555 Orme Circle:
Contemporary Elegance in Virginia-Highland

Our very first Waterford Homes custom home project in Virginia-Highland, 555 Orme Circle is located just steps from Piedmont Park. The property is a standout thanks to both its location and its rare walkout from the main level to the backyard. That combination created a unique opportunity to design a home that feels connected, functional and tailored to the way people live today.

From the earliest stages, our team’s focus was on creating a home that respects the surrounding neighborhood while introducing a more refined, modern perspective. This project highlights how thoughtful design and careful planning come together on an intown lot just steps from Piedmont Park.

Our Site Strategy

The homesite’s walkout from the main level to the backyard is a defining feature of this home. Maximizing this connection allowed the home to feel more open and integrated despite the compact lot.

Architectural Approach

The design balances modern refinement with neighborhood compatibility. Exterior materials and detailing were selected to feel timeless in this historical neighborhood while still introducing a more updated perspective.

Getting the Details Right from the Start

Garage placement was one of the first major decisions we made.

In Virginia-Highland, front-facing garages are not typical. Many homes rely on side-entry or detached solutions. After evaluating the site, we determined that a front-entry, terrace-level garage offered the best balance of function and design for this property.

To ensure it felt integrated into the home rather than purely practical, we designed custom wood garage doors in a chevron pattern. That detail adds a layer of warmth and texture, enhancing the garage’s contribution to the overall architectural character.

We carried that same level of intention into the exterior! A European smooth stucco finish was selected for its clean, understated look. Executing that finish came with challenges. Limited space on site meant that scaffolding restricted access for material deliveries during installation. This required careful coordination and adjustments throughout the process!

Even with those constraints, the final result delivers a refined, breathtaking exterior that feels both timeless and appropriate for the neighborhood.

Light & Materials = Key Design Elements

From the moment you step inside, natural light plays a central role in the home’s flow.

The Waterford Homes team designed the foyer to feel open and welcoming, using large windows to bring in consistent daylight. The staircase introduces a strong visual element with custom wood risers and treads, while a subtle herringbone detail adds texture and craftsmanship.

In the kitchen, we employed the same approach, with material selection and light working together to define the space. Rift sawn white oak inset cabinetry creates a warm, tailored look, and a fluted plaster hood becomes a focal point, framed by windows on either side to draw in natural light throughout the day. White Lux quartzite was used for both the countertops and backsplash to offer durability while adding movement and depth.

Just beyond the kitchen, the scullery introduces a slightly different, moodier tone! We selected cabinetry in the Sherwin-Williams Still Water hue and paired it with Royal Soapstone countertops to create a deeper, more intimate space. While smaller in scale, it adds both function and contrast that support the flow of the main kitchen.

Spaces Designed for Everyday Living

The office, located on the first floor, required a thoughtful approach to ensure it still feels bright and usable. We pre-wired the space for motorized blinds to provide privacy when needed, while incorporating design elements that bring in natural light.

In the dining room, we focused on creating a space that feels defined without being overly formal. To achieve this, we designed the space with eight-foot windows to bring in consistent daylight and a custom wood ceiling feature to add depth overhead.

In the primary suite, our goal was to create a space that felt calm and well resolved. Taj Mahal quartzite with mitered edges creates a cohesive, understated look throughout the bathroom. A custom shower glass design helps define the wet room while maintaining an open, seamless feel.

Together, these spaces reflect a custom Virginia-Highland home designed for how people actually live day to day.

Building a New Home in Virginia-Highland

As a refresher, it’s important to remember that building a custom home in Virginia-Highland requires more than construction expertise. It’s important to note that tight site conditions, limited staging space and the expectations that come with an established neighborhood all influence the process. Every phase, from planning through construction, demands careful coordination and attention to detail.

The Waterford Homes team has valuable experience building custom homes in Atlanta, which allows us to navigate these complexities while maintaining a high level of quality and consistency throughout the project.

Custom Homes in Virginia-Highland: What to Expect

Custom homes in Virginia-Highland are typically built on smaller intown lots and require careful planning to align with neighborhood character and City of Atlanta zoning regulations. Our team needs to consider the balance between modern design preferences and architectural compatibility, limited site access and tight construction footprints.

Most projects involve:

• Infill or teardown lots rather than large undeveloped parcels 

• Lot sizes (often under 0.25 acres)

• Design constraints related to setbacks, height and lot coverage 

• A focus on maximizing indoor-outdoor living within a compact footprint 

Because of these factors, selecting a builder with experience in intown Atlanta construction is essential.

Can You Build a New Custom Home in Virginia-Highland?

Yes, but nearly all new homes are built through:

• Teardown and rebuild projects 

• Redevelopment of existing properties 

• Strategic infill construction 

Vacant land is extremely limited, making site evaluation and planning among the most important phases of the process.

Infill lots in Virginia-Highland require a level of precision that differs from building in larger communities. Space is limited, and every decision must be made with the surrounding homes in mind.

Building on your lot in Atlanta requires more than designing a home that fits the site. It requires understanding the property, the neighborhood and how the two come together. Our goal is always to create a home that feels intentional, livable and well-suited to its setting.

Life in Virginia-Highland

One of the reasons Waterford Homes was drawn to this homesite was its location within Virginia-Highland, a corner of Atlanta that offers a unique balance of history, walkability and everyday convenience.

Originally developed in the early 20th century as a streetcar suburb, Virginia-Highland has evolved into one of Atlanta’s most established intown neighborhoods. Many of the area’s original homes still stand, contributing to its character and architectural diversity. 

Today, the Virginia-Highland is known to both Georgia residents and visitors for its tree-lined streets, local businesses and close proximity to some of Atlanta’s most recognizable destinations. The city’s famous Piedmont Park is just a short walk away, offering access to green space, trails and year-round events that are central to intown living.

Virginia-Highland residents also benefit from being near the BeltLine Eastside Trail, which connects the neighborhood to surrounding Atlanta hotspots and provides easy access to dining, shopping and outdoor activity. 

Hungry? Virginia-Highland’s commercial corridors, particularly along North Highland Avenue, feature a mix of long-standing local spots such as Highland Tap and Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar, and newer additions. From casual restaurants to coffee shops and neighborhood boutiques, this Atlanta neighborhood supports a lifestyle that feels both connected and convenient without relying heavily on driving.

For homeowners, that combination of location, history and walkability continues to make Virginia-Highland one of the most desirable places to build in Atlanta. This is a setting where thoughtful design matters, and where each home contributes to the broader character of the neighborhood.

A More Thoughtful Way to Build in Atlanta

This new custom home at 555 Orme Circle NEreflects how we approach custom homes in Atlanta, whether building on your own land or within a neighborhood setting.

We approach each project by researching the property, the location and how the homeowner wants to live. From there, we focus on thoughtful design, quality construction and a finished home that feels complete in every sense.

For those considering building on your lot in Atlanta or exploring a custom home in one of the city’s established neighborhoods, this latest project from our Waterford Homes team offers a clear example of what is possible with the right team in place.

Partner with our team to build the home that defines your next chapter! Reach out to our team today by filling out an online contact form! Are you searching for inspiration for your next Waterford Homes new home? Click through our virtual gallery to glimpse some of today’s hottest new luxury home trends.