126 Westminster Drive - A House Built on Friendship and Vision

Told by Designer & Friend, Tim Hobby

When I think about the home at 126 Westminster Drive, I don’t just see a completed project—I see the culmination of years of friendship, collaboration, and a shared vision with Tommy Chapman and Aaron Wilson. We’ve worked together on several homes over the years, but this one began in the most unforgettable way: with a design trip to Verona, Italy.

Tommy, Aaron, the late architect Frank Neely, and I spent days exploring quarries and stone studios in Verona. That’s where we found the expressive marble panels that now rise two stories in the main living salon, as well as the stone flooring that carries throughout much of the home. Those materials were the spark—setting the tone for a house that would feel timeless, sculptural, and deeply personal.

A New Build Rooted in a Historic Neighborhood

Construction began well before 2020, but the timeline was extended by the challenges that came with COVID—delayed shipments, material shortages, backlogs on everything from glass to stone. In the midst of that, we lost Frank Neely, whose architectural vision had shaped the entire project. Finishing the home became not just a goal but a commitment: we wanted to honor what he imagined while ensuring the interiors carried the same level of intention.

The exterior reflects that respect for Ansley Park—a classic European stone façade with clean lines and elegant proportions that blend into a street known for its historic charm. But step inside, and the energy shifts. Tommy and Aaron wanted modern interiors that still felt warm and inviting, and that balance became one of the guiding principles of the design process.

Spaces Made for Living Well

Light plays a major role in this home, especially thanks to its corner lot and sweeping window lines. The two-story living salon, anchored by double fireplaces and the dramatic marble feature wall from Verona, is the heart of the house. It’s a room that feels equally suited for quiet mornings or evening gatherings with friends.

The indoor pool is another favorite feature—designed with sliding floor-to-ceiling doors that open into a private courtyard. Outside, an outdoor kitchen, dining space, and lounge areas make the courtyard an extension of daily living. Higher up, a rooftop terrace offers treetop views of the surrounding green spaces and becomes a natural gathering point during the warmer months.

Inside, the home continues to reveal layers: the kitchen with bar service and a catering kitchen, the subterranean lounge and wine cellar that transform into a late-night retreat, and a flowing floor plan that encourages movement from one space to another.

A Home Furnished With Intention

Most of the interior furnishings were sourced from my showroom at ADAC, Minotti Atlanta by HA Modern. Tommy and Aaron have a strong appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, which gave us the freedom to curate pieces that reflect both their lifestyle and the architecture of the home—tailored upholstery, sculptural silhouettes, and warm textures that keep the modernity from ever feeling cold.

Several of the lighting fixtures were custom co-designed specifically for this residence. I always say that lighting is the jewelry of a home, and in this case, the fixtures help define the rhythm of the interiors—guiding the eye, creating intimacy, and adding subtle drama where the architecture calls for it.

An Art Collection Years in the Making

The home’s art collection is one of its most meaningful layers. During the years of construction, we visited galleries in Europe, Art Basel, and our favorite spots in Atlanta. The result is a thoughtful, personal collection that brings soul to the modern architecture and reflects Tommy and Aaron’s shared love for contemporary art. It is, without question, the house’s most personal signature.

A Place Meant to Be Shared

The first gathering held here was a late-night open house for close friends, and since then the home has hosted birthday celebrations, poolside afternoons, and intimate evenings in the lounge. Tommy and Aaron built this house for living—and for sharing it with the people they love.

On Building in Ansley Park

Ansley Park is a special place: eclectic, walkable, surrounded by green spaces, and full of architectural character. My advice for anyone considering a renovation or new build here is simple:

Invest in quality, hire reputable professionals, and choose people you trust. Good teams don’t just execute a vision—they protect it.

A Home Built on Friendship

Designing this home alongside two of my closest friends was a privilege. It’s a house shaped by shared experiences, thoughtful decisions, and the desire to create something lasting. For me, it will always stand as a testament to quality, collaboration, and friendship.

— Tim Hobby
 Minotti Atlanta by HA Modern
 Instagram: @timhobby21
 404-822-0604