The Hermitage is a beautiful, rare Greek revivalist mansion museum situated 12 miles from the city of Nashville. Home to President Andrew Jackson, its sprawling gardens and exquisitely intricate and authentic interiors embody southern charm and style of the 1800s.
The former home of the seventh president of the United States, General Andrew Jackson, the Hermitage Mansion and its surrounding plantation were converted into a museum in 1889 and has been so ever since. The property spans a wide 420 acres of land that President Jackson bought in 1804 when the respective area was still considered dangerous and unknown frontier land. Upon purchase of the property it only had 2 structures on it, a reinforced cabin to protect from attacking Red Indians and separate kitchen premises.
Gradually as Jackson’s reputation grew he demolished the cabin and built upon the site a new two storey, eight room federal style mansion. The remaining log cabins were split into quarters for plantation staff and can still be seen today. The original converted cabins are a prime example of early settler design and style using mainly rock and wood and would be defensively built for strength to protect against unwanted attacks.
Upon his presidency and moving into the Whitehouse, General Jackson didn’t stay very long at the mansion and only visited during holidays. During this time he took the advantage to make some additions and revisions to the mansion by adding two single storey rooms to either side in the form of a lush private library for quiet reflection and dedicated dining room and adjoining pantry. In 1834 due to extensive damage to the mansion by an accidental chimney fire, President Jackson thought it a prime opportunity to remodel the entire mansion into its current iteration of a Greek revivalist style residence. The interiors even included the celebrated painted wallpaper of Joseph Dufour et Cie of Paris that is painstakingly rendered in vivid color the visit of Telemachus to the island of Calypso. The interior rooms are sumptuous and plush with furnishings reflecting southern style and regality. Many of President Jackson’s own possessions still adorn the rooms he once stayed in.
The museum is open throughout the year and comprises a visitor centre where guests can purchase tickets and a view a short film about the seventh president of the United States. The centre also houses changing exhibits on Jackson and has a museum store. Progressing from the visitor centre which leads to the mansion itself; where inside guides in authentic costumes reflecting the period will prepare you for your tour and are stationed throughout the house to help explain its unique charm and style.
Exiting the mansion brings visitors to the magnificent gardens and vast expansive acreage of the plantation. Here separate tour guides inform guests on activities available to be enjoyed such as farming, fishing and nature. Self guided tours are advised to take in the lush beauty of the pine and cedar trees and the serene design of the forecourt lawns, all designed and personally planted by Jackson.
The Hermitage offers a rare glimpse into the life of a US president and is one of the many popular attractions in a musically influenced city such as Nashville. The Millennium Maxwell House Nashville is the only music themed Nashville hotel in the city, featuring a unique collection of musical memorabilia and musically inspired interiors. The convenient location of this downtown Nashville hotel allows guests easy access to popular attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and LP Field.
