519 Equality Avenue, Fairhope

519 Equality Avenue is an exceptional custom home for those seeking a balance between privacy, convenience, luxury & functionality. Once the personal home of a local award-winning “green” architect and a biologist, nestled on an almost acre-sized wooded parcel and wrapped by city parkland of Bayou Charbon, you'd never guess that you are a 2 blk stroll from vibrant downtown Fairhope's many attractions and 3/4 of a mile from the end of The Pier extending over Mobile Bay. Inside, notice the expansive views, soaring ceilings and a balance of contemporary style with materials that are rich in character and patina. Salvaged heart pine floors, beams and accent walls "pop" against white walls and pickled pine ceilings hewn from a tree cleared from the lot. Galvanized steel stair railings, picture rails, and a tin roof round out the delightful balance of modern and rustic materials. The dining room is detailed to recall an enclosed breezeway and the 1,000 +/- sq ft of screened porches made of durable, sustainably harvested Cumuru planks, a green alternative to teak or mahogany, blur the boundaries between indoor & outdoor living. The screened porch serving the ground floor guest suite, with separate entrance and full bath, even offers a private outdoor bathtub. Not immediately evident are the home's energy efficient details, including Energy star windows, appliances, water heating and geothermal HVAC. Walls are super insulated wood frame and insulated concrete forms. A central vacuum efficiently cleans while exhausting dust and allergens outside. Property is a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Edible landscaping includes satsuma & lemon trees, blueberries, mulberries, loquats & herbs. Updates include - 2018: NEW Geothermal HVAC (41 SEER); 2023: NEW central vacuum; 2024: NEW plumbing (replaced Durapex with Pex). As initially built, Home Energy Rating (HERS) 61, representing a 39% reduction in energy demand from baseline. Living green was never so elegant and so easy!