About Us

Who We Are

Dave and Ann, hosts of Magnolia Overlook

Our Story 01

The Story of Magnolia Overlook

The dream of Magnolia Overlook actually began with Your Big Lake House.

My wife, Ann, and I originally began building Your Big Lake House as a retirement and vacation home, a place where we could spend time with our friends and family. While we were building, we kept seeing advertisements for vacation rentals. Before long, we felt the Lord telling us that this home wasn’t going to be just for us after all.

We opened Your Big Lake House to guests in 2017, and it became more successful than we ever imagined.

So, how did that lead us to Magnolia Overlook?

One afternoon, Ann and I were driving through beautiful Cedar Bluff when we passed the historic home that we now know as The Magnolia House. As we drove by, we felt the Lord tell us, “Turn that into a wedding venue.”

So we did.

Magnolia Overlook overlooking Weiss Lake

Our Story 02

A Home with More Than 150 Years of History

The Magnolia House was originally built in 1870 by the Webb family. The home originally sat farther down the hill, on land that is now part of Weiss Lake. In fact, when the lake level drops, you can still see the enormous tree stumps from two trees that once stood in the home’s front yard.

When Weiss Lake was created in the late 1950s, the house was moved uphill to save it from the rising water. Since its new location would overlook the lake, the home was turned so that its porches faced the new waterfront.

The Poland family purchased the property in the 1980s and later enclosed the lake-facing porches with glass so they could be enjoyed throughout the year.

Interestingly, what is now considered the side of the house was originally the front — and it’s still my favorite side. It faces the woods and is framed by two enormous, old magnolia trees. Those beautiful trees inspired the name The Magnolia House.

After renovating the home and property, we hosted our first wedding in October 2018.

Our Story 03

From Wedding Venue to Lakefront Resort

Then COVID changed everything.

We had to rethink what we were doing with the property. Since we already knew the vacation-rental business from Your Big Lake House, we decided to transform Magnolia Overlook into something a little different: a vacation rental destination where weddings and special events could also take place.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we could have made.

We welcomed our first overnight guests in November 2020, and by the faithfulness of God, Magnolia Overlook has continued to grow ever since.

And grow it has.

The Rose Cottage began as a barn in the backyard that we converted into a beautiful guest home.

The 1930s Bungalow was once the Webb family’s general store. We renovated it, added a pool nearby, and later added the Clubhouse and two spacious studios above it.

Stilts was built next and welcomed its first guests in the spring of 2023.

Then came Blue with a View, a three-bedroom, two-story home accommodating up to 10 guests. It welcomed its first guests in March 2025.

What began with one vacation home has grown into a place where families and friends can come together, weddings can be celebrated, reunions can happen under one roof, and memories can be made on the shores of Weiss Lake.

We are incredibly grateful for how far Jesus has brought us in this season of our lives, and we look forward to many more years of growing Magnolia Overlook and creating a place that impacts families for generations to come.

Lakefront gathering at Magnolia Overlook

Our Story 04

What Makes Magnolia Overlook Unique?

Finding one destination that can comfortably accommodate a truly large group isn’t easy.

There are properties made up of several townhomes in a row or houses scattered throughout the same neighborhood. Magnolia Overlook is different.

Our homes and amenities come together to create what we lovingly think of as our own lakefront compound, giving large groups the opportunity to stay, gather, celebrate, and enjoy Weiss Lake together in one place.

It’s ideal for family reunions, weddings, church retreats, corporate retreats, group vacations, and special celebrations.

And our goal has always been to make hosting a large group as easy as possible.

We’ve developed a reputation for “thinking of everything,” and that’s something we take seriously. For the most part, your group just needs to bring food, clothing, and yourselves.

We provide many of the everyday necessities that can be easy to forget when traveling with a crowd, including linens, bath towels, shampoo and conditioner, soaps, trash bags, paper towels, tissues, dishwasher and laundry detergent, coffee supplies, basic spices, and much more.

For weddings, retreats, and special events, we can also help connect you with caterers and other local services to make planning easier.

Historic Magnolia Overlook on Weiss Lake

Our Story 05

So Much to Do Without Leaving the Property

There’s plenty to enjoy right here at Magnolia Overlook, including:

Two pools
Three hot tubs
Direct Weiss Lake access
Kayaks
Gas and charcoal grills
Outdoor dining areas
Three wood-burning fire pits
Multiple propane fire pits
Playground
Game room
Board games and yard games
Spacious outdoor gathering areas

And when you’re ready to explore beyond the property, you’re within driving distance of some of Northeast Alabama’s most beautiful destinations, including Little River Canyon, Little River Falls, DeSoto Falls, Mentone, Pirates Bay Water Park, glassblowing experiences, whitewater rafting, rappelling, and more.

One of our favorite things about Magnolia Overlook is that you can truly feel away from it all without being completely disconnected.

We’re tucked away in the peaceful countryside, but groceries, restaurants, and everyday necessities are still within a convenient drive. The quiet country roads surrounding the property are also wonderful for walking and biking, so feel free to bring your bikes.

Our Story 06

Meet Your Hosts

We have been married for 27 years and are blessed with two amazing children. Hospitality has been part of both of our professional backgrounds, and today we own and operate Magnolia Overlook and Your Big Lake House, in addition to working in real estate.

But for us, hospitality is about much more than providing a place to sleep.

Our passion is creating a place where people can come together — where families reconnect, friends make memories, couples begin their marriages, churches and organizations gather, and guests can simply slow down and enjoy time with the people who matter most.

We strive to give every guest a five-star experience and to go above and beyond whenever we can.

Thank you for considering Magnolia Overlook. We would be honored to have you stay with us and become a small part of the story God continues to write here.