned rug that adds a subtle pop of color. Wide windows along one wall let in natural light and offer views of the garden, while rich wood-paneled double doors and closets provide a sense of warmth and continuity. A ceiling fan with central lighting adds functionality, and the raised kitchen beyond features light cabinetry and classic white appliances for a harmonious transition between spaces.

Listing Agent: Andrea Shilston of Kaiser Sotheby’s Int-GS via Zillow