An Idyllic Southern Home in Mountain Brook, Alabama
Some homes have good bones. Others have undeniable curb appeal. And then there are homes like this one in Mountain Brook, Alabama—a gracious Southern residence that feels as though it has stepped straight from the pages of a magazine.
While the home was always beautiful, the homeowners envisioned something even more personal: a home that reflected their travels, embraced Southern hospitality, and felt effortlessly collected rather than perfectly decorated.
The result is a home that went from pretty to truly extraordinary.
As a travel enthusiast, the homeowner finds endless inspiration in the destinations she visits around the world. Whether it's a charming European boutique hotel, a centuries-old English estate, or a thoughtfully designed coastal retreat, she has an eye for the details that make a space memorable. Bringing those influences home, she partnered with Birmingham landscape designer Todd Dorlon and Melanie Pounds Interior Design to thoughtfully reimagine both the exterior and interior of the property for their family.
A Front Elevation That Makes a Lasting First Impression
From the moment you arrive, it's clear every detail was carefully considered.
Towering white columns frame the stately brick façade while manicured hedges, lush lawns, and oversized planters create a warm, welcoming approach. The crisp white exterior paired with classic black shutters gives the home timeless Southern elegance, while layered landscaping softens the architecture and makes the property feel established and inviting.
One of my favorite details is the front entry.
The custom door knocker from Birmingham-based Agatha Studio is equal parts functional and sculptural, offering the perfect finishing touch to the handsome front door. Flanking the entrance are beautiful copper lanterns from Brandino Brass that will only become richer with age, while coordinating brass door hardware throughout the home creates continuity from room to room. Oversized planters from Elegant Earth complete the front porch, adding texture, greenery, and a welcoming sense of scale.
It's these carefully selected details that quietly elevate the entire home.
Before
A Home Filled With Personality
Before
Inside, the home embraces a beautifully restrained neutral palette, allowing architectural details, layered textures, and collected furnishings to take center stage. Rather than every room feeling identical, each space has its own personality while still flowing effortlessly into the next.
The family room is one of my favorite spaces in the home. Both sophisticated and comfortable, it's thoughtfully arranged into two distinct seating areas, creating natural places for conversation, entertaining, or simply relaxing as a family. A Samsung Frame TV hangs discreetly above the fireplace, blending seamlessly into the room without competing with the home's classic architecture.
Around the corner, the dining room offers a more intimate atmosphere. Anchored by a striking Visual Comfort chandelier, the space feels refined yet approachable—a room equally suited for holiday dinners, casual family meals, or gathering friends around the table long after dessert has been served.
Throughout the home, layered textures, timeless furnishings, and subtle nods to the homeowner's travels create spaces that feel collected over time rather than designed all at once.
Thoughtful Design That Tells a Story
Pictured: Homeowner, Mary Pat, and Garden & Grace founder, Crystal Moore with a framed photograph from the family’s beloved vacation destination
What makes this Mountain Brook home so memorable isn't simply its beautiful finishes or impeccable styling.
It's the story behind it.
Every design decision—from the landscape and exterior architectural details to the curated interiors—reflects the places that have inspired the homeowners throughout their travels while creating a home that feels deeply rooted in Southern tradition.
The result is a home that's elegant without feeling formal, timeless without feeling predictable, and beautifully designed for the way this family lives every day.
If you love classic Southern homes, timeless interiors, and thoughtful design details, check out these curb appeal renovations in Mountain Brook. They each have their own stories and are a beautiful reminder that the most memorable homes aren't just well-designed—they're deeply personal, layered with meaning, and created to be lived in.
Shop the home
November Home Edit: 5 Classic Home Listings We're Loving Right Now
It's the best day of the month, aka time to share November's Home Edit! If you're a new Garden & Grace reader, the Home Edit is our monthly series where we show off of on-the-market homes, hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
It's the best day of the month, aka time to share November's Home Edit! If you're a new Garden & Grace reader, the Home Edit is our monthly series where we show off on-the-market homes — hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
This month’s curated roundup features five traditional homes, sprinkled all throughout the south. It's no surprise, some of these beautiful homes have already accepted offers.
2824 Pump House Road - Mountain Brook, AL
4 beds | 3.5+ baths | 4,910 square feet | $2.25 million
This brick adobe is loaded with traditional character, from its charming curb appeal to its formal dining and living areas. I can picture many dinner parties and casual get togethers on the blue stone patio, overlooking the acres of mature gardens and landscaping.
This home is listed by Helen Drennen at RealtySouth.
2622 Dover Road Road -Raleigh, NC
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 4,720 square feet | $1.9 million
With its painted brick exterior, arched doorways, gracious outdoor living spaces and built-ins throughout, this home exudes Southern elegance.
This home is listed by Elaine Wood at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
2021 Spottswood Road - Charlottesville, VA
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 4,436 square feet | $2.9 million
This storied home was designed by famed architect Milton Grigg and built by RE Lee & Sons. It was Lee’s personal residence. I love the architectural details throughout.
This home is listed by Charlotte Dammann at McLean Faulconer
375 Farmington Drive -Charlottesville, VA
7 beds |8 baths | 12,728 square feet | $8.45 million
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this impressive estate sits on 43 rolling acres. It features an indoor pool pavilion, tennis courts and endless other amenities, just three miles from UVA.
This home is listed by Sally Du Bose at Sally Du Bose Real Estate Partners
610 Ivy Lane -Charlottesville, VA
5 beds |5 baths | 6,636 square feet | $5.795 million
Blue Ridge Mountain views, professionally landscaped grounds, multiple fireplaces, an orangery and abundant traditional design details are just a few things we love about this stately home.
This home is listed by Tim Michel at McLean Faulconer
Want to share your real estate listing with the Garden & Grace community? Submit your home listing here.
Our monthly real estate email and Instagram post are shared the first Tuesday of each month. Homes are vetted prior to publication to ensure they're in line with Garden & Grace's signature style.
September Home Edit: 6 Southern Home Listings We're Loving Right Now
Welcome to our new series called The Home Edit! This month we were totally enchanted by well-designed kitchens and dreamy space for entertaining.
Welcome to our latest edition of The Home Edit! We recently launched this monthly series to show off a curated selection of on-the-market homes, hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
Large, well-designed kitchens and dreamy entertaining spaces captured us this month, from Mountain Brook, Alabama to Nashville, Tennessee. Take a peek—we think you'll feel the exact same way.
Atlanta, Georgia
755 Northland Ct—$1.295 million
5 beds | 3.5 baths | 0.53 acres
Classic Southern curb appeal waves you in, and the beautifully maintained and decorated interiors invite you to stay a while. The cream and green exterior grounds the home in timelessness, while the living spaces—including the kitchen with a large island—have been updated to meet modern needs.
This home is listed by Morgan Rogers with Dorsey Alston Realtors.
Atlanta, Georgia
89 Brighton Road NE—$2.49 million
5 beds | 3.5+ baths | 0.30 acres
We love a traditional Tudor, and this handsome home is no exception. The Brookwood Hills gem was built in 1928 and renovated by well-known architect Stan Dixon. It has an expansive kitchen, built-in wet bar and formal and informal informal dining spaces—making it an entertainer's dream.
This home is listed by Bonneau Ansley with Ansley Real Estate & Christie’s International RE
Beaufort, South Carolina
5 Waterside Drive—$2.45 million
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 5,525 sq ft
The idyllic coastal Beaufort, South Carolina setting paired with the brilliant design work by Historical Concepts is a rare, enviable combination. There are so many large, liveable spaces—inside and out—where you can lounge and take in the views.
This home is listed by Karen Glisson and Anna Johnson with The HomesFinder Realty Group
Atlanta, Georgia
3378 Valley Circle—$1.725 million
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 0.65 acres
There's so much to love about this classic Buckhead home, including the main-floor primary suite, screened in-porch and mature landscaping.
This home is listed by Robin Collins with Ansley Real Estate and Christie’s International RE
Nashville, Tennessee
2008 Tyne Blvd. —$4.25 million
5 beds | 3.5+ baths | 6,509 sq ft
This private three-acre estate minutes from Belle Meade has good bones—ready for someone to add their personal touch—and plenty of space for entertaining.
This home is listed Julie Dretler and Dixie Maggart with Fridrich and Clark Realty
Mountain Brook, Alabama
4 beds | 2.5 baths | 2,620 sq ft
We just love a sprawling ranch and especially one with original detail and a large lot! The opportunities are endless, and location is amazing.
This home is listed by Dale McIntyre with ARC Realty Co.
Want to share your real estate listing with the Garden & Grace community? Submit your home listing here.
Our monthly real estate email and Instagram post are shared the first Tuesday of each month. Homes are vetted prior to publication to ensure they're in line with Garden & Grace's signature style.
August Home Edit: 8 Southern homes we're loving this month
Welcome to our new series called The Home Edit! This month we were totally enchanted by the graciousness of Southern architecture, from Mountain Brook, Alabama to Charlotte, North Carolina. Take a peek—we think you'll feel the exact same way.
Welcome to our new series called The Home Edit! Each month we'll show off a curated selection of homes, hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community. This month we were totally enchanted by the graciousness of Southern architecture, from Mountain Brook, Alabama to Charlotte, North Carolina. Take a peek—we think you'll feel the exact same way.
Atlanta, Georgia
934 Hawick Drive NW—$2.95 million
5 beds | 4.5 baths | 6,500 square feet
With its magazine-worthy interiors, this home caught our for so many reasons. It boasts entertaining spaces made for idyllic holidays at home and traditional curb appeal—all within Atlanta's established Buckhead neighborhood.
Mountain brook, alabama
3827 Forest Glen Drive—$2.45 million
5 beds | 4.5 baths | 5,529 square feet
Built in 1945 and situated on a large, manicured lot, this charming home is in a sought-after neighborhood near Birmingham, AL. The interior of the home is spacious and well-maintained, but the gardens and expansive outdoor entertaining spaces really stole our hearts.
sea island, georgia
104 East Fifth Street—$22 million
5 beds | 5.5 baths | 6,798 square feet
Traditional classic architecture calls you home, especially with immaculate views on one of the country’s most luxurious islands.
Greenville, south carolina
5 beds | 7.5 baths | 7,000 square feet
This large estate is on nearly nine acres with impressive interiors and space to welcome friends and family. The impressive foyer sets the stage for the architectural charm that flows throughout this stately South Carolina home.
Atlanta, georgia
2620 Habersham Road NW—$3.7 million
5 beds | 6.5 baths | 4,948 square feet
Built in 1928 this idyllic Philip Shutze designed home is truly one-of-a-kind! The storybook backyard has us dreaming of fall in Atlanta. Plus, the balance of old-world charm with contemporary updates is truly remarkable.
Charlotte, north carolina
410 Colville Road—$4.45 million
5 beds | 4.5 baths | 6,138 square feet
Photographed by us many times, this home boasts of character and mature landscaping. It’s no wonder it went under contract so quickly at $4,450,000.
Charlotte, north carolina
2141 Colony Road—$1.65 million
4 beds | 2.5 baths | 2,620 square feet
Don't blue shutters make your hear flutter? Us too. We just love this classic Cape Cod-style home with the prettiest interiors—and in-town walkability, thanks to its Myers Park location.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
2395 Dellwood Drive NW—$1.25 million
2 beds | 2 baths | 2,362 square feet
You may recognize this Buckhead cottage. It’s been shared on Instagram for its charming curb-appeal (hello, climbing ivy) countless times. We're not surprised this one is already off the market.
Want to share your real estate listing with the Garden & Grace community? Submit your home listing here.
Our monthly real estate email and Instagram post are shared the first Tuesday of each month. Homes are vetted prior to publication to ensure they're in line with Garden & Grace's signature style.
Favorite Finishes: Sarah Catherine Design Shares Inspiration For Fall
As summer starts to wind down, we wanted to provide the Garden & Grace community with fresh seasonal inspiration. We tapped Birmingham-based designer Sarah Moore, of Sarah Catherine Designs, to share a transitional interior scheme.
As summer starts to wind down, we wanted to provide the Garden & Grace community with fresh seasonal inspiration. We tapped Birmingham-based designer Sarah Moore, of Sarah Catherine Designs, to share a transitional interior scheme. The finishes she selected incorporate multiple textures, colors and patterns while still keeping some consistency in the tones in order to bring the space together.
Let's take a look at Sarah's pre-fall vision board.
The centerpiece for this flat lay is the Namay Samay floral fabric in the top left corner. "The colors and patterns remind me of leaves falling from a tree, while still having the bright and vibrant feel of summer," Sarah says. She imagines it for a pillow or drapery, paired with a blue linen solid fabric that can be used as welt on a pillow or on the leading edge of drapery panels.
These Alex Conroy and Namay Samay fabrics complement the palette in their colors and pattern scale. You could bring in a solid grey/green velvet rope-chain style trim to this combo as pillows to add some additional texture and interest, Sarah says. This blue ikat fabric from Cowtan & Tout is an iconic, classic print that helps root this design in timelessness. Add a simple ivory tassel trim to pillows or draperies for the final look. Here's the iconic fabric in pillow form! 
Farrow and Ball's Lotus wallpaper is a go-to for Sarah. The taupe and ivor colorway is both bold and elegant. "The Classic Cloth green leaf print fabric also provides that elegant transition from Summer to Fall in its muted, soft sage green color," Sarah says. Pair it with a rust linen fabric to bring more warmth to your space. For paint, Sarah recommends Farrow & Ball's Blue Gray and Pigeon. The subtly moody hues provide a peace backdrop, she says. 
To bring in as much warmth and texture as possible, Sarah chose a beautiful creamy Carrera marble tile, bamboo woven shades, and a natural woven sisal rug. Warm wood tones pair well with brass hardware, tying everything together, she says. Here are shades and a sisal rug we love!To polish off the look, you can use grasscloth wallpaper on the ceiling or back of bookcases to add depth and texture to your space. 
All photos are by Sara Catherine Design
Sarah Catherine Design is part of the Garden & Grace directory, our trusted list of home experts—curated for our discerning readers. Want to be apart of the community? Inquire here.
SHOP TRANSITIONAL HOME DECOR
