Magnificent Manors

By: Mark Lee Taylor, Marilee Spanjian

Published On: May 07, 2010

Each house featured possesses everything needed for luxurious living. And they’re just waiting for someone to snatch them up and create more memories. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to house hunt!

Grand Lady of Bowling

Address: 301 Bowling Avenue, Nashville
Asking price: $1,595,000
Listing agent: Rick French of French Christianson Patterson, 297-8744
Just the facts: Historic Whitland Area tudor estate with lovely expansion and restoration. Located on .6 acre plot, home has 3 bedrooms, 3 and one-half bath with 4,929-square feet.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always intrigued and attracted by people and objects that don’t reveal it all too quickly. The woman who becomes more beautiful the better you get to know her, the macho man who speaks to his dog in baby talk, the generous donor who gives anonymously—all these I find attractive.

Using that line of logic, go see this house at 301 Bowling Avenue. It’s not the biggest and not one that would cause you to slam on the brakes upon first sight like that lilac job up the street.

Rick French can tell you the stories. First owned by a well-known family whose business produced Nashville’s daily bread, this home in Whitland contains every modern convenience conceivable in 1925. That includes the concrete-reinforced garage in the basement. Back then, a garage inside the house was scary, so one had to take precautions in case the cars exploded.

One long-time former owner apparently went through several wives but throughout each marriage, kept this house, though he frequently did not occupy it. One latter wife eventually decreed this house “his mistress,” and he finally sold it. But not before he had imported Old World-artisans from Chicagoland to create the most fabulous plaster ceilings ever seen in Nashville. And yes, that includes Cheekwood, Belle Meade Plantation, Rattle and Snap and any other historic home museum you wish to compare.

The present owners have a most discerning eye and made additions and changes enhancing an already fabulous house. The downstairs master bedroom with separate his-and-her baths is particularly luxe. The efficient kitchen is different than most these days: there is no island. But there are fabulous windows and a particularly fetching custom stainless exhaust hood with rivet detailing.

All mechanical systems have been upgraded in this handsome brick Tudor. In addition to the spacious indoors, there are .6 acres outdoors. The yard, exceptionally large for historic Whitland, is walled for privacy. Inside those walls is a new blue stone terrace with a water feature and a stone fireplace ideal for entertaining.

Why would anyone sell this treasure? Career demands require the inhabitants to leave Nashville. One family’s artfully composed home may now be acquired for mere money.

This home is not unlike some Nashville ladies we know “of a certain age.” It’s old enough (84) to almost be considered historic. It’s not flashy, so you might not notice it first, but upon closer examination, the beautiful details are revealed. It’s also “had work,” but the upgrades, renovations and additions are virtually impossible to detect. Which wall is original and which is new? One cannot tell. Persons having cosmetic surgery would be damned lucky if they achieved similar results.

Some people find a sense of history alluring, just as some see beauty in white hair and crinkles at the corners of smiling eyes. This grand old lady of a house on Bowling is an idealized depiction of where affluent grandparents might have lived. Yet, it’s all new and clean with the necessary conveniences, including a kitchen that would have only been found in a Long Island mansion in 1925. In summation, two words: simply beautiful. MLT

Up in the Clouds

Address: 512 King Richards Court, Franklin
Asking price: $6,499,000
Listing agent: Laura Baugh of Worth Properties, 250-7880
Just the facts: This magnificent estate on five acres has 360 panoramic views and that European, Old World-finish. Vintage wide-plank wlanut floors stretch throughout and a guest house, Infinity Pool, hot tub, theater, wine cellar, safe room and security provide all you need to stay at home forever.

During the first half-decade of this century, new neighborhoods popped up around Nashville faster than a delinquent debtor can sail out the bar door at Sperry’s upon spying his banker at the salad bar.

The Cool Springs area in Williamson County is a good example. Drive east far enough on Cool Spring Boulevard and one of those neighborhoods is Avalon. If you drive past the entrance sign and past the sign identifying “The Hamlets of Avalon” and around the traffic rotary to the gates at “The Tors of Avalon,” you are halfway to this dream house.

By the way, “tor” is a Middle English word dating back to the 12th century that means, “a high craggy hill.” Whoever did the research on naming this place certainly found the right name. Atop the highest, not-so-craggy hill in Avalon sits one former couple’s dream house.

Built in 2008, the house cannot be seen from the street. Once inside the gates on this highest of hills, you can finally see the house. And a handsome, classically proportioned structure it is. Much attention was paid to the quality of every detail: the doors, the floors, the door handles, the windows, ceiling height, the wallpaper in the elevator…yes, it has an elevator. There are three levels.

Every window of the house offers a beautiful panorama because there are no draperies hiding the view. But there are disappearing Roman shades that retract into the crown molding. The blackout shades will help you sleep, as will the soundproofing on the first and second floors.

If you lived here, you’d rarely need to leave home to have a good time. You could invite dozens, if not a couple of hundred, friends over to play. The outdoor area and ground floor alone has: a home theater; salt water infinity pool and separate outdoor whirlpool spa; recording studio; kitchen and entertainment area with bar (complete with two draught beer taps); billiard room and a wine cellar.

Many of the luxurious details of this home are not visible to outsiders. Although it has classical, ageless architectural detailing, behind it is the most advanced technology, including a huge generator in case of power failure. There’s also a safe room and a special valve that allows firefighters to pump water directly from the swimming pool in case of an emergency. Additionally, every conceivable step was taken to be “green” in building and operating this home, including low VOC paint and dual flush toilets.

This home on King Richards Court deserves a name. It has enough presence to carry it off. Rudolph Valentino’s former home in Benedict Canyon overlooked Beverly Hills and cost $2 million in 1925 dollars. Later owned by heiress Doris Duke, the house kept its distinctive name, “Falcon Lair,” until it was bulldozed in 2006.

High atop this verdant hill near Cool Springs, I spied three majestic hawks circling the ridge as I drove away. At least, I think they were hawks. For all I know, they could have been American peregrine falcons. Maybe this is the new Falcon Lair? I’m sure Rudy wouldn’t mind us stealing the name of his home.

The falcon theme dovetails nicely with the Arthurian nomenclature used by the developers of Avalon. Sir Thomas Malory’s book, Le Morte D’Arthur explains the Arthurian legend, “The Britons still believe that he [Arthur] is alive, living in Avalon with the fairest of spirits and they still continue to expect Arthur to come back.” The owners of this Falcon Lair are not coming back, so this could-be-legendary home awaits a buyer. MLT

Nothing but Authentic

Address: 9040 Split Log Road, Brentwood
Asking price: $3,950,000
Listing agent: Bill E. Henson Jr. of SilverPointe® Properties at 771-7877
Just the facts: Old World style stone estate offers 11,256-square feet, five bedrooms, 7 ½ baths, five car garage, pool/spa retreat all with a creek running through the three-acre meticulously level landscaped grounds.

Remember around 10 years ago, when massive homes were popping up all over, many resembling another down the road or in a nearby city? Instead of building a look-alike, one couple created a masterpiece like no other in Brentwood. Instead of faux, they wove together authentic materials with architectural antiques to establish a lasting impression.

Set on three acres, the estate at 9040 Split Log Road, was built to last. A crushed granite drive lined in stone winds over a natural creek to a motor court where a 1920s fountain takes center stage. The mature landscaping compliments the wood and stone façade that no one would ever believe was built in 2001.

The reason? The owners spared no expense. For months, masons chiseled then set each stone by hand. Herndon & Merry, some of the finest ironworkers around, hand forged each scroll, spindle and rail. And on site, the crème de la crème of carpenters crafted door pediments, casings and crown moldings.

To pull it all together, the couple hired a designer who carefully brought together their collection of architectural antiques, including the 200-year old massive front doors, originally part of a brownstone in England, tin and wood pediments, fluted columns from Mexico, stone artifacts, 200-year old paneling from a judge’s chamber in Boston and even an old jail cell lock from a Nashville prison (the wife was always on a diet and wanted a visual reminder attached to the kitchen’s Sub Zero).

After close to two years of construction, the couple moved in. But not too long after, they sold it to the current owners who took the existing design and with the help of the original designer, added oh, so much more.

The grand total—$1.5 million in renovations and additions. First a wing off one side was designed to include another outdoor loggia, outdoor kitchen, friends’ entrance, separate two-car garage, a mahogany paneled elevator and circular staircase that leads to a separate guest quarters with its own kitchen and laundry.

Then the focus shifted to the secluded backyard where the previous owners had left a blank slate. To ensure continuity with the old world style, they hired Waterscapes. The pool, accented with fiber optic lighting, is a private escape like no other with stone boulders, a waterfall, beach entry and even a massive rock that spans from the stone terrace to the spa and functions as a bridge.

Pavers accented with natural stone and mature landscaping pull the design together. And beyond the pool area, there are sweeping lawns and plenty of space for the next owner, if they so desire, to add their own signature to this masterpiece. MS

French Contemporary

Address: 2046 Fransworth Drive, Hill Place, Nashville
Asking price: $3,400,000
Listing agent: Steve Fridrich at Fridrich & Clark Realty 327-4800
Just the facts: Deep inside Hill Place, tucked along the golf course, this contemporary estate offers 8,323-square feet with over 7,600 on the first floor, five bedrooms, six full and one half bath, three car garage, set on 1.19 acres

Hill Place is one of Nashville’s most prestigious gated communities. Each home is refined and meticulously maintained, exactly what you expect of your neighbors. From the street, this contemporary estate fits right in. But once inside the high walls of the motor court, the air shifts. A sophisticated European vibe becomes almost palpable.

The espaliered Keifer pear’s manicured limbs and the 10-foot French doors’ hand-blown glass insets hint of what’s to come. Inside, the foyer’s Venetian plaster tomato bisque walls pair with a Jerusalem stone floor—a perfect balance to the dramatic view of the infinity edge pool and the majestic pines beyond. Without realizing it, Nashville, with all its classic brick traditions, quietly disappears as this retreat feels like something in St. Tropez.

Eight years ago, the owner set out to create a home that would blend with the neighbors but have its own distinct personality. Architect Robert Anderson listened closely. So did builder Bruce Zeitlin, as well as interior designer Landy Gardner who seamlessly weaved in the owners’ antiques and extensive art collection. Even landscape designer Kim Hawkins parlayed the owner’s dreams into a thriving backdrop that softens the contemporary lines with a fragrant mix of evergreens and aromatic blooms.

Most of the floor plan ebbs and flows off the foyer, down windowed hallways to connect the entertaining areas with some of the guest quarters, the owners’ suite and the informal living areas. The dining room’s Edelman leather parquet floor complements the 1920s chandelier and sconces. The living room’s Brazilian cherry floors and niches backed with silver-leafed burlap add texture to the contemporary lines. The kitchen is dressed in cabinets imported from Sanders of England. A delicate inlay of ebony outlines each maple door and drawer front. Down the hall is the library/music room with floor-to-ceiling windows on two walls and bookcases. 

This refined elegance continues along the windowed wall overlooking the covered terrace to the media room equipped to satisfy the most avid music/movie buff. Acoustic fabric-paneled walls and a cigar exhaust system—even the Sony projector and wall screen—make this man’s retreat par excellence.

Nearby is an exercise room outfitted with a cushioned floor and the master suite, which offers floor to ceiling windows overlooking the pool and terrace.

The owner has watched the landscaping mature and is pleased with the “still life” found from every angle. This is a home a family or hundreds of guests could enjoy. MS

Ready-made Resort Living

Address: 125 Steeplechase Lane, Nashville, Williamson County
Asking price: $3,495,000
Listing agent: Jack Miller of Bob Parks Realty at (615) 370-8669
Just the facts: Tucked at the back of Between the Harpeths off Vaughn Road in Williamson County, this approximately 12,060-square foot estate offers 7 bedrooms, 9-1/2 baths, 6-car garage, a resort style pool and all the furniture

Nashville has its fair share of multi-million dollar estates on the market. Yet few come with all the furniture. The owner says he’s targeting people who are ready to buy, but don’t have time to shop all it takes to fill a home of this size. This is the home for someone who wants to move in and start enjoying their surroundings.

Tucked at the back of Between the Harpeths off Vaughn Road in Williamson County, this estate sits on over four acres of manicured sweeping lawns against a wooded backdrop that, the owner says, is part of a larger estate that will never be developed. Although the owner/builder finished the home and bought all new furniture around four years ago, the home looks brand new.

“We always planned to sell it when our youngest went off to college. We’re planning to downsize,” he said.

But that’s not the only selling feature of this estate. The home’s ornate crown molding, paneled den and formal living areas are impressive. However, it’s the view of the backyard that grabs the attention. Outside, the resort-style setting includes a saltwater pool, diving area, swim-up bar, 10-person hot tub, covered pavilion with an outdoor fireplace and kitchen area and a stone terrace designed to easily host 300 people. Back inside on the lower level, a wine room is along a side wall while a built-in paneled bar is equipped to serve. A pool table is nearby and there’s also a theater room.

Back on the main level, the master suite offers a grand bath with generous closets. At the other end is the kitchen, family room and breakfast room, all generously sized for large parties. (There’s also a catering kitchen and full bath next to the pool.) Nearby, a three-car garage is a few steps down while another three-car garage is tucked on the lower level.

On the second floor, there are six more bedrooms, each with a bath. An elevator makes all levels easily accesible.

The owner says the best part is there aren’t any homeowners’ association dues. With space like this, who needs a clubhouse? Just move in, and you’re good to go! MS

Seven Porches

Address: 4019 Flagstone Court, Franklin LaurelBrooke Asking Price: $4,250,000 Listing Agent: Anne Ruark with The Lipman Group, Sotheby’s International Realty at (615) 463-3333 Just the facts: Set on 8.5 acres, the 15,506-square foot estate offers 8 bedrooms, 12 full and 3 half baths, six car garage and three kitchens. The home sits on 3-1/2 acres while a full basketball court sits on the 5 adjacent acres. Fully automated with 9-camera security system. Equipped with a concrete safe room, back-up generator that fully powers ground level and lights on other floors, lightning rods and an in-house sprinkler system

At the end of a cul-de-sac deep inside LaurelBrooke, one of Williamson County’s most exclusive gate-guarded communities is a driveway that leads to another private gate. “Seven Porches” is etched in stone on the gate’s wing wall, but from this vantage point, no house, let alone a single porch is visible anywhere.

Half way up the long drive, a full outdoor basketball court is off to the right on a separate five acre lot, but still, no sign of any house, any porch. As we glance up the hill to the left, peeking through the trees, we finally see the back of “Seven Porches.”

Near the top of the crest, the drive turns and there, nestled against the natural landscape, hidden from anyone’s view is the dramatic 15,506-square foot estate that stretches out in both directions and climbs four stories tall. (Don’t worry, there’s a large wood-paneled elevator that accesses all floors.)

The setting is spectacular. It’s the closest you can come to living in the trees. It’s also one of only a handful of estates of this size with these views and privacy built in Williamson County over the last 10 years.

Custom built in 2008 by Dan Stern Sr., the home took several years to finish. When the owners finally moved in, they planned to stay and watch their children grow. But soon after, they were transferred, explained listing agent Anne Ruark.

“So, what’s the best view? Which room do potential buyers and visitors love the most?” we asked.

“The observatory, ”Anne said. “Some people think it would make a perfect office.” Then again, there are his and her offices and a conference room. Depending on the new owner’s needs, there’s also a home theater that seats 13. There are nine fireplaces, including two outside (four are wood-burning). And while we’re counting, there are 13, not seven porches.

No one would dispute the home’s grandeur. The wood paneling, double circular staircase and the front entry modeled after Oxford University adds character. Out back, the waterfall, infinity pool, spa and separate kiddy pool set against the natural woods offer complete privacy. Perhaps, that’s what separates this home in today’s market. We stood there and realized the new owner’s only neighbors will be the birds and other wildlife. We stared out through the trees and from up on the porches, searching for another home, a street, a sign of traffic. There was nothing but the surrounding lush valley and rolling hills. MS

Pure Art

Address: 1002 Tyne Boulevard, Nashville
Asking Price: $4,500,000
Listing Agent: Michael Sohr of Keller Williams Realty at (615) 425-3600
Just the facts: A single level estate set on 2.84 acres. The 7,188-square foot home offers three bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths, a separate guest house and a two-car porte cochere with a three-car garage designed with glass doors on both sides to allow the space to convert into a covered pavilion for entertaining on the back lawns.

Every now and then, an address quietly appears on the market and creates a buzz, an undercurrent that ripples not only among potential homebuyers and real estate professionals, but in this case, artists. This estate looks and feels like a sanctuary, an art gallery, or exquisite private inn, the kind you’d expect to find tucked away in a Napa vineyard.

It forces you to pause and take note of the intricate subtle details. For over three years, architect Nick Dryden partnered with Kathy Anderson of Anderson Design Studio and Kimmy Perryman Construction to bring together in unison the finest stone masons and craftsmen available.

Outside, the mix of true stucco with natural stone, a slate roof and galvanized aluminum is clean and unpredictable. Not a hint of copper anywhere. Inside, the home unfolds calmly to allow you to savor each angle and each room as a separate canvas.

Surprisingly, inside, nothing is square. Some walls are curved, ceilings are tipped and the stone floor patterns are purposely off center, listing agent Michael Sohr explained. Most notable is the placement of windows that provide privacy—even though the home sits back on a corner lot. To compliment the stream of natural light, unique fixtures and recessed lights accentuate the architecture, and in turn, the furnishings.

Seven exotic woods were used, including Bubinga for the library cabinets. Ceilings soar inside some of the steep gables, but the stone columns, stained wood banding and thick steel-rod beams draw your eyes back down to the stone floors, the artwork, to life at ground level. Between the living and family rooms, pivotal doors—one side, sleek Eucalyptus wood and the other, padded in dark leather—swivel to create intimacy or unite the two as one space. A wine cellar and a separate CD room are tucked off the library.

Ahhh, and then there is the master suite, designed for total privacy. The closet is finished with sleek drawers and cabinets finished with glass doors illuminated from within. In keeping with the rest of the home, the master bath is artistically understated with an ergonomic stainless steel tub and steam shower, both fitted with thick slabs of a pale green glass, a sculpture in their own right.

Outside, a private granite-edged pool separates the main house from the guesthouse. Two covered cabanas provide shade from Tennessee’s intense summer rays. As you turn to take in the rows of manicured crepe myrtles and the fragrant bed of rosemary nearby, it’s easy to breathe, relax and restore, whether just as a guest or the lucky new owner. MS