By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Blair Ramsey
Brookwood Forest is rich in architectural marvels, reminiscent of sophisticated, traditional design. Tommy and Kathy Thomson’s stately home was first built in 1959 by Victor Hansen, formerly the publisher of The Birmingham News.
The home’s alluring beauty first infatuated Kathy as she would pass it by, riding to and from Mountain Brook High School. After growing up and getting married, she and Tommy settled in Mountain Brook, but not before Kathy put a letter in the home’s mailbox, asking if the homeowners would like to sell.
That was 20 years ago. The homeowners at the time, the Morgan family, were not selling, but thanked Kathy anyway.
Five years passed, and Kathy, polite but persistent, put another letter in the Morgans’ mailbox, simply “following up.” As fate would have it six years from that second letter, Mrs. Morgan phoned Kathy up and said her family was finally moving.
Tommy and Kathy immediately bought the beautiful home in late 2013 just before the Christmas season. Partnering with Cris Francisco, Robin Donahue, Donna Frazier and Katrina Porter, the Thomsons refinished the floors and updated the kitchen and bathrooms, careful to preserve many of the architectural elements in the home’s design.
The Legacy League’s annual home tour annually attracts more than 800 guests. Cumulatively, the event has raised more than $425,000 for scholarships. Being a part of such a monumental impact in students’ lives is fitting, Kathy says, considering she was blessed with the opportunity to purchase her dream home after decades of admiring it.
Looking forward, Tommy and Kathy hope their home will continue to be a blessing for all who enter. After all, blessings run abundant when one opens her doors to those in need.
Entryway
The entryway’s old-English-style aesthetic is complemented by its parquet flooring and accented wainscoting. A hidden gem, the storage closets are tucked away in the wall’s wood paneling.
Living Room
The living room houses the Thomsons’ childrens’ portraits.
Dining Room
This gorgeous, mahogany dining room suite was gifted to Kathy by her mother. The wallpaper was picked out by Donna Frazier and incorporated into the room’s design ahead of the Christmas Home Tour.
Home for the Holidays
Lisa Davis poured her time and talents into decorating the Thomson home for the Christmas season.
Kitchen
Katrina Porter helped remodel the Thomsons’ kitchen, utilizing an earth-toned color palette for the open concept’s color scheme.
Kitchen Nook
This dining nook is adjacent to the kitchen and provides a bit of respite on busy mornings.
His & Hers
The house’s original build incorporated his & hers bedrooms and bathrooms across the hall from each other. Pictured is one of the remodeled bedrooms whose portraits of hydrangeas add the perfect pop of blue to the home.
Walking on Sunshine
Compliments of Highlands Decorating Center, this canary yellow butterfly wallpaper Kathy chose for its aesthetically pleasing nature.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom suite’s custom-made textiles were hand-selected by Robin Donahue. Having always wanted a fireplace in her bedroom, Kathy worked with the designers to draw in a built-in fireplace on the portside wall.
Family Room
This room’s sandstone fireplace was incorporated into the home’s renovations as a central focal point for this space.
Bonus Room
Above the kitchen, this second floor is a quiet space Tommy utilizes when he works from home.
Breezeway
This brick-laid path connects the kitchen nook to the carriage house.
Carriage House
This guest house provides an entertainment suite, bedroom and bathroom for guests. Kathy sourced the dragonfly wallpaper from Highlands Decorating Center after having first fallen in love with the design in England.
Behind the Scenes
Contractor: Cris Francisco
Interior Designers: Robin Donahue, Donna Frazier and Katrina Porter
Interior Decorator: Lisa Davis
The Samford University Legacy League Christmas Home Tour
The annual Christmas Home Tour will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12 with viewings from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Those interested in learning more information or purchasing tickets, click here.
