When it comes to trendy architecture and stylish homes, Nashville is known for its modern new construction, but home design goes way back in Nashville’s history. In fact, in the heart of Bellevue is a gem of historical significance in Percy Warner Park: the 1811House.
Formerly referred to as the Hodge House after the family that built it, the 1811 House
sits nestled in the trees of Percy Warner Park facing Chickering Road. The house was
built in approximately 1811 and passed through their family tree for generations. Eventually the house and the 49 acres of land around it ended up being sold to the city
to become part of the park in the late 1920s.
“It is a log house with a frame addition,” says Friends of Warner Parks Historian Bob Parrish. “It is the oldest structure in the Warner Parks and was a contributing structure for the park’s listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.”
With a traditional design, the two-story white ash log house’s exterior features two chimneys and early 20th century porches. The interior includes a working fireplace along with rustic wood floors and walls.
Almost two decades ago, Metro Parks along with Friends of Warner Parks worked to repair the house that had started to deteriorate due to age, going to great lengths to preserve the original logs in the house’s reconstruction.
“The house was dismantled and carefully reconstructed in 2007-2008, with funding provided primarily by the Metro Parks and Recreation Department,” says Parrish. “The skilled contractor was Grau General Contracting LLC. In recent years, the Friends of Warner Parks has funded numerous improvements including fencing, a rustic pavilion, and interior enhancements. Friends of Warner Parks and Metro Parks are working with the Metro Historical Commission on a dendrochronology research project that should reveal information about the tree species used and the age of the logs.”
The historical marker associated with the house does detail a dark aspect of its past. “According to an 1833 will, the Hodge-Northern family enslaved at least 14 people
here.”
Through all of the change and development in Nashville, this historic property has remained in the west Nashville landscape. It now serves as an event space in the community that can be rented for various purposes. With a maximum capacity of 50 people, the 1811 House is available for small events, meetings, and commercial photo shoots.
For more information on the 1811 House and the Hodge family tree, visit Nashville.gov and Hmdb.org.
"In recent years, the Friends of Warner Parks has funded numerous improvements including fencing, a rustic pavilion, and interior enhancements."