Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the developer?
Witherspoon is being co-developed by Ford Classic Homes and CPS Land, LLC. Ford Classic Homes has been building homes of architectural distinction and quality in such distinguished Middle Tennessee communities as Annandale, Laurel Brooke, Westhaven, and Windstone. Additional information is available at www.fordclassichomes.com.
CPS Land has been developing many of Middle Tennessee’s top-selling communities since 1997 including Annandale, Providence, Montclair, and Burkitt Place. Additional information is available at www.cpsland.com
What amenities are offered at Witherspoon?
- A gracious resort-style amenity center that features two swimming pools and clubhouse with covered porches, gathering room, kitchen, conference room and restrooms.
- A trail system that connecting Witherspoon to Crockett Park
- Beautifully landscaped and lighted roundabout at the entrance.
- Street trees, neighborhood parks and playgrounds, streetlights, and sidewalks throughout the community.
- An enhanced architectural program that strives to make sure that each home and lawn conforms to the highest standards.
- An event lawn with covered picnic pavilion.
How many homes will be in Witherspoon once completed?
Witherspoon will have 153 homes when complete.
Is Witherspoon a gated community?
No, Witherspoon is not a gated community.
Who are the Approved Builders for Witherspoon? How were the builders selected?
• Aspen Construction – www.aspenconstruction.net
• Barlow Builders
• Castle Homes – www.castlehomes.com
• Davis Properties – www.davisproptn.com
• Ford Classic Homes – www.fordclassichomes.com
• Insignia Homes – www.insigniahomestn.com
• Legend Homes – www.legendarylifestyles.com
• Schumacher Homes, LLC
• Stonegate Homes – www.stonegatehomes.us
• Woodridge Homes – www.mywoodridgehome.com
What are the Witherspoon Homeowners Association (HOA) fees and what do these fees cover?
As of 1/1/20 the HOA quarterly fee assessment is $735.00. The quarterly assessments are subject to review and/or revision as outlined in the Bylaws. At the homesite closing, there is a payment due of $1,500.00 toward the working capital fund and an additional payment of $250.00 for a set-up fee to the HOA management company.
The HOA fees will cover maintenance of the:
- Pools, clubhouse, picnic pavilion, and children’s play area.
- Lawn care and seasonal planting throughout the community including entrances, parks, and common open space.
- Highly landscaped and lighted entrance on Crockett Road.
- Multiple lakes and fountains within the community.
- Landscaped roundabout
- Extensive paved and unpaved trail system within the community.
- Multiple neighborhood parks
HOA fees also cover:
- Insurance for the pools, clubhouse, pavilion, and all open space.
- Water used to irrigate the entrances, roundabouts, and parks.
- Electricity for the pool, clubhouse, pavilion, street lights, entry lighting and other landscape lighting in common spaces.
- A fee to the management company that is responsible for maintaining. Witherspoon on a day-to-day basis so residents can enjoy their time while at home.
There are numerous additional items not listed above that the HOA fees cover. All homeowners will be invited to HOA meetings and have an opportunity to participate in leadership positions helping to ensure Witherspoon remains one of Brentwood’s premier communities.
What is Witherspoon’s Design Review Committee (DRC)?
The Design Review Committee (DRC) is a board of design and building professionals established by the developer to review all homes to be constructed in Witherspoon with respect to the community covenants and restrictions. This review is also based on architectural style, materials and colors, exterior detailing and site and landscape criteria. The activities of the DRC have been established to protect the integrity of the community streetscape while allowing for the individual to create a custom home.
Who are the individuals that comprise the Design Review Committee (DRC)?
Mr. Rob Pease – Mr. Pease is a CPS Land Partner and Project Manager responsible for the design and construction of Witherspoon. Mr. Pease, who has more than 20 years’ experience in land planning, landscape architectural design and project management helped establish the vision for Witherspoon and is passionate about ensuring its position as one of Brentwood’s most distinctive communities.
Mr. Jack Herr– Mr. Herr is a well-respected architectural designer that has designed many of the homes found in some of Nashville’s finest communities including Governor’s Club, LaurelBrooke, The Enclave, Green Hills, and Belle Meade. Mr. Herr’s homes can also be found in cities throughout the Southeast and have been featured in Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens.
Mr. Doug Arnold, ASLA– Mr. Arnold is a well-respected landscape architect and land planner specializing in high end residential. Mr. Arnold has worked on communities throughout the southeast including the Governor’s Club and LaurelBrooke in Nashville.
Ms. Flow Miklich – Ms. Miklich is a color specialist and designer with Bella Vita Interiors.
Ms. Grace Claudy– Ms. Claudy works in all areas of architectural and graphic design for CPS Land, LLC. She is the Design Review Coordinator for Witherspoon.
Once all design criteria are submitted to the Design Review Committee (DRC) what is the timeframe to receive approval or comments on plans?
The Design Review Committee (DRC) establishes a fixed meeting schedule at the beginning of each quarter. Complete design criteria and plans must be submitted to the DRC at least two (2) days before its scheduled meeting if they are to be placed on the docket for review. The DRC will attempt to provide written notice of approval of plans or comments on plans within fifteen (15) business days of its scheduled meeting. Once the DRC has approved the Architectural Plan and Site Plan, no changes may be made without seeking re-approval (additional fees may apply).
Is there a specific architectural design that the home in Witherspoon must follow?
The goal is to create a community of distinctive homes conforming to what might be defined as classic architecture; “English Influence”, “French Influence”, Italian Influence”, and “American Influence”. Each home is to be distinctive yet is to fit into the context of the community plan and architectural theme. As with all aspects of the design review process, flexibility exists and all submissions for construction will be reviewed on an individual basis. A preliminary review of all homes is strongly suggested in order to receive initial feedback (additional fees may apply).
How are the design guidelines enforced?
The design guidelines are enforced by the Design Review Committee (DRC). More specifically, the DRC regularly visits Witherspoon and reviews the homes under construction. Homes that are not built according to the plans as approved by the DRC are in violation of the design guidelines (“Design Infraction”).
Builders/Buyers violating the design guidelines are sent notice of the Design Infraction, fined and are ordered to remediate the Design Infraction. Within fifteen (15) days of receiving notice of a Design Infraction, the lot Buyer must make all repairs or changes necessary to correct the Design Infraction. If the lot Buyer fails to make the repairs within a reasonable time, Seller or its agents shall be free to enter the property and undertake any required repairs, the cost of which shall be paid by the lot Buyer including fifteen (15%) percent of the actual out-of-pocket cost to cover the Seller’s overhead.
What are the home site sizes?
Homes sites in Witherspoon range in size from approx. .4 AC to approx. 4 AC.
How do I know if my home will fit on my homesite?
The ‘Homesite Profile’ is a descriptive outline of various site-related elements present on the available homesites in Witherspoon that may affect the construction of your custom home. The elements included are such items as homesite slope and orientation, the best location for a garage, potential basement options, building envelope size and any other special features regarding the homesite. This profile functions as a guide for selecting a specific site and/or determining whether your house plans are suited for a particular site. Additional help can be sought from the Witherspoon Builders Guild and or Design Review Committee.
Are “Homesite Profiles” available for every homesite?
The “Homesite Profiles” are available for homesites in current phases of construction and are available by request from the Sales Team.
Can I immediately begin construction once I close on my homesite?
Home construction can begin once the Design Review Committee (DRC) approves the Architectural Plan and Site Plan for your new home. Once the Architectural Plan and Site Plan are approved, no changes may be made without seeking re-approval (additional fees may apply).
How many square feet will the homes be in Witherspoon?
The square foot requirements will vary depending upon the section of Witherspoon in which you chose to build your home. The minimum square footage for all home constructed in Witherspoon is 3,200 square feet excluding garages, porches, unfinished basement area, and open area, with no home being over 10,000sqft.
- Homes built on Duncaster Court, Beckham Drive, or Bradbury Court have a minimum square footage of 3500.
- Homes built on “High Profile Lots” (see question 17 for further details) will have a minimum of either 6000 or 7000 sqft.
- Homes built on Witherspoon Drive, Joslin Court, and Tellcroft Drive, have a minimum square footage of 5000 sqft.
Any home built in Witherspoon, regardless of the home’s size, must meet very high design standards. Please refer to High-Profile exhibit for more information.
What is meant by “High Profile” homesites?
These homesites are considered “high profile” because of their orientation or location within the community. Typically, these include corner homesites, homesites located along the main parkway, and homesite backing or fronting formal open space.
Can I build my own home?
Only the members of the Witherspoon Builders Guild or other Approved Builders are permitted to build homes in Witherspoon.
What exterior materials are acceptable on homes in Witherspoon?
Acceptable exterior façade materials are brick, stone and stucco (hardcoat only). Accent materials include wood, ‘Hardie’ siding, shake, vertical board-and-batten. No synthetic stucco or exposed concrete block is allowed. Synthetic stone is acceptable in limited circumstances (subject to Design Review Committee approval). Other materials such as stucatto board are allowed in small areas and only by approval. Combining these materials is permitted and, as with all listed materials. Materials must be continuous on all sides of the home (no material can stop on an outside corner and no use of ‘short returns’). All foundations must be faced with stucco, stone, or brick. The use of a permitted material is subject to the review and approval of the Design Review Committee (DRC) as certain materials may not be appropriate for a particular style, design, or location of a home.
Is the construction of private swimming pools, tennis courts or sports courts allowed?
Construction of the above are considered on a case by case basis. Home buyers interested in constructing any of the above must include them on the Architectural Plan, Site Plan, and the Landscaping Plans prior to submission to the Design Review Committee (DRC). Home buyers that wish to construct the above at a later time must submit a formal request to the DRC along with detailed plans. None of the above can be constructed without written approval from the DRC. Please refer to the Witherspoon Design Standards for further information.
Is play equipment allowed?
Children are an important part of the Witherspoon community and providing a pleasant place for children to grow and play is a community goal. The type, structure, and design of any semi-permanent or permanent play equipment must be submitted to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for approval before installation. Wood construction is required, except as otherwise may be approved by the DRC. Play equipment composed primarily of metal is prohibited. Play equipment located in the front or a side yard is generally prohibited.
What is the requirement on fences in Witherspoon?
Black iron/cast aluminum fences are allowed. Fence heights shall be 5’-0.” Fence location and style is per Design Review Committee (DRC) approval. Alignment with the rear corners of the home is recommended. Front yard fences, entry gates/walls and privacy fences will all require DRC approval and must be submitted as part of an overall landscape design. Special attention is given to the fence designs required adjacent to all open spaces and on High Profile homesites.
What is the requirement for driveways in Witherspoon?
The standard is gray aggregate concrete with a standard broom finish concrete apron (apron is defined as the concrete paved area from the back of curb to and including the sidewalk). The Design Review Committee (DRC) must approve any alternate materials for the driveway. No variances are granted for the broom finish concrete apron.
May homeowners choose their own mailbox design/size in Witherspoon?
The developer has chosen a standard mailbox design for the community that is used on all homes constructed in Phases 1 – 4. This mailbox is ordered and installed by your builder upon completion of your home construction.
For any homes built in Phases 5 – 8, the State of Tennessee is requiring Central Mailbox Units, located in landscaped cul-de-sac islands at the end of Fordham Dr, Berwyn Ct, Edenwilde Dr, and Joslin .Ct. The location of these mailboxes is determined by the United States Postal Service.
What are the landscaping criteria in Witherspoon? What information does my builder need to secure in relation to saving the most trees possible on my homesite?
All homes in Witherspoon are expected to include a high level of quality landscaping and hardscape. Hardscape refers to items such as walks, drives, and pool and patio layout. Landscape refers to all aspects of new plantings and existing natural foliage on the homesite and how that combines to create a complete site layout. Landscape and hardscape plans must be approved by the Design Review Committee (DRC). Plans must be submitted for DRC approval on or before completion of exterior facade materials. Required ‘tree save areas’ on each homesite are discussed on site with a representative of the DRC prior to the planning of your home design (additional fees may apply). It is important to maintain as many of the existing trees as possible to insure the pristine appeal of the existing landscape though it is often difficult to save trees in areas near the home or in areas where grading will be required. Please refer to the Witherspoon Design Standards for further information.
Do any homesites in Witherspoon have special features that need to be considered when selecting a homesite (i.e. drainage easements, tree save areas, etc.)? How do these conditions affect the construction of a home on such as site?
The ‘Homesite Profile’ for a particular lot in Witherspoon, is a descriptive outline of various site-related elements that affect construction of a custom home. Elements that may be included in a Homesite Profile include the slope and orientation of the lot, the best location for a garage, basement options, the building envelope size, and any other special features regarding the homesite. This profile functions as a guide for selecting a specific site and/or determining whether your house plans are suited for a particular site.
Some homesites call for “heavy landscaping.” How do these homesites differ from other homesites that do not have that requirement?
Homesites requiring “heavy landscaping” are typically considered critical homesites because of their high-visibility, orientation, or location within the community. The “heavy landscaping” requirement ensures that these homes are well presented.
Are there any restrictions on the construction of entry monuments/gates at driveways?
Constructing any of the above is considered on a case by case basis. Home buyers must include these entry features on the Architectural & Site Plan and the Landscaping Plans that are submitted to the Design Review Committee (DRC). Home buyers that wish to construct the above at a later time must submit a formal request to the DRC along with detailed plans. None of the above can be constructed without written approval from the DRC.
How do I know if my home can have a basement?
The ‘Homesite Profile’ is a descriptive outline of various site-related elements present on the available homesites in Witherspoon that may affect the construction of your custom home. The elements included are such items as homesite slope and orientation, the best location for a garage, basement options, building envelope size and any other special features regarding the homesite. This profile will function as a guide for selecting a specific site and/or determining whether your house plans are suited for a particular site.
Are there streetlights throughout Witherspoon? Will they be present in any subsequent phases of construction?
Yes, Witherspoon is a beautifully-lit and pedestrian friendly community.
Are there sidewalks in Witherspoon?
Yes, there are sidewalks throughout the community that connect to the parks and trails. Witherspoon is a pedestrian-oriented community that was designed for people interested in walking and running on the sidewalks and trails.
What is the “Street Tree Program” at Witherspoon?
The Street Tree Program was developed to provide the framework for planting and maintaining street trees between the curbs and sidewalks. These trees provide an important separation between the pedestrian areas and the street, and help to frame the houses. The developer plants the street trees at the appropriate time and the builder is responsible for the care, maintenance, and replacement, if necessary, of street trees on a lot during construction. After the home closing, the homeowner assumes responsibility for the care, maintenance, and replacement, if necessary, of street trees on their lot.
For which school districts is Witherspoon zoned?
Witherspoon is zoned for:
- Crockett Elementary School: 615-472-4349
- Woodland Middle School: 615-472-4930
- Ravenwood High School: 615-472-4800