Family of Alabama philanthropist selling 2 stunning river houses in the Shoals

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To the casual observer, these might just seem like two luxury houses on the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals. No more, no less than a couple of spectacular residences with riverfront access and amenities galore.

But if you care about philanthropy in Alabama and the history of the Shoals, there's another dimension to the properties at 340 Ridgewood Drive and 741 Three Point Road. They're actually part of the legacy of Harvey Robbins, a community-minded businessman who invested millions of dollars in the city of Tuscumbia.

AL.com file photo/Tamika Moore

Robbins, who died in 2013 at age 80, ran a family business, National Floor Products, founded in the 1950s with his father, Edward Stanley Robbins. After selling the company in 1994, Harvey Robbins turned his attention to his hometown, aiming to revitalize downtown Tuscumbia and make it a tourist destination.

As part of the project, he renovated The Palace soda fountain, a place that was important to his courtship of his wife, Joyce Ann, during their youths. Robbins remodeled several other buildings, recruited businesses, put in place financing plans, offered affordable leases and cosigned loans. He also refurbished Big Spring Park with a lighted fountain, statue and waterfall.

In 2002, Robbins and his wife donated about 800 acres of land in Colbert County to create two 18-hole golf courses — the Fighting Joe and the Schoolmaster — that became part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. As the head of Robbins Property Development, Robbins also developed lakefront and estate homes in the area, with access to the Tennessee River as a selling point.

That’s where these riverfront houses come in.

The properties at 340 Ridgewood Drive and 741 Three Point Road are owned by the Robbins family. Robbins’ daughter, Beverly Robbins, has lived in both of them, and her design sense — eclectic and ornate, with Southwestern influences — can be seen in the decor and furnishings.

Both properties are for sale, listed by Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty. Let's take a look.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The property at 340 Ridgewood Drive covers 4,001 square feet and sits on 1.87 acres of land. It's listed for $1.3 million.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The house was built in 2008 on the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals, as part of the Peytonia Points subdivision.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"It's right on the water," says realtor Glinda Clardy. "Today, you would never be able to build so close to the water."

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The property includes areas for outdoor relaxation, including an impressive lighted porch. "I visualize a musician from Nashville coming in and using it as their vacation home," realtor Clardy says. "I call that porch the pickin' porch."

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"That peaceful, easy feeling greets you as you walk into any of the private outdoor living areas," says the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"There must be something in the water, that's what people always say about the talented artist that hail from the Shoals area. This home is a fabulous example of that talent; every inch has been crafted by local artisans," says the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"This house has a Southwestern feel to me," says realtor Clardy.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"This house is very taste-specific," realtor Clardy says. "People will have to go in and look at it to appreciate all the thought and work involved."

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"The layout of the home is convenient and comfortable and features high-end appliances and designer touches throughout," says the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

"Every inch of this house was touched by local artists," realtor Clardy says.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Wood is used throughout the house for striking accents.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Floor tiles in the house were hand selected in Mexico by members of the Robbins family.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The kitchen features an island and huge wood beams brought in from Canada.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Massive wood beams adorn the ceiling of this bedroom.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Another bedroom with a wooden ceiling and tile floor.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Every room in the house has a Southwestern feel.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The bedrooms range in size from 23 feet by 22 feet to 14 feet by 13 feet.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

This bathroom has a luxe decor and jetted tub.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

His-and-her sinks and a walk-in shower are part of this bathroom.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Wall sconces and a statement sink are part of this bathroom.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The property includes 400 feet of waterfront, according to the description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

An outdoor sitting area.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Blue pool tile is used as an eye-catching accent outdoors.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Blue pool tile accents several of the outdoor walls.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

More outdoor seating areas.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

An outdoor bar also uses blue pool tile as an accent.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Another look at the outdoor bar and grilling area.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Landscaping at the property accords with the wooded setting.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

A serene view of the river.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Several outdoor nooks can be used for relaxing or entertaining.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Another seating area with a river view.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

The lot with trees offers natural beauty and privacy.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

There's no garage on the property, but it features a boat house and boat lift.

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340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

Realtor Glinda Clardy says she'd like to show this house by boat.

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David Warren/Dave Warren Real Estate Photography

340 Ridgewood Drive, Muscle Shoals

A bird's eye view of the pier and river, with a glimpse of the house among the trees.

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The Robbins family is selling a second property at 741 Three Point Road in Muscle Shoals. It's part of the Hunters Point subdivision. It covers 7,177 square feet and sits on 4.76 acres of land. It's listed for $2 million.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

"The stately chateau is a treat for the senses featuring a gourmet kitchen, multiple entertaining areas (both inside and out), high-end finishes in every room, an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool and a multi-level boat house with stunning views," says the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

"The house at Three Point Road is a bit more Italianate in nature," says realtor Glinda Clardy. It was built in 2000.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

"Extraordinary artist touches throughout the home are jaw-dropping," says the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Realtor Glinda Clardy says she also sees Moroccan influences in this house.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The dining room has wooden beams and a fireplace.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Another look at the kitchen.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

"I was enamored by the special touches throughout this home," realtor Clardy says.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Even the hood over the oven is a work of art.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The rooms in this house are cozy and "everything flows," says realtor Clardy.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The house has three levels and a decorative staircase.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

"The luxurious master bathroom is a true work of art that was handcrafted by local artists with the design help of the visionary owner," says the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The house has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, according to the property description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty. The bedrooms range in size from 20 feet by 19 feet to 14 feet by 22 feet.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Wood floors can be found in all of the bedrooms.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Earth tones and tile adorn this bathroom.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

This bathroom features wood carvings, his-and-her sinks and colorful tile.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

A carpeted media room.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Outdoor seating areas. The house also has an outdoor kitchen.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The house features an in-ground pool, hot tub and gazebo.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

Another look at the pool area, which has three fountains.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

A closer look at the hot tub.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

A closer look at the gazebo.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

A bird's eye view of the house at 741 Three Point Road. "The home is located minutes from three world class golf courses (ride your cart to two of them) and on over 4 acres of private waterfront property," says the description for Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

The property has a "huge pier and deck, like a three-level boat house," realtor Clardy says. There's also a three-car garage.

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Will Mansell/Courtesy of Amanda Howard | Sotheby's International Realty

741 Three Point Road, Muscle Shoals

"It's very tucked in on the point. The views from out there are absolutely stunning," realtor Clardy says.

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