210 Burlington Place NASHVILLE, TN 37215
Presented by: Jessica Averbuch Melanie Baker
Historic Burlington Mansion
Jessica Averbuch CEO c. 615.294.9880 o. 615.383.0183 jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com jessicaaverbuch.zeitlin.com
Melanie Baker REALTOR® c. 615.300.8155 o. 615.383.0183 melanie.baker@zeitlin.com melaniebaker.zeitlin.com
A Legacy Home & Its History | by Mark Lee Taylor In Nashville and its environs, a historic home is more likely to be a house museum than a private dwelling, but Burlington, an outstanding exception in Green Hills, is for sale for the first time in more than 30 years. Connected by family lineage to Nashville’s fourth mayor, silversmith Joseph T. Elliston, (its original owner was Elizabeth Buford Shepherd, a greatgranddaughter.) Burlington was brought to life in 1932 by visionary architect Bryant Fleming, who was also a landscape architect. (He also designed Cheekwood, Nashville’s historic house museum and botanical gardens). This classically symmetrical home of Italian Renaissance design was created to brilliantly illustrate one family’s graceful and efficient transition from the great American country houses of the Gilded Age to a newer, more modern way of living. The new residence embraced all available technology, while incorporating classical architectural details. The orderly garden design is both historically significant and beloved in Middle Tennessee. Burlington remains a physical manifestation of the Shepherd family’s desire to honor their history and create an enduring and gracious residence. Now, surrounded by its eponymous neighborhood, the home retains these qualities nearly 90 years later, thanks to its most recent owner of more than three decades and his predecessors, all distinguished business and community leaders who realized and honored the home’s cultural significance. Led by Fleming, who headed the Department of Landscape Art in the College of Architecture at Cornell University—one of the longest established such programs in the United States—a team of artisans and craftspeople created the house using bricks and architectural elements from the Elliston family’s ancestral home, also named Burlington. In addition to the bricks made on ancestral property, Fleming seamlessly incorporated numerous, irreplaceable elements from the 1856 house: the hand-carved Italian marble mantles, the wonderfully majestically arched front door made of solid mahogany, the interior woodwork brought from Cincinnati by boat, interior doors with silver-plated hinges and hardware, the wrought iron window grills and railings, and even the gazebo that now graces the neighborhood for the enjoyment of all. Still impressive into this second decade of the 21st century are features seldom seen or replicated, if even possible: 14foot ceilings, beautiful plasterwork, and massive, arched windows set perfectly to view old trees and lush grounds; their symmetry defined by allées bordered by ancient English boxwoods Fleming imported from England to the site. The main drawing room is the largest space, perfect for displaying the abundant, classical elements of Italian Renaissance design found throughout the house: the intricately carved woodwork, spaces naturally designed to feature contrasting light and shadows, and geometrically patterned marble floors. Fleming’s perfectly proportioned, thoughtfully scaled rooms provide the perfect setting for intimate family gatherings and grand occasions. This room has hosted weddings, corporate parties and memorable family holidays and celebrations. In other, behind-the-scenes areas are the bell board, laundry and trash disposal chutes, and everywhere, storage and fitted closets with impressive hardware, mirrors, and custom drawers. Few storage areas anywhere have closet shelves with such detailed decorative carving. Stroll through the butler’s pantry to examine the wine locker and the silver vault, which lead into an updated kitchen and breakfast room. The three-car garage, now in service as a guest house, adds another two bedrooms and bath to the three each in the main house, including individual ladies’ and gentlemen’s restrooms adjacent to the main hallway. A full basement with fireplace and service kitchen await the next owner’s assignment for contributing to a new and vibrant era. Highly lauded as an architect, Fleming’s artistry as a landscape architect also endures, as evidenced by Burlington’s setting. Although the estate is no longer comprised of dozens of acres, the remaining lawn is serene and maintains privacy for Burlington’s owners. Arbors lush with mature wisteria are connected by covered terraces offering abundant outdoor entertaining areas. Burlington possesses desirable attributes rarely found anywhere: old world craftsmanship, enduring, beautiful design, and a provenance intertwined genetically and architecturally to significant families who helped create and shape of one of America’s most endearing and livable cities.
Entry Foyer The Entry Foyer is just the beginning of this beautifully designed home, with its detail of arches, long French windows and bespoke materials. Custom black and white marble floors, outstanding trim and millwork and plaster mouldings are all features dating back to the original home.
Drawing Room The Drawing Room features extraordinary 14-foot ceilings, custom millwork and gold leaf painted trim. It has one of six gas fireplaces in the home, all with Italian marble surround and leads out to the sunroom, with large windows letting in gorgeous light all around.
Home Features • • • • • • •
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7 Bedrooms | 6.4 Bathrooms | 10,457 Square feet Built in 1932 Architect: Bryant Fleming 10,457 total square feet (Main House: 7,001; Basement: 1,752; Guest House: 1,752) Listed in the Historic Homes of Tennessee Architectual details include arches, iron balconies, exquisite original plaster form mouldings Old world craftsmanship with irreplaceable millwork and mouldings, solid mahogany doors with silver plated brass locks and hinges, designer one-of-a-kind handmade wallcoverings, crystal chandeliers and etched glass transoms Six Italian marble fireplaces Abundant specialty storage throughout the home including the silver safe hallway, upstairs walk-in linen closet and hunting closet Basement with full kitchen, recreation room, wine cellar, full bath and lots of storage Privacy and serenity with convenience to Green Hills, Belle Meade, and downtown Nashville
Kitchen • • • • •
Custom vent hood Original Garland range Arched windows Marble tile Full of historic charm while being functional and equipped with every convenience • Built-in storage • Granite countertops
Exterior & Gardens • • • • • •
Circular driveway with fountain and plenty of extra parking space All brick exterior Multiple outdoor living spaces overlooking the gardens Iron railings, terracotta clay trim and stone Ample room for swimming pool and space to play Gazebo
Carriage House • • • • •
2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 1,704 Square feet Full kitchen and living room Outdoor patio Connected to home by breezeway Originally a three-car garage that could be converted back to its original use
*Disclaimer: Although the information in this brochure is presented in good faith and believed to be correct at the time of printing, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty has no liability for any errors or omissions printed in this brochure.
Sunroom The Sunroom’s 14-foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows will make this one of your favorite rooms to spend time in. The stunning Italian Capodimonte porcelain chandelier is an eye-catching conversation piece.
Sitting Room/Study The Sitting Room/Study on the main floor is just off the great room and features unique velvet walls, gas fireplace with original marble and a doorway leading into the Drawing Room.
Dining Room The magnificent formal Dining Room features 12-foot ceilings, a gas fireplace with original marble, walnut floors and outstanding trim and woodwork. The details in this home are truly remarkable.
Owner’s Suite The Owner’s Suite is a true retreat. It has a fireplace with Italian marble surround, large windows, and a living area spacious enough for a desk or anything else you can dream up. Every detail in this room is remarkable. Built-in shelving, original marble fireplace and detailed dentil moulding. The Owner’s Suite has two full bathrooms with original mirrors, a marble tub and beautifully designed architecture. The Owner’s Suite has its own private balcony, overlooking the gardens, through those double doors. So much space, privacy, impeccable iron railing – all overlooking gardens and the second oldest elm tree in Tennessee.
Private Gardens This magnificent home is perfectly sited on over one acre of gardens, boxwoods, paths and lawn. So many great privately covered spaces with shade and a breeze, woody twining Wisteria vines, beautiful arches, and multiple spaces to live, work and play. Take stunning family portraits here in the comfort of your own backyard. The gazebo, located in the Boxwood Garden behind the mansion, has a rich 165-year history. Part of the original home on Elliston Place, it was moved here to be part of the mansion in 1932.
Carriage House The Carriage House living room is spacious and full of light with hardwood floors throughout. A convenient half bath and a full kitchen are on the main floor.