An Urban Retreat at Bells Bluff
Less than 15 minutes from downtown Nashville sits Bells Bluff, a 402 unit multi-family development with rural serenity and astounding views of the Cumberland River. Southeast Venture Broker Ashley Bishop first discovered the undeveloped property in 2014. He was immediately drawn in by the picturesque scenery, as was The Beach Company when they came to tour the site. It didn’t take long for the Beach Company to secure the property and hire Southeast Venture Design for their first project in the Nashville market.
The project is located in West Nashville at 7600 Cabot Drive, just minutes from downtown Nashville via I-40 and Charlotte Pike. The property boasts 45 acres of sloping terrain and breathtaking views of the Cumberland River and Bells Bend, an 808-acre rural preserve defined by its agricultural history.
The location is perfectly removed from the hustle and bustle of Nashville, yet close enough to experience all entertainment options Music City has to offer.
The property
Bells Bluff offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, as well as an extensive amenity package, including two pools (a zero entry lounge pool and a lap pool), a club room, a fitness center, a yoga room, multiple grilling/lounge areas, a game lawn, and a dog park and dog spa. Additionally, a private walking trail with fitness stations weaves through the wooded property.
Architectural design
Bells Bluff is designed to capture a “modern-lodge” aesthetic, with unrivaled views of the Cumberland River and Bells Bend. Sixteen of the 17 total buildings are designed with single-loaded, exterior corridors to eliminate internal views of the parking lot and allow all units to have external views of the river and west Nashville. With over 200 feet of change in elevation across the site, it was certainly a challenge to balance the cut and fill. The smaller building footprints and use of retaining walls around the site allowed us to nestle the buildings into the hillside and better address the steep slopes.
Interior design
The interior design of the leasing and amenity buildings continue the “modern lodge” concept. Warm wood tones in lighting, furnishings and architectural details, such as the open staircase connecting the leasing lobby and the clubroom, contrast with the light neutrals of the walls and floors. Expansive windows in the two story space are a focal point to the natural vista of this site.
The great thing about this property is that wherever you are, you’re surrounded by beautiful views. Bells Bluff was one of the most unique design projects we’ve had the opportunity to work on and with a great client who was eager to take on the challenge just as much as we were.
