A true Victorian treasure, Glenmore Mansion is the only public house museum in Jefferson County, Tennessee.
This opulent house was built in 1868 by John Roper Branner. It remains as one of the best examples of second empire architecture in the southeast. The house has been owned by just two families throughout its long and illustrious history.
Though built by Branner, the house was not fully completed until after his death. His wife, Deborah, lived in the house for 13 years. The second owners, the Jarnagins, purchased the house in 1882. Originally named the Oakes, the house was renamed to Glenmore, in memory of owner Miton Jarnagin’s infant son, who died years prior. Miton’s other son, Frank, inherited the house years later and lived in it for more than 50 years.
Following Frank’s death, the remaining heirs preserved Glenmore Mansion by donating it to the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities. The doors to Glenmore Mansion opened to the public in 1972.
You can tour the house from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students. The regular tour season runs from the first Sunday in May to the last Sunday in October.
Events
- Christmas Candlelight Tours (December 4, 5, 11, and 12) – The mansion is decorated for the holiday season with festive greenery, trees, bows, and wreaths. Hot wassail and Victorian style sweets are served in the dining room.
- Spring Garden Market – This spring event is held on the first Saturday in May and is the opening date for the tour season, which occurs from May until October. East Tennessee venders flock to the mansion to sell flowers, vegetables, plants, and garden items. The grounds become the home to live music and entertainment. Guided tours of the mansion occur throughout the event.
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Venue Rental
In addition to annual events and guided tours, the Glenmore Mansion is the perfect location to handle any type of event, regardless of the size. Available year-round, the mansion can be rented for weddings, family reunions, birthday celebrations, luncheons, anniversaries, company events, bridal and baby showers, and school field trips, among others.
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