Vandalia Cottages in Downtown Franklin
Imagine a small, well-conceived community offering luxury finishes, old-house charm, manicured gardens and virtually no maintenance, all within a short walk of downtown Franklin’s award-winning Main Street. Then consider that prices on the custom-built new homes range from the $200s to the low $400s.
That’s what Franklin-based Bristol Development Group is bringing to Boyd Mill Avenue with the Vandalia Cottages, utilizing one of the last remaining open lots in downtown Franklin to maximize the space and challenge the notion that density is bad.
“We’ve become very attuned to what buyers are looking for within the urban core in Nashville and other major markets, and pocket neighborhoods are addressing this missing element that people find really attractive—smartly designed, smaller spaces and high-end finishes within a tight-knit community,” said Ashlyn Hines, a principal with Bristol Development. “This is a price point for quality new construction that hasn’t existed inside the Mack Hatcher loop, much less within walking distance of Main Street. It’s a lifestyle that a lot of different buyers are looking for.”
Vandalia Cottages will break ground in the coming weeks, with the installation of a bridge across Sharp’s Branch from New Highway 96 West for vehicular traffic. Pedestrian traffic to downtown Franklin will be via Boyd Mill Avenue.
Seventeen units—four different cottage home designs ranging from 1,250 to 1,805-square feet—will be built around common courtyards that feature shared open space and lush landscaping. Most importantly, the concept encourages more interaction among neighbors and the cultivation of meaningful relationships.
“When you think about it, neighborhoods are most often oriented toward the car rather than the person, and we spend our time at home behind tall fences in the back yard,” said John Abernathy, a partner with the award-winning architecture firm of DA|AD, who designed the cottages. “This is about wide front porches that face each other, and shared space that everyone uses together. It’s been extremely popular for all the right reasons.”
Chef-grade appliances, granite and hardwoods throughout, tiled baths, gas lanterns and other touches distinguish the Cottages from the typical spec home; details like antique architectural elements make each home truly unique. For instance, reclaimed historic front doors and newel posts add old-house touches to energy-efficient, space-conscious new construction.
Bristol is again partnering with Bob Parks Realty and their highly talented team of Nashville agents who have sold more than 800 units and $220 million in real estate for Bristol over the last few years. Danny Anderson, the lead listing agent who also manages the Bob Parks office on Main Street here, says the concept fits with the spirit of downtown Franklin, an eclectic balance of people and places. Infill in a historic neighborhood deserves to be designed for the highest and best use, said Anderson.
“These homes will be a great value and very well located for young professionals or empty nesters who may not have been able to afford a home here previously,” he said. “Most people would rather have 1,800 square feet of totally maximized space than 2,300 chopped up, and without the burden of a big yard to mow.”
Hines says she expects the 17 units to sell very quickly; an invitation-only kickoff event for Realtors and prospective buyers will be held Wednesday, May 15th at 6 p.m. in the Bob Parks office on Main Street. To view floor plans and renderings, or to request an invitation to the kickoff event, please visit www.vandaliacottages.com.
About Bristol Development Group
As one of the Southeast’s leading land-use companies, Bristol Development Group is focused on providing high-quality, amenity-rich urban and suburban living at attainable prices in growing Sunbelt cities. Based in Franklin, recent local projects include the Icon in the Gulch, Vista Germantown, Tapestry Brentwood Town Center and Bell Historic Franklin. To learn more, visit www.bristoldg.com.
