Solid as a Rock: This Alabama Mid-Century Home Brings the Outside In

It's easy to label a home that's lasted for centuries as "rock-solid." And there are examples of a house literally built on a rock in Wisconsin and a home built from ancient boulders in Arizona.

But few have the chance to own a house with a rock actually integrated into the interior like this $549,000 home outside of Birmingham, AL.

The home's first owner and builder chose this spot in 1954 because of the impressive rocks in the area, notes listing agent Jeff Richardson. When the owner later decided to expand the home, the addition was built over the rock in order to retain the impressive outcropping.

"It's definitely unique," Richardson says of the 4,100-square-foot house that sits on 2 acres of wooded property. Floor-to-ceiling windows are contoured to the shape of the rock and sealed so no leakage occurs. "A lot of love went into that," Richardson says.

The builder's love of stone is also evident in the 25-foot-wide stone fireplace and stone flooring in the entry hallway. Stone used in the house was quarried on-site, Richardson explains. The house once sat on an 8-acre parcel, which has since been divided and sold off in pieces.

"The rocks are beautiful -- that's truly what he was so in love with," Richardson says of the original owner whose family is now selling the home.

Perfect for entertaining, the home also includes a recently resurfaced swimming pool, a cabana, and a large screened-in porch. Out back, water cascades over rocks into a koi pond.

Two of the home's four bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, and the kitchen has new granite counters and cabinets. It's also been opened up on two sides to provide the open floor plan today's buyers seek, says Richardson. The bathrooms have also been updated, but one is done in a '50s style. The master bath has a double shower, a soaking tub, and double sinks.

Other recent updates include a new roof, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and replacement of now-rare outdoor siding.

Sitting on what's known as the more desirable high side of Old Leeds Road, the home is built in the Mid-Century Modern style not normally associated with the Deep South, although there's another Mid-Century next door to this one, Richardson notes. The house and its unique style have "had a really good reception, people appreciate it so much," Richardson says.

That would likely make the original owner happy, knowing his rock house has stood the test of time and remains rock-solid with home buyers of today.