Now located on the campus of Belmont University, the mansion’s grand symmetrical portico and façade overlooks the main lawn where university students gather to catch up on homework under the trees, relax with friends on the steps of their dorms, and to play music with friends in one of the many gazebos.

The Italianate villa-style mansion was constructed in the mid-1800s by Adelicia Hayes Franklin and has become the largest house museum in Tennessee. This ornate mansion features a collection of Venetian glass, period furnishings, paintings and statuary. Guided tours begin every half house Monday to Saturday. 

As a Belmont alumna, I’d recommend visiting the mansion during Springtime as the campus is bursting with colorful blooms. :)

Fun Fact: The architect of the mansion—William Strickland—also designed the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville.

Size: 5x7
Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper