Tour of Homes (Homes) | The Heritage Foundation

35th ANNUAL TOWN & COUNTRY TOUR OF HOMES SET FOR JUNE 5-6

Three Centuries Represented on Tour Featuring Eight Exquisite Homes in Historic Franklin

The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County has announced the lineup of eight exquisite homes for the 35th Annual Town & Country Tour of Homes, to be held in Franklin on Saturday and Sunday, June 5th and 6th.

“These homes represent the best of three centuries of residential architecture in historic Franklin,” said Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation. “Their histories range from the 1820s to the 1920s – from the Federal period to Victorians and Craftsman-style structures, as well as a wonderful Brownstone that was sensitively incorporated into downtown Franklin in 2007.”

The homes on tour are:

Clouston Hall 202 Second Avenue South • Clouston Hall, Ca. 1821 - Truly one of Downtown Franklin’s most historic treasures, this Federal-style house was designed by Joseph Reiff and built in 1821 by wealthy merchant Edward G. Clouston. Reiff was the architect who designed Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, and he may also have designed the Carter House which shares many of its architectural details.	Riverside at Forrest Crossing McGavock-Stilwell House 1711 Forrest Crossing Circle • Riverside (The McGavock-Stilwell House), Ca. 1835 - This Federal-style farmhouse was once part of the Carnton estate and served as the home of James Randal McGavock, son of Randal McGavock. Its neo-classical design has been enhanced over the many years it has stood, and the prominent white pillars were added in 1905. Andrew Jackson visited here during the home’s construction and planted 12 cedar saplings, five of which are still standing. The home suffered fire damage around 1900 and was rebuilt in 1905. The current owners have the diary of a soldier who was grateful for a bed in this house after the Battle of Franklin.
Hearn-McNeely Home 901 West Main Street • Hearn-McNeely House, Ca. 1888 - This Victorian cottage spent its first 92 years in Franklin on another downtown street - Fifth Avenue North - in the area behind the Starbucks on Main Street. It was going to be torn down to make way for a bank, but the Heritage Foundation acquired it in 1981 and had it moved to this location on West Main Street, where the historic home that previously occupied this lot had burned down. This home is full of history and elegance.	Wells-Wirt House 226 Fifth Avenue South • Wells-Wirt House, Ca. 1875 - This Victorian cottage takes its “Wells” name from J.C. Wells, who owned several lots on this corner of Fifth and Margin and had the home built. When he died, it was sold to Josephine Wirt, who was well-known as an elementary school teacher for many years and occupied this charming home. It has had several subsequent owners who have loved and maintained it, and added some modern features while maintaining its historic character.
Mulligan-George House 246 Fourth Avenue South • The Mulligan-George House, Ca. 1919 - James C. Mulligan built this two-story, stone house in 1919 in a modified craftsman style that was popular at the time. In 1934, James deeded the house to his wife, Lillian Lawrence Donaldson Mulligan, who died in 1981. Gen. Douglas MacArthur visited her with his wife, who was friends with Mrs. Mulligan. Its artistic and creative owners have enhanced the beauty and livability of the home and added modern conveniences, while retaining its charm, such as the four stone fireplaces.	The Ratcliff House 217 Fifth Avenue South • Ratliff-Hawkins House, Ca. 1918 - Like the Mulligan-George House, this home is on the former site of the Tennessee Female College, and its destruction in 1916 made way for construction of this Craftsman-style house. It retains its original hardwood floors, mantles, transoms and trim. Open parlors in the front create spacious gathering places, and the backyard and garden is a peaceful retreat with a charming little artist’s studio.
Sykes-Thuma House 335 Fourth Avenue South • The Sykes-Thuma House, Ca. 1867 - The Sykes-Thuma house was originally designed and built as a small shotgun-style house in 1867. In the years between 1913 and the present, various additions, extensions and porches were cobbled together until the dwelling reached its current configuration. From the outside, it is not apparent to passersby that the home includes nearly 4,000 square feet of living space, and all on one floor. What started as a shotgun cottage has evolved into one of Franklin’s historic treasurers over its 143 years at this location.	The Brownstones at First and Church Flittner-Smith House 212 Emily Court • The Brownstones at First & Church - A 2007 development just a half block from Franklin’s Historic Public Square, the Brownstones are custom, luxurious and historically sympathetic townhomes that fit in well with the original 15-block town of Franklin. The site for the Brownstones was a field hospital during the Civil War, and many artifacts were uncovered during excavation. Later, the site was home to workers at the Lillie Mills flour plant across the street (where you can still see the silos where grain was stored—the factory burned in 1958).