Ravenwood High School will hold its annual Holiday Home Tour on Sunday, December 4 from 2pm-5pm.
During the self-guided tour, you will see four private residential homes, two preserved homes, and a school house. Musicians, singers, artists, hot chocolate and refreshments will warm your heart as you tour these locations. On site, you will find local professional decorators and historians that will enhance this wonderful opportunity to explore the history in our area.
Here is a short description of the homes on the Ravenwood Holiday Home Tour.
Ravenswood Mansion
Built in 1825, by James Hazard Wilson II, the house is an outstanding example of Federal period architecture. Wilson named the property after his best man, Sam Houston, who was known as “the Raven” to the Cherokee Indians.
RavenswoodMansion (pictured above) was one of the three largest plantations in Williamson County. In 1961, Reese and Marcella Vivrette Smith purchased and restored the home. In 2010, the City of Brentwood purchased the property establishing a park in the previous owner’s honor. Enjoy walking through this home filled with antiques from times past. RHS parents are lending their talents in uniquely decorating this fine home with Christmas decorations by interior designers, Melissa Sisk and Karen Findlay, and Chanukah decorations by Victoria Marger and Andrea Hall.
Findlay Home
Much of the land in Brentwood was passed down through generations in the Crockett, Wilson, Primm and Owen families. Over time, plots were sold to developers. Development began on the Montclair subdivision in 2003. This home is owned by the Findlays, a RHS family, and is decorated by the homeowner and interior designer, Karen Findlay. Tour the first floor to view 5 unique and differently decorated Christmas trees and a beautiful nativity scene. After viewing Karen’s great decorating talent, you may consider booking her now to help with your tree trimming next year!
Cool Springs House
Now located in Crockett Park, this Victorian farm house has a welcoming front porch and a yellow exterior with green shutters. In the 1830’s, James and Penelope Barfield Carothers built the original two log rooms of the house located at Mallory Lane and Cool Springs Blvd. Over the next 160 years, the log house changed ownership and underwent major additions and renovations. In 1993, the City of Brentwood assumed ownership when the development of the Cool Springs area threatened the integrity of the house. Although historically preserved, the house features modern facilities designed to accommodate special events. 2016 RHS ornaments, merchandise, and refreshments will be available in this home.
Primm Historic Park
Primm Historic Park, located on Moores Lane, contains some of the most important historical and cultural resources in Tennessee. The park is the of two National Register of Historic Places properties: Boiling Springs Academy, established as a school in 1833, and a prehistoric Native American Mound Site. The site was excavated in the 1920s by the Smithsonian and is known as the Fewkes Site. Boiling Springs Academy opened for classes in 1833. The Primm family, who owned the 1806 farm and historic home across the street on Moores Lane, donated the land to the city for preservation in 2003.
Meet Brentwood Historical Society member and RHS parent, Bridget Filopovic, who will paint a rich picture of life at the school. Fun Fact: Country music star Eric Church shot the video for “Mr. Misunderstood” here. Come see the school’s original chalkboard which was used for the artwork on Church’s album.
Concord House
The structures on this property provide a rare opportunity to see into a window of the past. Located at the corner of Crockett and Concord roads, the home was built in the 1860s and was constructed of poplar trees cut from the surrounding farm. The smokehouse on the property built in 1813 is an authentic relic, one of the oldest of its kind. A 2,000 sq ft barn shelters a servant’s cabin built in 1801. The house was restored in 1987 by T. Vance Little, Brentwood’s first and only City Historian, who lived there until shortly before his death in 2009. Little wrote seven books about the history of this area which can found at the Brentwood Library. Since 2012, the Johnsons, a RHS family, have called this beautiful property “home” and lovingly continue the restoration process.
Century Oak
Built in 1845 by James Hazard Wilson II for his eldest son, Samuel, the house is important for its association with the Wilson family, prominent landowners in Williamson County and holds many interesting Civil War stories. After the fall of Nashville in 1862, Union Troops foraged the area and confiscated livestock. To protect their thoroughbred horses, the Wilsons blindfolded them, led them up one flight of stairs and stored them in the second-floor ballroom until the troops had passed! The hoof prints can still be seen on the grand staircase today. Architecturally the house is an example of antebellum residential design. Enjoy seeing the 2010 renovation by family descendant, Jimmy Wilson III, and his wife, Sarah, as they balanced the historic character with modern conveniences.
Purchase tickets at www.squareup.com/store/ravenwood-high- school-team-2020. Bring receipt of purchase to any home on the tour to obtain a wristband. Tour homes in any order. For questions regarding the tour, email [email protected].
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