Belmont Mansion

October 17, 2023

1901 15th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212

“Belmont Mansion, also known as Acklen Hall, and originally known as Belle Monte, Belle Mont or Belmont, is a historic mansion located in Nashville, Tennessee. It was built by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen to serve as the center of their 180-acre summer estate in what was then country outside the city, and featured elaborate gardens and a zoo.” - Wikipedia

This was a surprise find for me. I decided to visit the Belmont Mansion because I had some extra time on my hands in Nashville. The mansion completed in 1853 has been beautifully maintained, contains many original pieces, and has quite a storied past. A self-guided tour is available, but I opted for the guided tour, which was wonderful. The history and anecdotal stories of each room gave much insight into the happenings in this beautiful home. The home was run by Adelicia, who had three different husbands, and liked to show off her wealth, that was evident.

The home is now surrounded by Belmont University but judging from the little landscaping and all the sculptures on the front yard, I’m sure in its heyday this was quite the show place.

The Entry Hall. The stained glass which is found throughout the house was expensive at that time, and was a way Adelicia to show people how rich she was.

Portrait of Joseph Acklen. The portrait was probably the size of the outer, empty frame originally.

The Grand Stairway from the main floor to the 2nd floor.

The Grand Hallway. The floor is painted.

Portrait of Adelicia and her horse in the Grand Hallway

The Tete-a-Tete Room, where one day a week Adelicia would meet ladies who would come by for small talk. It had its own door to the front porch.

The Study. Cord coming from the ceiling light is a gas line to the lamp on the desk.

Portrait of Adelicia in the Family Dining Room

The Storage room off the Principle Bedroom. Notice the original floor.

Middle Bedroom. Was the girl's bedroom. The nanny slept on the mattress on the floor.

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