214 3rd Ave, S

Franklin, TN 37064

MLS# RTC3098456

$5,999,900

The Watson House—an architectural treasure and one of Franklin’s most revered historic residences.

Custom Watson House monogram that the current owner had commissioned.

The home was designed by Hugh Cathcart Thompson, the architect who designed the Ryman Auditorium.

Thoughtful renovations by the current owners honor the home’s legacy while enhancing modern livability, including a historically accurate reconstruction of the front porch.

The double parlor as you enter on the left is divided by enormously grand pocket doors to separate the living room from the dining room and their fabulous 13’ ceilings.

Elegant, handcrafted draperies inspired by Victorian-era design.

Some fireplaces feature original cast-iron covers added after coal furnaces became common, blending practical function with ornamental design.

Seven marble fireplaces are immaculately preserved in the front parlors and bedrooms.

The library is highlighted by exquisite, custom-built bookcases.

One of the home’s original features is the gorgeous newel stairway.

Among its many striking interior features, the Watson House is distinguished by a long, continuous hallway running from the front entrance to the rear of the home.

The current owners renovated the kitchen and pantry area, creating a new custom bar.

Oversized kitchen windows frame breathtaking views of the beautifully manicured gardens.

As you ascend the 25-step staircase, it softens into a gentle curve, with its graceful banister overlooking the foyer below.

The current owners have updated the primary bedroom closet, opened up and rebuilt the primary bath shower.

The upstairs bathroom still has the original clawfoot tub.

The 1,579 sq ft guest house above the garage includes 2 bedrooms, a full bath, a hobby room, a study, a kitchen, and a dining area.

The addition of a new trellis and the renovation of the fountain area beautifully enhance the native plantings.

In bloom, the wisteria cascades gracefully across the pergola.

A side porch added in 1910 offers peaceful views of 3rd Avenue.

A three-car garage and expansive driveway provide abundant parking.

A striking example of Second French Empire French Victorian architecture, the home is distinguished by its mansard roof, segmental arched openings, bracketed eaves with pavilions, central tower, and an extraordinary cornice.

A striking example of Second French Empire French Victorian architecture.

Within walking distance to historic downtown Franklin’s shops, restaurants, and beloved landmarks, including the Franklin Theatre.

7,437 sq ft

5 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

Description

The Watson House is one of Franklin’s most treasured historic residences—an architectural masterpiece built in 1881 and featured in Treasures of America and Where to Find Them by Reader’s Digest in 1974. Designed by Hugh Cathcart Thompson, the acclaimed architect of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, this remarkable home has been owned by only four Franklin families throughout its storied history. A striking example of Second French Empire French Victorian architecture, the home is distinguished by its mansard roof, segmental arched openings, bracketed eaves with pavilions, central tower, and an extraordinary cornice that creates a commanding presence. A rare decorative urn crowns the pediment at the tower, while the ornate front porch features graceful arches and balustrades, welcoming guests with timeless elegance. Inside, historic authenticity meets grand scale. A stunning double parlor is divided by impressive pocket doors, separating the living and dining rooms beneath soaring 13- foot ceilings. Original front windows open as doors to the front porch, filling the home with natural light. Seven beautifully preserved marble fireplaces grace the parlors and bedrooms, and the original newel staircase remains a breathtaking focal point. Upstairs, the original clawfoot tub remains intact, preserving the home’s historic charm. Thoughtful renovations by the current owners honor the home’s legacy while enhancing modern livability. Improvements include a historically accurate reconstruction of the front porch, replacement of the ornamental sheet- metal finial, matching of original flooring materials, a renovated kitchen and pantry with custom bar, restoration of an original bedroom, an updated primary closet and rebuilt primary bath shower, and a refreshed guest suite/ apartment. A side porch added in 1910 offers peaceful views of 3rd Ave. Rich in history, architectural significance, and refined restoration, the Watson House is a rare opportunity to own a true Franklin landmark.

Virtual Tour

Details

MLS#: 3098456
County: Williamson County, TN
Subd: Historic Downtown Franklin
Stories: 2.00
Full Baths: 3
Half Baths: 1
Bedrooms: 5
Built: 1881 / Historic
Lot Size: 0.680 ac

Utilities

Water: Public
Sewer: Public Sewer
Cooling: Central Air
Heating: Central

Public Schools

Elementary: Johnson Elementary
Middle/Junior: Freedom Middle School
High: Franklin High School

Property Information

Constr: Brick
Floors: Wood, Tile
Garage: 3 spaces / attached
Parking Total: 3
Basement: Partial, Unfinished
Waterfront: No
Living: 17x15 / Formal
Dining: 21x15 / Formal
Kitchen: 19x16
Bed 1: 21x15 / Suite
Bed 2: 19x16
Bed 3: 18x16
Den: 24x19
Patio: Porch, Covered, Patio, Screened
Taxes: $20,688

Appliances / Misc.

Fireplaces: 7
Drapes: Remain

Features

Double Oven
Gas Range
Dishwasher
Disposal
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
High Speed Internet
Kitchen Island

Directions

From Nashville take I-65 S. Take exit 65 and turn right onto Murfreesboro Rd. Continue straight onto 3rd Ave S. The property is on the left.

Listing Agency

Onward Real Estate

Agent: Lisa Culp Taylor

RCW Realty Company

(615) 406-7221

Request More Information

Our Headquarters

Hendersonville:
1263 Avondale Rd., Suite C
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Call Anytime:

Phone: (615) 406-7221
Email: rcwrealtyco@gmail.com