I frequently drive by the entrance to this mansion, but had never visited. So on another unseasonably warm February Sunday, my four-legged pal and I ventured to check it out.
The drive up to the house is narrow...and I actually love that. Despite the modern day pave, it's so reminiscent of the era.
The signage is a bit lacking (looks like they're in the process of replacing it), but I quickly figured to continue around to the back side of the house and park in one of the painted spaces there.
We started out by walking around the house itself. It's a beautiful place. I especially loved the glass bottles I could see sitting on some on the window sills. I wonder if they're original to the house?
The steps leading to the front porch were cabled off, so we weren't permitted to get a closer look.
The State of Tennessee owns this property now, and it's presently being used as offices for the Historical Commission. They do not provide tours, but they have installed placards throughout the property grounds as a means of a self-guided tour.
Aside from these grounds previously serving as a private plantation to at least three different families, it has also served as a residence to staff of the Tennessee School for the Blind. (The school is still located next door to this property.)
The entire property is fenced with a drive in the front (from Lebanon Pike), and a gravel road in the back leading to a service road of sorts.
It's adjacent to the Stones River Greenway.
On the land in front of the house, aside from the drive itself, there is another paved path for non-motorized traffic. Great for walking.
The land in the back is comprised of mostly open fields, with several more historical buildings throughout.
There are several barns, two cabins that were once slave quarters, and a chicken coop.
Two of the barns that are just marked as State property with no trespassing signs...both of which have seen better days! I obeyed the signage and did not go inside these structures, but they sure do look to be possessing a whole bunch of...junk. One is even housing an old claw foot bathtub!
There's also a "newer" house off in the back that I believe was built after the State had purchased it.
The graves of the first family that owned this plantation can be found nearby, but are not located within the fenced property of the house. They're directly behind the YMCA.
Definitely worth a Sunday stroll for another piece of Nashville history. Just note: While I found dumpster there I could throw doggie waste into, I did not see any restrooms open to the public.
P.S. I drafted this review prior to the tornadoes that hit Nashville last week, which greatly impacted this area. However, in the days since, I have confirmed the main house is still standing. I am uncertain at this time if the property sustained any damage, or how extensive it may be. read more