Glenmore Mansion - Large Italian style Villa
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Glenmore Mansion

4.8
·138 reviews·Jefferson City, United States

A stunning Victorian mansion in East Tennessee, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with knowledgeable guides and original furnishings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Less crowded, more relaxed tours

CrowdMedium
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Glenmore Mansion - Large Italian style Villa

Glenmore Mansion

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Less crowded, more relaxed tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Victorian mansion in East Tennessee, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with knowledgeable guides and original furnishings.

4.8
(138 reviews)

"An unexpected treasure with amazing architecture and incredibly informed guides, highly recommended!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are popular and can fill up, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures your spot!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture

Exterior and Interior

A stunning example of mid-Victorian style, showcasing ornate details and timeless charm.

Original Furnishings

Original Furnishings

Throughout the mansion

Experience history firsthand with many original furnishings and artifacts from the families who lived here.

Haunting Legends

Haunting Legends

Various rooms

Explore the mansion's rumored haunted past, adding a layer of mystery to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Glenmore Mansion is open for tours on weekends from May through October. Plan your visit accordingly, as it's a seasonal attraction. Check their official hours before you go to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the History

This Victorian gem offers a deep dive into East Tennessee history. Guides are incredibly knowledgeable, so come ready to learn about the Branner and Jarnigan families and the mansion's past.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Less crowded, more relaxed tours
Crowd
Medium
When
May - October
Why
Seasonal opening, best weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Glenmore Mansion Jefferson City, Tennessee #easttennesseehistory #easttennessee #appalachia #appalachian #appalachianhistory #appalachianstoryteller #theappalachianstoryteller
theappalachianstoryteller
30 likes • 685 views

🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are popular and can fill up, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures your spot! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour. Reddit

Plan your visit to the stunning Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson City! This beautifully preserved Victorian gem, with its ornate architecture and timeless charm, offers a glimpse into the past. This is a must-see for history lovers and anyone who appreciates architectural beauty. #easttncrossingbyway #exploreeasttennessee #tnwildernessroad #9lakeseasttn #glenmoremansion #jeffersoncitytn
easttennesseecrossing
18 likes • 346 views
Jefferson City’s hidden gem the Glenmore Mansion is supposedly haunted 👻🏰🥀 Built in 1868 on an original 1200 acres, this relic has a tragic story. John Roper Branner decided to build this 8,000 sq ft mansion right as the Civil War broke out and construction halted. John had fathered 8 children in his life, but tragically only 2 survived passed the age of 6 years old. His oldest son passed away at...
jillian.oc
128 likes • 1.7K views

📸 Capture the Charm

The mansion is incredibly photogenic, both inside and out. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

⏳ Allow Extra Time

Tours can sometimes run longer than scheduled due to enthusiastic guides and questions. Reddit

2017 My Dad testing out the Pump Organ at Glenmore Mansion. The bellows leak air, but the tone is great! We may tackle this as our next father-son project after Glenmore’s 1867 Steinway is done. But we need a source for new bellows! “Heart” this, because my Dad had leg cramps all night from pumping those pedals, lol.
glenmore_mansion_historian
219 likes • 7.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are popular and can fill up, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures your spot! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour. Reddit

📸 Capture the Charm

The mansion is incredibly photogenic, both inside and out. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

⏳ Allow Extra Time

Tours can sometimes run longer than scheduled due to enthusiastic guides and questions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(138 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Glenmore Mansion as an unexpected treasure, highlighting its amazing architecture and the exceptional knowledge of the tour guides. Many appreciate the nominal admission price for the rich historical experience and the opportunity to see original furnishings. Some note it's a seasonal attraction, requiring planning for weekend visits.

"This was an unexpected treasure. We stopped after seeing a small sign on 11E. The house is just amazing. Our guide, Rob, was so informed of the history of the house, the area and the family that built the house. Our one hour tour lasted an hour and 40 minutes due to no tour being booked the following hour. We had a blast exploring and learning about the history of this place. We HIGHLY recommend the tour that is priced very nominally for the experience."

Mike Stewart

"Gorgeous on the outside. Never made it inside for tour. Will come back if I’m ever in area at correct date and time. $10 would be worth it"

Jennifer

"This place has a lot of meaning for my family. My wife and I got married here 10 years ago. We also came back and did our anniversary pictures 10 years later. We love this place and are grateful to the staff. Thank you all so much. Highly recommend to all."

Brian Mooneyham

What People Like

In-depth historical tours
Beautiful Victorian architecture
Original furnishings

What People Dislike

Seasonal opening hours
Limited tour times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Glenmore Mansion is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. It's easily accessible via US-11E. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when traveling through East Tennessee. TikTok

Yes, there is typically ample parking available for visitors at the mansion. Instagram

Public transportation options to Glenmore Mansion are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the site. Reddit

Taking US-11E is a straightforward route. Some locals suggest taking the old highway for scenic views of East Knoxville. Reddit

The mansion is often described as a 'hidden gem' but is usually well-marked with signs, especially when approaching Jefferson City. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Glenmore Mansion is open for tours on weekends from the first Saturday in May through the end of October. It's best to check their official website or social media for exact daily hours. Instagram

Admission is very reasonably priced, often described as nominal for the experience. One reviewer mentioned $10 being worth it. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend tours, to secure your spot. Reddit

The primary offering is a guided tour that delves into the history of the house, its families, and the area. Tours can sometimes extend beyond the hour. Reddit

Generally, visits are limited to scheduled tour times. It's a museum experience, so access is controlled by tour availability. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A standard tour is about an hour, but guides are very knowledgeable and may extend it if there's no immediate follow-up tour booked, allowing for more exploration. Reddit

The mansion has been used for special occasions like weddings and anniversary photoshoots, indicating it can be a venue for events. Reddit

Yes, local legends suggest Glenmore Mansion is haunted, with stories of a railroad baron and discrepancies in window counts. InstagramReddit

Built in 1868, it's a significant Victorian home owned by one of Jefferson City's founders, who was involved in railroads and mills. It offers a glimpse into mid-Victorian life. InstagramReddit

You'll see many original furnishings, Victorian-era artifacts, and learn about the Branner and Jarnigan families who resided there. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide upon arrival, but generally, interior photography might be restricted to preserve the artifacts. Instagram

The exterior of the mansion, with its grand Victorian architecture, is a prime photo opportunity. The surrounding grounds also offer beautiful shots. Instagram

While exterior photos are usually fine, interior photography might be limited. Always respect the rules set by the mansion staff. Instagram

It's ideal for architectural photography, historical reenactments, engagement shoots, and capturing the charm of East Tennessee. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and property owner permission. It's advisable to inquire with the mansion management beforehand. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Glenmore Mansion can be a fascinating stop for families interested in history. The guided tours offer a chance for kids to learn about a different era in a tangible way. While the focus is historical, the stories of the families and the grand Victorian setting can capture a child's imagination. Reddit

Consider preparing children beforehand with simple stories about life in the 1800s to enhance their engagement. The mansion's rumored haunted past might also add an element of spooky fun for older children. Remember to check the tour duration to ensure it aligns with your children's attention spans. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Glenmore Mansion is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The admission price is consistently described as very nominal and a great value for the experience. Reddit

This makes it an affordable way to immerse yourself in local history and appreciate stunning architecture without a significant financial outlay. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds before or after your tour to save on dining costs. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Glenmore Mansion offers a picturesque setting. The exterior showcases beautiful Victorian architecture, perfect for capturing stunning shots. The surrounding grounds also provide lovely backdrops. Instagram

While interior photography might have restrictions, the opportunity to photograph the grand facade and potentially some well-preserved interiors (if permitted) makes it a worthwhile visit. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for softer, more dramatic lighting on the mansion. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Glenmore Mansion

Glenmore Mansion, built in 1868, stands as a significant historical landmark in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Its construction began during the Civil War by John Roper Branner, a prominent figure involved in the railroad and local industry. Branner envisioned an expansive estate, but the turbulent times and personal tragedies, including the loss of most of his children, cast a shadow over its completion. The mansion was eventually sold to the Jarnigan family, who resided there for a considerable period, adding their own chapter to its rich history. Instagram+1

Today, Glenmore Mansion operates as a museum, meticulously preserving the era it represents. It is furnished in the mid-Victorian style, featuring a remarkable collection of original furnishings and artifacts. This allows visitors to step back in time and experience the ambiance of the 19th century. The mansion's story is not just about architecture; it's about the lives, dreams, and challenges of the families who shaped its past. InstagramReddit

Beyond its historical significance, Glenmore Mansion is also steeped in local lore, with tales of it being haunted. These stories, often involving discrepancies like the number of interior versus exterior windows, add an intriguing layer to the visitor experience. The mansion's enduring charm and historical depth make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in local legends. InstagramReddit

Experiencing a Glenmore Mansion Tour

Visiting Glenmore Mansion offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in 19th-century East Tennessee history through guided tours. Guides are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge, not only of the mansion's architecture and the families who lived there but also of the broader regional history. This depth of information transforms the tour from a simple walkthrough into an engaging historical narrative. Reddit

Visitors often highlight how the tours can extend beyond the typical hour, especially when the schedule allows. This flexibility means you can delve deeper into the stories and details of the mansion's past. The experience is described as tangible, allowing you to 'see, touch, and smell' history, rather than just reading about it. The personal touch and hospitality of the guides are frequently cited as a major asset, making the visit memorable and highly recommended. Reddit

While the mansion is a museum, it has also served as a venue for personal milestones, such as weddings and anniversary photoshoots, underscoring its sentimental value to some visitors. The nominal price for such an extensive and informative experience makes it an exceptional value. Reddit

The Musical Heritage of Glenmore Mansion

Glenmore Mansion holds a special connection to music, particularly through its historical instruments. One notable mention is a 1867 Steinway piano, which is undergoing restoration. This piano represents a significant piece of musical history within the mansion's walls. Instagram

In addition to the Steinway, the mansion also features a pump organ. A heartwarming video captures a father testing out this pump organ, highlighting its functional, albeit leaky, bellows and great tone. The effort involved in pumping the pedals for the organ is even humorously noted, showcasing the hands-on nature of maintaining these historical instruments. Instagram

The dedication to preserving these musical artifacts is evident, with plans for future restoration projects. This commitment ensures that the sounds and stories associated with these instruments can continue to be appreciated by future generations visiting Glenmore Mansion. Instagram

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