Forest Hills · Nashville
Considered homes for Nashville's most private enclave.
Forest Hills sits between Belle Meade and Oak Hill on some of Nashville's most desirable terrain — wooded hillsides with long views, creek corridors, and a sense of remove that belies its proximity to Green Hills and downtown. It is a community where privacy, land, and architectural quality are non-negotiable.
Character
Forest Hills is Nashville's quietest prestige address. No commercial zoning, no through-traffic, no sidewalks by design. The community is entirely residential, with properties ranging from one to ten acres of heavily wooded hillside. Residents value the rural character within city limits — building here means preserving that character, not competing with it.
Lots & Terrain
Forest Hills parcels are defined by their topography: steep grades, mature forest cover, and creek setbacks that constrain buildable area. Foundation systems must accommodate significant grade changes — walkout basements, stepped foundations, and retaining structures are common. Stormwater management is critical given the watershed sensitivity. Tree removal requires careful planning and often mitigation.
Permitting & Review
Forest Hills is an independent municipality with its own zoning ordinances and building permit process, separate from Metro Nashville. The community enforces minimum lot sizes (typically 1+ acre), maximum lot coverage ratios, and setback requirements that are more restrictive than Metro standards. Building permits require site plans showing tree preservation, grading limits, and stormwater management.
Architectural Vernacular
Forest Hills architecture is diverse but unified by scale and setting — homes are substantial but defer to the landscape rather than dominating it. Stone, cedar, and natural materials that weather gracefully are favored. Contemporary design is accepted when it demonstrates sensitivity to the wooded setting. The best homes here disappear into their sites rather than announcing themselves from the road.
Begin locally
Discuss your Forest Hills project with our team.
Selected work from across Middle Tennessee
