The Hollywood Garden Club is excited to host the first Historic Home Tour since 2020. One of the original Over the Mountain neighborhoods, Hollywood was the vision of developer Clyde Nelson. In 1924, he paid $109,800 for the land that would become “Birmingham’s Master Subdivision,” a planned community of Spanish Colonial Revival style homes, and later English Tudors. At the time, lots sold for $1,800–$3,700, and completed homes sold for $15,000–$35,000. As part of the plan, the neighborhood enjoyed economic advancements such as the first natural gas pipeline over Red Mountain and the area’s first busline, along with the upscale Hollywood Country Club (later destroyed by fire). In 2002, the Hollywood Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For tickets to the Historic Hollywood Tours of Homes click here.
About the Homes
The A. V. Smith House
220 La Prado Place
This charming brick Tudor cottage and detached carriage house were originally built in 1928. Very few changes were made to the interior or exterior until the current owners purchased the house in 2016. The redesigned home has newly vaulted ceilings in the living room, foyer, and kitchen nook, as well as a brand-new kitchen. The limestone floor in the foyer is original to the house as is the front door. The fireplace was reworked, adding a mantel that came from the carriage house. The gorgeous table in the kitchen nook was built from wood also salvaged from the carriage house. The two-story carriage house, which had fallen into disrepair, was completely rebuilt on the site of the original structure.
The Nelson House
205 Bonita Drive
This 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival holds historic significance as the personal home of Hollywood’s developer, Clyde Nelson, and as one of the first built in the community. Designed by George P. Turner, the architect for many of Hollywood’s original residences, this two-story gem features original beamed ceilings in the living room, archways in the foyer and den, four sets of French doors, a large open porch with tile floor and fountain, limestone mantel, stucco walls, and a terra-cotta roof.
The Davidson House
312 English Circle
This 1926 two-story Tudor Revival is one of the original homes on English Circle. The owners have stayed true to the historic charm of the home, which includes a multiple cross-gabled roof, a detached two-car garage, and metal casement windows throughout. The leaded glass in the front bay windows and many architectural items throughout the home were added by former homeowner Mary Adams of the popular Mary Adams Antiques in Homewood. An addition was made in the 1980s. The current homeowners are art lovers, and the home is currently full of beautiful collections.
More Home Tours Across Alabama
A home tour is so much more than a stroll through houses; it’s a journey into the very heart of Southern hospitality and heritage. These tours provide an opportunity to discover the hidden stories behind meticulously preserved estates. Cities across Alabama are opening up the ornate doorways of their historic homes this spring. Whether you’re a history buff or more of an architecture aficionado, these tours promise an enchanting journey through some of Alabama’s most spectacular residences.
April in Talladega Pilgrimage Tour | April 12-13
For tickets, schedule, and more information: aprilintalladega.org
Talladega’s Silk Stocking District, an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases a range of architectural delights, from Queen Anne to American Craftsman. Four of those homes, along with the First Presbyterian Church, will take center stage this April on the Pilgrimage Tour. At each stop, visitors will learn all about the structures, most all which were constructed pre-1900 and even feature many of the original furnishings.
Birmingham Parade of Homes | April 26-28 & May 3-5
For more information birminghamparadeofhomes.com
Whether you’re seeking helpful design ideas to build a new abode or simply enjoy exploring the latest home trends, the Birmingham Parade of Homes is the can’t-miss opportunity to check both boxes. This year’s tour gives guests a peek inside more than 65 fabulous new-construction finds at various price points throughout the city, each featuring a range of architectural styles, must-have amenities, and fabulous floor plans.
