Kerry Earnhardt, the older half-brother of Dale Earnhardt Jr., recently introduced a newly completed lakeside residence designed by the Earnhardt Collection, highlighting the connection between the Dale Earnhardt Jr family and Earnhardt Collection homes. The home, characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and scenic location beside a lake and woodlands, showcases the Earnhardt family’s ongoing legacy off the racetrack through custom home innovation.
While Kerry Earnhardt’s name might not carry the same racing credentials as his siblings, he has carved his own path after his time on the track. In the 2000s, he competed in NASCAR’s three national series before pivoting to home design with his wife Rene. They launched the Earnhardt Collection in 2011, joining forces with Schumacher Homes to provide personalized homes that reflect the spirit and taste of their clients across the country.
A Closer Look at the Custom Lakefront Home
The newly completed property is a spacious two-story house primarily constructed with wood, offering expansive views of the lake. Its terrace and large porch create seamless indoor-outdoor living, blending natural surroundings with modern comfort. In highlighting the homeowner‘s vision, Kerry Earnhardt expressed his enthusiasm for the finished project:
“Great job to the homeowners that customized this Cedar Springs floor-plan from our @earnhardtcollection ! This is bringing the outdoors in! AMAZING 🤩@schumacher_homes Porch goals + lake views = the ultimate retreat 🛶.”
The Cedar Springs model, built by the Earnhardt Collection’s Greensburg–Spartanburg team, stands out for features such as a walk-out basement and a dedicated golf cart garage at the lower level. These elements ensure residents embrace the lakeside lifestyle to its fullest, a sentiment echoed by Kerry Earnhardt:
“Here’s a closer look at the custom Cedar Springs from our Earnhardt Collection. Built by our Greensburg – Spartanburg team, this home has a walk-out basement and spacious porch to take advantage of the lakefront views. And yes, that is a golf cart garage on the lower level!” he added.
This latest house reflects the Earnhardt Collection’s approach to designing homes that merge comfort, family values, and nature, continuing the Earnhardt tradition of pursuing excellence, not only in racing but also in new ventures beyond the asphalt.
The Earnhardt Family’s Legacy and Kerry’s Personal Journey
Kerry Earnhardt is the eldest son of legendary NASCAR figure Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his first wife, Latane Brown. Known as “The Intimidator,” Dale Earnhardt Sr. remarried Brenda Gee, with whom he had Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, creating a blended family deeply rooted in motorsports. Additionally, Dale Sr. had a daughter, Taylor Nicole, with his third wife, Teresa Houston.
Although Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller remained active in stock car racing and currently manage JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, Kerry found his calling in home design and entrepreneurial efforts. These shifts in roles reflect how each member of the family contributes uniquely to the overall Earnhardt legacy.
Kerry Earnhardt’s Experience Reconnecting with His Family
The emotional complexity within the Earnhardt family extends beyond achievements and business. In a 2021 episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Kerry Earnhardt reflected on his journey to reunite with his father and half-siblings, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley. Despite not knowing about his father’s identity until age nine and meeting him years later, Kerry navigated anxiety and uncertainty as he approached this reunion. Remembering this pivotal moment, he recalled:
“I finally built the courage and walked out the back door. It was… everybody laughing and clanging tools and stuff. When I opened that door, it got quiet […] And dad was like, ‘Hey son.’ I said, ‘Hey, dad, how are you going?’ He said, ‘Good.’ And then he says, ‘Come on, let’s go riding.’” —Kerry Earnhardt, reflecting on meeting his father
The vulnerability Kerry felt at the time highlights the challenges of building bonds within a blended family. He further explained:
“We had apart from 3 years old to 16 years old. I didn’t know if I would be accepted or rejected.” —Kerry Earnhardt, on reconnecting with his half-siblings
After being welcomed into the Earnhardt fold, Kerry began racing, guided by his father’s example. However, the family suffered a major loss in 2001 with the passing of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in a last-lap crash during the Daytona 500, forever altering their lives and the world of NASCAR.
The Ongoing Influence of the Earnhardt Family
The story of the Earnhardt family is one of legacy, resilience, and adaptation. While Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller continue to impact the sport through JR Motorsports, Kerry and Rene’s Earnhardt Collection homes represent an evolution of the family’s passion and creativity. Each custom home becomes a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation, echoing the same determination once seen on the racetrack.
For enthusiasts of Dale Earnhardt Jr family and Earnhardt Collection homes, the newest lakeside property stands as a tangible reminder of how personal stories and business ventures intertwine, shaping a narrative that reaches beyond racing and into the everyday lives of homeowners inspired by the Earnhardt name.
