Inside Two Taylor Burton Custom Homes in Gramercy Parc

There are houses that photograph beautifully. And then there are houses that make more sense once you slow down and start noticing what went into them.

The two new Taylor Burton homes at 1719 and 1723 Collinwood Court in Gramercy Parc are very much both.

Yes, the kitchens are beautiful. The ceilings are high. The yards are manicured. But at this price point, those things should be good. What’s more interesting are the details you might scroll right past—the construction choices, custom finishes and small decisions that separate a custom-built home from a house with a nice finish package.

So, ahem. You might have missed something.

Start with who built them

Both homes were built by Taylor Burton Company, a Birmingham custom builder with roots in the building business spanning multiple generations and a history of building custom homes in the Birmingham area since the 1980s.

That distinction matters here.

These are completed new homes, but they have many of the details you would expect to spend months selecting during a custom build—without starting with plans, making hundreds of selections and waiting through the construction process.

And there is a lot to notice.

Look a little closer

From the street, cedar roof accents, stonework, metal gates, stone walkways, and professionally manicured landscaping set the tone. Both homes have irrigation systems and outdoor spaces designed to be enjoyed without creating an enormous maintenance project.

Inside, 12-foot ceilings create volume on the main level, while vaults, beams, and substantial trimwork give the rooms architectural interest. Even the sheetrock corners on the main level are rounded—a subtle detail you may not consciously register, but one that changes the way the spaces feel.

The built-ins are actually built in. Closet systems are finished, not an afterthought. Under-cabinet lighting is already there. Kitchens feature JennAir appliances, and details such as double ovens and paneled refrigeration keep the cabinetry visually clean.

The bathrooms continue the same approach, with features including dual shower heads, detailed tilework and custom cabinetry.

These aren't necessarily the things that jump out in the first five listing photos. They're the things you begin noticing when you walk through the house.

And the two aren't identical

That's another reason these homes deserve a second look. Taylor Burton didn't simply build the same house twice.

At 1719 Collinwood, one of my favorite architectural moments is the dramatic wall of windows along the staircase. The stone fireplace, vaulted and beamed kitchen, outdoor patio, and substantial unfinished basement give this home a personality—and possibilities—of its own.

At 1723 Collinwood, you'll find a few different surprises: a cooking porch, cabinet-paneled refrigerator, wallpapered powder room, and an 80-gallon hybrid water heater, along with the same attention to millwork, cabinetry, appliances, and architectural detail found next door.

Choosing between them may come down less to a checklist and more to which one feels like you.

Then there's the location

Gramercy Parc sits just off Rocky Ridge Road, putting you incredibly close to Vestavia Hills and the conveniences of the Over-the-Mountain area.

But here's the part that's easy to miss:

These homes are in unincorporated Jefferson County.

That creates an unusual combination—Vestavia convenience without the Vestavia city tax bill - an almost $6,000 annual savings.

For buyers comparing similarly priced homes inside Vestavia Hills city limits, that's worth doing the math on. Property taxes vary based on assessed value, exemptions and tax district, so buyers should always verify their individual tax situation. But the difference in applicable tax rates can be meaningful, particularly at the $1 million-plus price point.

Location isn't just about how quickly you can get somewhere. Sometimes it's about which side of a municipal line your house happens to sit on.

Luxury that doesn't require babysitting

There's another part of these homes I think gets overlooked: they offer a surprisingly lock-and-go lifestyle for detached custom homes.

The yards are polished and manicured without being sprawling. Irrigation is already in place. The outdoor areas are intentional. The homes are new. And you're getting substantial interior space without signing yourself up for acres of weekend projects.

That's appealing whether you're busy with work and kids, travel frequently, are downsizing from a larger property or simply have no desire to make lawn maintenance your newest hobby.

Maybe it's time for a second look

At $1,369,999 for 1719 Collinwood Court and $1,269,999 for 1723 Collinwood Court, buyers should expect beautiful finishes.

The better question is what they're getting beyond them.

A Birmingham custom builder. Twelve-foot ceilings. Real built-ins and closet systems. JennAir appliances. Architectural trimwork and beams. Thoughtful outdoor spaces. Stone and cedar exterior details. Finished landscaping. Unfinished space with future possibilities. And a location that puts you next to Vestavia while keeping you outside the city limits.

Some of those things are obvious.

Some aren't.

And sometimes a house you think you've seen deserves a second look.

1719 & 1723 Collinwood Court | Gramercy Parc
For more information or a private showing, contact Roxanne Hale and Judy Beaton with Art House at RealtySouth.