Horizon
Expansion Plan
Our strategic roadmap to transform The Barn at Smith Lake from a premier wedding venue into a world-class, year-round luxury destination resort.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
— Peter Drucker
Houseboat Fleet & Floating Village
The fastest path to increased revenue with two powerful use cases. First, purchasing or leasing houseboats instantly adds 20–40 guest beds for The Barn's wedding and corporate clients — no construction, no permitting, no delays. Second, we plan to build a premier houseboat rental business on Smith Lake. With 21,200 acres of crystal-clear water and 713 miles of shoreline with hundreds of secluded coves, Smith Lake is a houseboat paradise. Guests can rent houseboats for weekends or full weeks to explore the lake — creating a standalone revenue stream that extends far beyond the venue.
Luxury Glamping Tents
Premium safari-style canvas tents on elevated wooden platforms, each with private decks overlooking the lake. These luxury glamping units combine the romance of outdoor living with the comfort of a boutique hotel. Quick to deploy, they offer an excellent ROI with minimal capital expenditure and can be scaled based on demand.
Luxury Tiny Homes
Custom-designed movable luxury tiny homes positioned along the lakefront and wooded trails. Each unit features premium finishes, full kitchenettes, and private outdoor spaces. As movable structures, they offer flexibility in placement and can be financed or leased, reducing upfront capital requirements. They serve both short-term vacation rentals and long-term corporate housing needs.
Nordic Sauna & Russian Banya
A world-class wellness facility featuring traditional Nordic saunas, an authentic Russian banya, and natural ice plunge pools fed by the pristine waters of Smith Lake. This is a first-mover opportunity — there are currently no dedicated sauna-focused retreats in the entire Southeast. The wellness component enhances the value proposition for every revenue stream: weddings, corporate retreats, and individual wellness travelers.
Bear Grylls Survival Academy
Confirmed interest from Bear Grylls' team to establish their first U.S. Survival Academy at Smith Lake, with state exclusivity for Alabama. This world-famous brand would bring national and international attention to the property, creating a one-of-a-kind adventure experience. The academy would offer multi-day survival courses, corporate team-building programs, and family adventure camps.
Corporate Wellness Retreat Center
A purpose-built corporate retreat program that monetizes the 260+ weekdays currently sitting idle. Companies are spending $1,000–$3,000 per person on multi-day offsites, and the demand for venues that combine professional meeting space with wellness and outdoor experiences is surging. No venue in the Southeast currently offers this fusion — The Barn will be the first.
Floating Cabins & Eco-Lodges
Architecturally distinctive floating cabins anchored in protected coves of Smith Lake. These eco-friendly structures create a truly unique accommodation experience — sleeping on the water with panoramic lake views. In partnership with Terra Nova's eco-tourism expertise, these units would set a new standard for sustainable luxury hospitality in the region.
49-Acre Expansion Parcel
The 49-acre parcel across the lake provides the canvas for long-term development — from luxury housing to a full-scale resort community.
Luxury Housing Development
Modeled after Silverock Cove, where property values doubled. A planned community of 20–30 luxury lakefront homes with shared amenities and marina access.
Eco-Resort Campus
In partnership with Terra Nova, develop a world-class eco-resort with sustainable lodging, conservation programs, and nature-based experiences.
Adventure & Survival Campus
The Bear Grylls Survival Academy campus, adventure courses, zip lines, and outdoor education facilities — drawing visitors from across the nation.
Be Part of the Vision
This is a rare opportunity to invest in a proven asset with extraordinary upside. Request the full Investment Memorandum today.