We are Madeleine Sparks, and Jennifer Kontak, a mother and daughter, who live in Madison County, Alabama. Madeleine, a former computer systems analyst, grew up in Decatur, AL, and has lived in North Alabama ever since. Jennifer, a therapist and artist, was born in Huntsville, AL, and lives with her husband and two children in Harvest, AL.

Madeleine Sparks purchased this cottage in 2008

Madeleine and Jennifer both have fond childhood memories of Mentone, AL. It has always been a wish to own a piece of heaven, and luckily, we discovered the Burren in 2008. The rocks are unique, and fun to explore for kids and adults, alike, but the sunset shining through the trees onto the cliff is what really made us fall in love. Mentone itself is a haven for artists, and we were both drawn to it for the light, the wildlife, and the kind people.

Our Sweet Cottage was a home to another family before we found it, but we feel that we have truly made it ours, and have added many special touches to it. One of the first things we liked about it, however, was the fireplace, which boasts a rock the shape of Alabama above the mantel. The balconies that lead out from the two upstairs bedrooms are also very special, and we like to put Christmas lights on them during that season. We have added a back deck and a screened porch to the house, which make enjoying the outdoors even easier. Deer and wild turkeys are known to travel through our yard. The main reason we chose the Burren over any other that we saw (and this was the first, but not the only property we looked at) was the way the place looked like just one of so many large boulders settled in the yard. It is just a very special place for us, and we hope you find it so, as well.