By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Kelsea Schafer
Hailing from Central City, Kentucky, Susan Lehman has lived all across Alabama but has called Shelby County home for the last 30 years. She and her husband, Herman Lehman, who is a former City Clerk for Montevallo, love the small-town feel and all of the close-knit friendships they have made serving their community.
Their joyful union–approaching a milestone of 35 years this December–blossomed as they met at “The Magic City Skyliners,” which was a club for “vertically enhanced” individuals at the Homewood Public Library.
After tying the knot in 1989, Susan and Herman set off of a course to change the world. Susan says she has always enjoyed helping people–especially children, which is why she started her career in education.
Susan received her Bachelor’s and her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and later on, she received National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy. She taught special education for 24 years before opting for a career change.
With some encouragement from Herman, Susan decided to capitalize on her networking skills and earned her real estate license in 2012. Twelve years later, Susan is now the founder and principal broker of Team Lehman at Keller Williams, whose accolades include the highly esteemed Keller Williams Platinum Award for Most Volume Sold by a Real Estate Group.
Susan’s favorite part of her job is fostering relationships with clients, and in fact, it was through one such friendship that Susan came across what would be her and Herman’s dream home. Susan toured the home for an initial consultation and ended up going home, telling Herman she was not going to list the house because she was going to buy it.
Built in 1978, the Lehmans’ dream home sports wood walls, floors and ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows and a gigantic skylight that illuminates the house’s open concept in the daytime. Upon moving in, the Lehmans first removed the built-in atrium from the open concept, laying a concrete foundation and replacing all of the open concept’s flooring. They then focused on adding a load-bearing center post to pitch the roof and replaced the glass skylight, which at nightfall boasts an even more beautiful view than in the daytime.
Out of all the places they have lived together, Herman and Susan say none come close to their humble abode–the embodiment of rare, architectural beauty. Even so, the relationships they have made here in this community are what they say make Montevallo worth calling home.
A Broad Perspective
Although only 2,200 square feet, this humble abode feels spacious due to the open concept. Herman and Susan’s favorite architectural detail is how the home’s residential design makes them feel as though they are living outdoors.
Al Fresco Living
Herman and Susan built an in-ground pool and renovated their back patio in September 2023. They enjoy entertaining company and believe such fellowship is best spent outdoors.
The Dining Room
Herman and Susan collect vintage pieces such as Herman’s great aunt’s dining room table and his great uncle’s China cabinet, which both complement nicely to the mid-century modern aesthetic.
Adorning Decor
This hand-crafted centerpiece was gifted to Susan from her mother, Jane Belcher.
A Tribute to General Grant
This portrait of General Ulysses S. Grant is by Andrew Cost.
The Kitchen
Susan believes cooking in a kitchen one loves makes the food taste better.
The Island
The island stretches more than 15-feet and is perfect for entertaining.
The Kitchen Backsplash
The tile backsplash matches the hues of both the master bedroom’s suite’s color palette and decorative pillows throughout the home.
A Plethora of Pottery
The Lehmans’ pottery collection features more than 100 pieces from all over the country.
The Wet Bar
When renovating their home, Herman and Susan had several friends sign a blackboard, which they had incorporated into the back of their wet bar.
The Living Room
The Lehmans enjoy bird watching from their living room, which boasts a picturesque view of the scenery outdoors.
A Hand-Stitched Masterpiece
Jane hand-stitched this tapestry of a Native American dancer from a collection of threads that were created in New Mexico.
Art by Robin Nance Metz
Herman and Susan have several pieces of artwork by the late Robin Nance Metz, who will forever be remembered as one of Montevallo’s best artists. Pictured is one of Robin’s hand-painted bowls dubbed “Granny’s Apples.”
The Master Bedroom
The master bedroom suite’s turquoise and lime green ‘60s print is replicated in several design elements throughout the home.
