By Tally Dettling
For 24 years, Tim and Cindy Bembry have called the house on Wellington Road home. Built in 1929, this enchanting Tudor Revival blends timeless clinker brick with historic details such as a steeply pitched roofline and an arched stone front entry with half timbering. As Mayfair has evolved over the past century, the Bembry’s home remains an example of the craftsmanship and design that defined the era.
Just as it is today, Mayfair has been a popular area of Homewood for almost 100 years. Built as a “modern” neighborhood by Breen Real Estate & Insurance company, an architect rendered front elevation drawing was included with the sale of each homesite. The neighborhood was popular then for the bus line that ran daily, as well as its proximity to the original Homewood trolley car line that connected it to downtown Birmingham.
It is the home’s unique history and ageless details that encouraged the Bembrys to work toward having this stunning dwelling added to the Jefferson County Historical Association’s home registry. While remaining true to the home’s original character, the Bembrys have made some thoughtful upgrades through the years. “As we expanded the footprint of the home, we were very intentional in preserving the home’s historic integrity and original flow, ensuring the new spaces feel naturally connected and to support effortless entertaining, just as the home was intended,” explains Cindy.
Much of the home’s original character remains both in the original front exterior and interior architecture. “While the current finishes are a mix of traditional, transitional and European-inspired styles, the kitchen curio cabinets are original to the home. Although it was suggested we remove them during our first renovation, we kept them to maintain the home’s history,” Cindy says. “They were a detail that originally drew me to the house and remain a favorite today. Other highlights include the skip trowel plaster walls and the graceful arched openings that connect the living spaces.”
Tim adds, “My favorite part of the home, besides the back yard, is the brick fireplace in the den that one of my sons helped me design to reuse the existing house bricks preserved from a renovation. We raised our four children in this home, completing two major additions and completely re-landscaping both the front and back yards. We added a heated dipping pool, fire pit and a bocce court to create spaces for both gathering and entertaining. This home has allowed us to host Christmas dinners, youth retreats, wedding parties and even a rehearsal dinner—welcoming family, neighbors, youth and church members alike. With the downstairs bedroom and en-suite we were able to host a guest for three months allowing them to have total independence to come and go.”
The Bembrys agree that Mayfair, specifically Wellington Road, is a unique place to live in Homewood. “There is no other street in Homewood that offers the peace of wooded privacy behind you, along with sweeping views of downtown Homewood and the skyline, including Vulcan,” says Tim. “The walkability of our street and the strong sense of community with our incredible neighbors are what have made this home so special to us over the past 24 years. We’ve vacationed and watched our children grow up together, building lifelong friendships.”
The Next Chapter:
1614 Wellington Road
Now that the Bembry’s children are grown, it’s time for another family to fall in love with this home and make it their own. Barbara Lummis, both ARC realtor and long-time friend, reminisces about her own time spent in the Bembry’s home. “My kids grew up with Tim and Cindy’s children, and some of our fondest memories were made during gatherings at the Bembry home,” Lummis says. “I just love the backyard and the entertaining areas they have added, especially the spa and heated pool area—aka the “spool” as well as the view of the valley and Vulcan from the back of the home. The landscaping and bocce ball court make it a wonderful place for entertaining.”
Tim adds, “The proximity to work and church, the top-ranked Homewood school system and the community of neighbors are all reasons we bought this house.” Lummis adds, “It’s a family oriented area in Homewood where houses aren’t on top of each other, but neighbors are still nearby. You can still be connected, while maintaining privacy. Wellington Road is a beautiful well-established, favorite street in Homewood.”
Property Highlights:
• Original plaster walls and graceful archways
• Hardwood floors
• Split-French doors
• Stone-accented entry with stunning curb appeal
• Spa-like primary suite with a luxurious soaking tub
• Private backyard oasis
• Heated dipping “spool”
• Lighted bocce ball court
• Expansive deck for entertaining
• Backs up to peaceful woods with sunset views
• Zoned for Shades Cahaba Elementary and
Homewood City Schools
Property Features:
1614 Wellington Road, Homewood, AL 35209
Beds: 5
Baths: 4½
Living Area: 4,403 square feet
Reference ID: 21434461
Listing by Barbara Lummis, Realtor, ARC Realty
