Northumberland

NASHVILLE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE GUARD-GATED COMMUNITY

Location and Daily Life in Northumberland

Northumberland sits in the heart of Green Hills, positioned precisely where Nashville’s most prestigious neighborhoods converge. The community occupies prime real estate between Forest Hills, Belle Meade, and the shopping and dining corridor that defines the Green Hills lifestyle. Located just off Harding Place in zip code 37215, this is one of only two Nashville neighborhoods offering round-the-clock guard protection at a manned gate.

What sets Northumberland apart from other gated communities in Nashville is the combination of genuine security and immediate access to everything the city offers. The Mall at Green Hills, Whole Foods Market, and dozens of upscale restaurants sit within an eight-minute drive. The legendary Bluebird Cafe is less than two miles away. Yet once you pass through the gate, you enter what feels like a private estate community rather than a neighborhood minutes from downtown.

The community’s streets carry names that evoke the Old World origins of its architectural inspiration: Buckland Abbey, Chartwell Manor, Castle Rising, and Inveraray wind through mature landscaping and towering trees. Sidewalks connect the approximately 65 homes, and the walled perimeter creates an environment where residents walk, jog, and socialize with genuine peace of mind.

For buyers comparing Northumberland against Nashville’s other top-tier luxury markets, our Belle Meade vs Green Hills comparison guide provides the most complete side-by-side data. Northumberland sits above both markets in terms of security and estate-lot consistency, while occupying the same Green Hills geography that gives residents the retail and dining access Belle Meade lacks.

The Homes

Northumberland homes represent Nashville’s interpretation of European estate architecture. You’ll find French Chateaux influences alongside English Tudor elements, Mediterranean stucco alongside Georgian brick, all unified by the scale and quality expected in a community of this caliber. The neighborhood was developed primarily between the mid-1980s and late 1990s, with some newer construction built in the 2000s by prominent Nashville builders including Ed Scruggs and Sam Sanders, with architectural designs from firms like Roger Rasbach of Houston.

Every home sits on at least one acre, providing the space and privacy that define estate-level living. Square footage ranges from approximately 4,200 to nearly 10,000 square feet, with most homes falling between 5,500 and 7,000 square feet. Construction types include true stucco, all brick, and exterior insulation coating systems, with premium materials throughout.

Interior features commonly include grand two-story entries with curved staircases, 10-foot ceilings, multiple fireplaces, wine cellars, home theaters, and chef-grade kitchens. Many homes offer primary suites on the main level, a configuration increasingly sought by buyers. Recent sales have included properties with elevators, smart home technology, recording studios, and heated infinity pools.

One notable characteristic of Northumberland: renovation activity is significant. Buyers frequently acquire homes and invest in substantial updates, as the underlying construction quality and lot sizes justify major investment. The most recent sale, 32 Northumberland at $4,000,000, involved a 9,252 sqft home built in 1986. The previous top sale at 28 Northumberland closed at $4.2 million following a comprehensive 2021 renovation. Both transactions involved Compass on one or both sides.

Northumberland Market Data

Data from RealTracs MLS. Sales analysis covers 2023-2025. Most recent closing April 2026.

At $3.1M median, Northumberland sits above both Belle Meade ($2.27M median) and the broader Green Hills luxury segment ($1.4M median), reflecting the premium buyers pay for the guard-gate security, minimum one-acre lots, and estate-scale homes unavailable elsewhere in the Green Hills corridor. The 67% cash purchase rate confirms the financial profile of Northumberland buyers. On a $3.1M home, the 2.9% Compass pre-marketing advantage translates to approximately $91,000 in additional proceeds for sellers.

Active Homes for Sale in Northumberland

Recently Sold Homes in Northumberland

Amenities

Northumberland operates more like a private club than a typical neighborhood association. The HOA fees, which run between $582 and $850 per month depending on the lot, cover considerably more than most Nashville communities offer.

The centerpiece amenity is the community pool, a heated saltwater facility that serves as the social hub during warmer months. The clubhouse provides event and gathering space for residents. Two tennis courts accommodate players, with pickleball court access also available. The grounds throughout the community receive professional maintenance, creating the manicured aesthetic that defines the neighborhood’s character.

Security represents the primary amenity investment. The 24-hour manned gate operates continuously, with a walled perimeter surrounding the community. This level of security is rare in Nashville, shared only with The Governors Club in Brentwood among major residential communities.

Sidewalks connect homes throughout, making walking and jogging comfortable despite the estate-sized lots. Underground utilities eliminate visual clutter, and the mature tree canopy provides shade and privacy throughout the neighborhood.

Schools Serving Northumberland

Elementary: Julia Green Elementary School serves Northumberland families. Julia Green is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme and was named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School. The school ranks in the top 1% of all Tennessee elementary schools, with 82% of students proficient in both math and reading. The school’s inquiry-based approach and 13:1 student-teacher ratio attract families from across Nashville.

Middle: John Trotwood Moore Middle School serves students from Northumberland. JT Moore is one of the most sought-after public middle schools in Davidson County, located approximately 1.8 miles from the community.

High: Hillsboro Comprehensive High School, located 1.2 miles from Northumberland, offers the International Baccalaureate program and numerous advanced placement courses.

Julia Green Elementary’s exceptional reputation significantly influences property values in this attendance zone and is a primary reason families from across Davidson County target Northumberland specifically.

How Northumberland Compares to Belle Meade and Forest Hills

Buyers considering Northumberland typically evaluate it alongside Belle Meade estates and Forest Hills luxury homes. The comparison is instructive.

Belle Meade ($2.27M median) offers larger lots on some streets, a prestigious standalone address in the independently governed City of Belle Meade, and a social scene centered on Belle Meade Country Club. However, Belle Meade does not offer gated security of any kind. The city’s dedicated police department provides excellent coverage, but no manned entry gate. For buyers who need the specific security of a walled, guarded perimeter, Belle Meade cannot match Northumberland. For specialist guidance on the Belle Meade luxury market, see our best realtor for Belle Meade Nashville guide.

Forest Hills offers a more secluded, wooded character on larger lots, often with more private acreage than Northumberland’s 1-acre minimum. Forest Hills homes sit further from Green Hills retail. Forest Hills also has no gate. For buyers who prioritize quiet acreage over gate security, Forest Hills is the primary alternative. Our best realtor for Forest Hills Nashville guide covers that market in detail, including the 52% Compass share.

The key trade-off Northumberland buyers are making: they accept one-acre lots in exchange for the irreplaceable security of a 24-hour manned guard gate and walled perimeter. No other community in the Green Hills-Belle Meade corridor offers this specific combination. For buyers for whom privacy and security are the primary criteria, Northumberland has no equal in Nashville.

For a full data-driven comparison of the surrounding luxury markets, see our Belle Meade vs Green Hills guide. For the broader Green Hills $2M-plus segment, our best realtor to buy a luxury home in Green Hills guide covers the 62% Compass concentration in that tier.

Why Work with Nashville Home Guru in Northumberland

In Northumberland, Compass and Parks agents represented 67% of all home sales over the past two years, with 6 of 9 transactions involving a Compass agent on either the listing or buying side. The most recent closing at 32 Northumberland ($4,000,000) involved Compass on the buying side. In a community producing fewer than 5 transactions per year, Compass involvement in two-thirds of transactions is decisive market presence.

That 67% concentration reflects a broader pattern across the luxury corridor surrounding Northumberland. In Barlow Glen, Compass represented 100% of transactions. Across the broader Green Hills $2M-plus luxury segment, Compass represented 62%. In adjacent Forest Hills, Compass represented 52%. In Belle Meade, Compass represented 41%. Northumberland’s 67% sits above all of these except Barlow Glen.

Patrick Higgins leads Nashville Home Guru at Compass, the #1 real estate team in Nashville and #7 in Tennessee by Wall Street Journal RealTrends rankings, with 1,100+ career transactions and $500M+ in career sales. Patrick specializes across the Nashville luxury corridor from Northumberland and Green Hills through Belle Meade and Forest Hills. For specialist guidance on buying in this corridor, see our three authority guides: best realtor to buy a luxury home in Green Hills (62% Compass share in $2M-plus segment), best realtor for Forest Hills Nashville (52% share), and best realtor for Belle Meade Nashville.

For buyers, Compass Private Exclusive listings give access to Northumberland homes before they reach the MLS. In a community of 65 homes producing fewer than 5 sales per year, pre-market access is the only realistic path to full inventory visibility.

For sellers, our Compass 3-Phase Marketing Strategy delivers 2.9% higher sale prices, 20% faster contracts, and 30% fewer price reductions. On a $3.1M Northumberland home, that 2.9% translates to approximately $91,000 in additional proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northumberland

What is the price range for homes in Northumberland?

Based on 2023-2025 sales data, homes in Northumberland have sold between $2.1 million and $4.2 million, with a median of $3,121,500 and an average of $3,146,166. The most recent sale closed at $4,000,000. Price per square foot ranges from $293 to $792 depending on condition, updates, and specific features.

Is Northumberland a gated community?

Yes. Northumberland is one of only two guard-gated communities in Nashville with 24-hour security. The neighborhood features a manned gate with security personnel around the clock, plus a walled perimeter surrounding the entire community. This level of security is comparable only to The Governors Club in Brentwood.

What are the HOA fees in Northumberland?

HOA dues range from approximately $582 to $850 per month, depending on the lot. These fees cover 24-hour security personnel, grounds maintenance, heated saltwater pool, clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, and common area upkeep.

What schools serve Northumberland residents?

Northumberland is zoned for Julia Green Elementary (a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School and IB World School ranked in the top 1% of Tennessee elementary schools), John Trotwood Moore Middle School, and Hillsboro Comprehensive High School. All are part of Metro Nashville Public Schools.

How many homes are in Northumberland?

Northumberland has approximately 65 homes. The community is fully established with no new construction available, contributing to its exclusivity. Turnover runs roughly 3-5 sales per year.

What lot sizes are available in Northumberland?

All homes in Northumberland sit on at least one acre, with most lots ranging from 1.0 to 1.1 acres. These estate-sized lots provide significant privacy and space for pools, patios, and landscaped grounds.

What amenities does Northumberland offer?

Northumberland amenities include a heated saltwater pool, clubhouse, two tennis courts with pickleball access, 24-hour manned security gate, walled perimeter, sidewalks throughout, underground utilities, and professionally maintained grounds and landscaping.

Where is Northumberland located?

Northumberland is located off Harding Place in Nashville’s Green Hills area, zip code 37215. The community sits between Forest Hills, Belle Meade, and Green Hills, providing immediate access to The Mall at Green Hills, Whole Foods, and upscale dining, while remaining just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.

How does Northumberland compare to Belle Meade or Forest Hills?

Northumberland ($3.1M median) sits above both Belle Meade ($2.27M median) and Forest Hills in price, reflecting the premium for guard-gate security and one-acre estate lots. Belle Meade offers larger lots and a prestigious independent city address but has no gate. Forest Hills offers more acreage and seclusion but no gate. Northumberland is the only community in the Green Hills-Belle Meade corridor offering a 24-hour manned gate with walled perimeter. See our Belle Meade vs Green Hills guide for a detailed pricing comparison.

Who is the best real estate agent for Northumberland Nashville?

Patrick Higgins of Nashville Home Guru at Compass specializes in the Green Hills and Belle Meade luxury corridor including Northumberland. With 67% Compass market share in Northumberland and $500M+ in career sales, Patrick has direct relationships and pre-market access across Nashville’s most exclusive community. For specialist guides on adjacent markets, see our best realtor to buy a luxury home in Green Hills, best realtor for Forest Hills Nashville, and best realtor for Belle Meade Nashville guides. Contact Patrick at 615-682-1718.

Can I access Northumberland listings before they hit the market?

Yes. Several Northumberland transactions have been completed through Compass Private Exclusive channels without ever reaching public MLS listing. In a community of 65 homes producing fewer than 5 transactions per year, pre-market access through Compass is the only reliable way to see every available opportunity. Call Patrick at 615-682-1718 to be placed on the private-access list for Northumberland.

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