historic cragfont

Another very good tour. The elderly gentleman that guided us on this one was also very friendly and funny. He allowed us to take pictures inside the house. He was very knowledgeable about this family and things that went on in this house. Again, no air conditioning and it was HOT! Best to go when weather is a little cooler.

Located less than an hour from Nashville in Castalian Springs (near Gallatin) stands the oldest limestone house in Tennessee, Cragfont. It was built by General James Winchester, who fought in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 in 1798, which is before Tennessee became a state. He was also one of the three founders of Memphis, TN, and his son was that city's first mayor.The house has been restored to its early years, and is furnished with original pieces belonging to the family as well as period pieces. Notable features include the first ballroom built in the state, the original hand-stenciled walls in the parlor, and a kitchen and smokehouse in the house--these normally would have been in separate buildings due to risk of fire, but with 22" limestone walls it wasn't as much of a concern. The stars seen on the exterior are functional--at the center are bolts on the ends of earthquake rods that run through the house used to tighten the walls. There's a beautiful garden and pond in the back. Tours are available, check the website for hours at www.historiccragfont.org.The tour, which lasts about 30-45 minutes, was very interesting and informative, and I saw several items I'd never seen before and learned some interesting facts.If you visit, you'll want to plan to also tour Wynnewood, about a mile down the road afterwards, which was the home of Winchester's daughter and son-in-law, built in 1828.

Great venue for a wedding. Absolutely beautiful! I would highly recommend. The grounds were beautiful and the wedding party facilities were ample.

The historic house is incredible, with original stenciling and other historic paint finishes. Many original furniture pieces. Home of the Founder of Memphis, TN, and a Brig. Gen. in War of 1812.

My Garden Guild visited this historic home recently & we all enjoyed the tour & information about the history of the residents who lived here, the gardens are lovely.

Cragfont is aboute 45 minutes from downtown Nashville. If you enjoy touring old restored mansions and you have the time, this one is worth the drive. Built in 1798 by General James Winchester (no relation to the famous family), this impressive 19 room mansion has been well restored and furnished with much of the general's original furniture. It is well off the beaten path. When you park, be patient as the caretaker for the last 32 years lives on the property and will soon show up to take you on a very informative tour. The tour includes every room including the small ballroom, parlors and even a trip into the attic to see the "ship like" beam and peg construction. There have been no alterations since the original construction so dont expect air conditioning nor lighting. The house is naturally cool and the huge windows provide ample lighting. You cannot take pictures inside the house but there are beautiful gardens outside where you can take pictures. There are lots of stairs to climb and no handicap accessibility.