Showstopper on Cherokee Road

This one is just stunning. I had a chance to tour it several years ago when I was still a die-hard bungalow gal, and I never forgot it. I think it helped me realize how comfortable a "modern" house could be. Yes, it's pricy at $875K, but it's in Mountain Brook, and it's . . . it's . . . well, just take a look:





http://tiny.cc/CherokeeRd

Please, please buy this place and then invite me over for a visit. I might not ever leave, but then I might just start cleaning it for you so you won't throw me out.

Lakeshore Estates (Homewood)

Lakeshore is a main east/west drag that takes you from Bessemer to Homewood (where it becomes Shades Creek Parkway) and on into Mtn. Brook (where it becomes Mtn. Brook Parkway). Yes, our roads have a lot of names. I attribute that to each municipality not wanting to play second fiddle to the next. Unfortunately, a lot of first fiddles does not an orchestra make. But that is a political discussion for another day. And probably for another blog. But, none of our street names start with the word "Peachtree" followed by a hyphen, so we're good.

Nestled just off Lakeshore, and accessible from Green Springs Highway/Old Columbiana Road (South Lakeshore Dr., Murray Hill, Lakeridge, etc.) is Lakeshore Estates. For those still puzzling on the naming conventions in the Magic City, the answer is no: there is no longer a lake. This is where imagination comes into play, much like in the "Lakeview" district near Highland Park and the "Lakewood" district near East Lake. We Birminghamians are an imaginative people when it comes to water. Just watch how we convince ourselves that railroad tracks are a river as we redevelop downtown. But I digress.

Back to Lakeshore Estates. These are some great homes on large lots, and can be had reasonably considering their highly coveted location:

Trippin' in the Tiny Kingdom

That's Mountain Brook -- "The Bubble" -- for those of you who aren't local. One typically thinks of stately manors, guest houses, circular drives, debutantes . . . but there are mods there, too. Unfortunately, many are on secluded lots and therefore unobservable by yours truly. But there are some that can be seen without a Land Rover and a native guide. Just head toward Mt. Brook Jr. High and you will find them on Mountain Park, Hillsdale, Montevallo Lane, Richmar and thereabouts. Here's a sample:





























Here's a close-up of the detail on the shingles -- Greene & Greene go atomic!









Happy exploring!

Mountain Brook Office Park

This isn't really a place you go by accident, but you probably drive past all the time without really thinking about it. Below are some shots of buildings on the east side of the park (the west side is more 1970s utilitarian). It's just off Highway 280, between Hollywood Blvd. and Lakeshore.













Here is a close-up of the elevated walkway from above. I have no idea where it goes -- into the woods, it appears. Anyone game for a hike?