There are builders and developers in Nashville who are doing incredible work with new construction — we’re lucky to regularly team up with Cathedral Homes, whose classic design-inspired homes carry forward the timeless aesthetic of some of the historic neighborhoods they’re built in.
We’re thankful to see a vacant or blighted property become the site of a beautiful and tasteful new home. We’re thrilled, too, when we see historic properties in our city get renovated, reimagined, loved — saved.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation designated May as Preservation Month, to shine a light on the beauty of historic spaces and encourage people “to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and to their communities.” So we’re turning our attention in that direction: toward some beautiful historic homes in Middle Tennessee that have survived decades, coming into 2016 refreshed and renewed — but still holding all those stories — and ready for new homeowners to move in and love.
We searched through the listings, and these historic homes — from various eras, all around/near Nashville — caught our eyes. Take a look at what we found, and if one catches your eye too (or if you want help finding something similar), let us know!
1211 Greenfield Ave
Nashville, TN 37216
PRICE: $399,000
Architecturally speaking, East Nashville is one of the most diverse communities in Nashville, with Victorians from the early 1900s around Eastwood and cute mid-century ranches in Rosebank and beautiful ‘30s and ‘40s stone and brick tudors in Inglewood and on and on. This pretty, well-kept 1930s brick cottage near Riverside Village is a great snapshot of 37216, from the front porch to the french doors to the charming original trim. This one’s in great shape, with a lot of time-capsule left to it while still feeling set up for modern life.
1227 5th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37208
PRICE: $650,000
Germantown has been deep in whip-quick growth for some time now, and there’s lots of period-appropriate (and not so period-matching) new construction going up. It’s a little tougher lately to find a fully restored historic Germantown home, which is part of what makes this 1860 property so fun. This is a high-end renovation with some industrial touches, with plenty of love on the historic touchstones too, like exposed beams and brick.
1010 Lawrence Ave
Nashville, TN 37204
PRICE: $695,000
The historic gorgeousness of this 12 South home is immediate — the intricate wooden front door traces back to the 1880s. The home itself was built in 1927, and that era provided tons of its own charm, from the transoms to the four original fireplaces.
4400 Dakota Ave
Nashville, TN 37209
PRICE: $769,000
In Sylvan Park, here’s an example of a lovely historic property that was loved into modernity in terms of finishes and size. Built in 1948, it was expanded and renovated considerably, all very tastefully, so you have that bungalow charm with luxurious details, and space for a big family — more than 4,300 square feet.
4220 Franklin Road
Nashville, TN 37204
PRICE: $1,100,000
In upscale Oak Hill, homebuyers expect a certain amount of luxury, and this updated circa-1800s Federal-style home delivers, with high-end Wolf appliances, Carrara marble in the master bath and more. It also retains its historic wow factor, from the floors to the beams, fireplaces to for hardware.
3516 Richland Ave
Nashville, TN 37205
PRICE: $1,250,000
Since the Historic Richland–West End area was one of Nashville’s first planned subdivisions, tracing back to the very early 1900s, it can be a treasure trove of gorgeous older properties. This beauty came along as the neighborhood was already developing, in 1920, and today, looks like there’s barely an inch that hasn’t been renovated, updated or upgraded here. All that work was done with the utmost class — classic lines and finishes, like subway and penny tile, with light, bright colors. And those original windows — stunners.
3516 Gillespie Ave
Nashville, TN 37205
PRICE: $1,259,000
Heart-stopping Foursquare-style right off West End, built in 1915 but completely renovated. The moulding, transoms and built-ins are a historic design lover’s dream; the fresh, bright and totally tasteful renovations are a double-dream for buyers who want that charm, but not the projects that can often come along with it.
612 W Main St
Franklin, TN 37064
PRICE: $1,600,000
Downtown Franklin is always a good bet for historic house hunters, and this circa-1900 property is a perfect example, with original pocket doors, fireplaces — even the gorgeous glass door knobs. It’s zoned office/residential, so if you need space to live and work, it could be a perfect fit. Regardless, sure is pretty to gaze at, right?
To learn more about Preservation Month, visit The National Trust for Historic Preservation website.
Are you searching for a historic home in Nashville? Or maybe a newer one that was built with timeless design in mind? Let us know if we can help you hunt down the perfect new house!