The Charlie Wilkinson House stands as one of Tennessee’s most remarkable architectural treasures, quietly nestled in the rural landscape of Joelton. This isn’t just another old house collecting dust in the countryside. Instead, it’s a living piece of history that tells the story of American architecture and family legacy. When you first lay eyes on this stunning residence at 7663 Wilkinson Road, you’ll immediately understand why it’s captured the attention of historians and architects alike. Built during the Great Depression era, this home has weathered decades of change while maintaining its dignity and charm. What makes the Charlie Wilkinson House truly special isn’t just its age or architectural style, but how it perfectly embodies the American dream of the early 20th century. For anyone interested in historic homes or beautiful properties, this house offers a fascinating glimpse into Tennessee’s past.
Who is Charlie Wilkinson?
The story behind the Charlie Wilkinson House begins with Thomas Jefferson Wilkinson, a prominent businessman who made his mark in Davidson County during the early 1900s. Thomas wasn’t your average resident – he was someone who understood the value of quality craftsmanship and timeless design. He chose to build his family home in Joelton, a decision that would create one of the area’s most significant architectural landmarks. The Wilkinson family had deep roots in the community, and Thomas wanted a home that would reflect both his success and his commitment to the area. He wasn’t interested in following every architectural trend that came along. Instead, he chose the Dutch Colonial Revival style, which was considered quite sophisticated for rural Tennessee at the time. When Thomas commissioned the house in 1930, he was making a statement about permanence and quality that still resonates today. The Wilkinson name became synonymous with excellence in the area, and their house became a symbol of what could be achieved through careful planning and attention to detail.
Charlie Wilkinson House & Location
Located in the heart of Joelton, Davidson County, Tennessee, the Charlie Wilkinson House sits majestically on approximately ten acres of rolling countryside. The address at 7663 Wilkinson Road places it in one of the most scenic parts of Middle Tennessee, where farmland meets suburban development. Joelton itself is a charming community that’s managed to maintain its rural character despite being close to Nashville’s growing metropolitan area. The location was carefully chosen by the Wilkinson family, who wanted the perfect balance between privacy and accessibility. The house’s position on the property is strategic – it’s set back from the road enough to ensure privacy while still being easily accessible. The ten-acre spread includes not just the main house but also several outbuildings that were essential to the property’s original function as a gentleman’s farm. The Charlie Wilkinson House benefits from its location because it’s close enough to Nashville for convenience but far enough away to maintain that rural charm that’s become increasingly rare.
Features of “Charlie Wilkinson House”
The Charlie Wilkinson House boasts an impressive array of features that make it truly special among historic homes:
- Dutch Colonial Revival Architecture: This rare architectural style is uncommon in rural Middle Tennessee and represents sophisticated design choices of the 1930s
- Cross-Gambrel Roof Design: The distinctive roofline creates both visual interest and practical interior space
- Brick Veneer Facade: Beautiful brickwork on the front with cypress weatherboarding on sides and rear
- Original Interior Woodwork: Nearly a century later, the house still retains its original craftsmanship
- Historic Outbuildings: Includes a smokehouse, two barns with board-and-batten siding, and a wood shed
- Ten-Acre Property: Substantial acreage with both open fields and wooded areas
- Minimal Alterations: The house has maintained its architectural integrity with very few changes since construction
These features combine to create a property that’s both historically significant and practically livable, making the Charlie Wilkinson House a true gem among Tennessee’s historic homes.
House Design and Style
The Charlie Wilkinson House represents a masterful example of Dutch Colonial Revival architecture, a style that was gaining popularity across America in the 1920s and 1930s. Architect C.K. Colley designed this home with careful attention to both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The Dutch Colonial Revival style draws inspiration from homes built by Dutch settlers in colonial America, but it’s been updated for modern living. The most striking feature is the cross-gambrel roof, which creates that distinctive barn-like appearance that’s both charming and functional. This roof design allows for maximum interior space on the second floor while creating interesting architectural lines. The asymmetrical design adds visual interest and reflects the Colonial Revival movement’s emphasis on breaking away from rigid symmetry. The two-story frame construction was built to last, using quality materials and construction techniques that have proven their worth over nearly nine decades. The Charlie Wilkinson House demonstrates how good architecture can be both beautiful and practical, creating a home that’s as livable today as it was when it was first built.
Interior Design & Highlights
Step inside the Charlie Wilkinson House, and you’ll immediately notice the quality and attention to detail that went into every aspect of the interior design. The original woodwork throughout the house showcases the exceptional craftsmanship standards of the 1930s, when skilled carpenters took pride in their work. The plaster walls create smooth, elegant surfaces that have aged beautifully over the decades, developing a patina that can’t be replicated in modern construction. The brass chandelier in the upstairs hallway serves as a focal point, casting warm light that highlights the quality of the surrounding woodwork and architectural details. The interior layout reflects the family’s lifestyle and social customs of the era, with formal and informal spaces that flow naturally from one to another. The rooms are well-proportioned and filled with natural light, thanks to the strategic placement of windows. The Charlie Wilkinson House interior demonstrates how good design transcends trends – these rooms feel as comfortable and inviting today as they did when the house was new.
Market Value and Comparisons
The Charlie Wilkinson House represents a unique segment of the real estate market, where historical significance meets architectural excellence to create exceptional value. Historic homes with this level of preservation and architectural integrity typically command premium prices, especially when they’re located on substantial acreage like this ten-acre property. The Dutch Colonial Revival style is particularly rare in rural Middle Tennessee, making this house even more valuable to collectors and enthusiasts of historic architecture. The property’s value has likely appreciated significantly over the decades, not just due to general real estate trends but because of the increasing rarity of well-preserved historic homes with original features intact. The Charlie Wilkinson House would likely be valued well above typical residential properties in the area due to its unique combination of historical significance, architectural merit, and substantial acreage. Properties of this caliber often attract buyers who appreciate both the investment potential and the privilege of owning a piece of local history.
Conclusion
The Charlie Wilkinson House stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of quality architecture and thoughtful design. This remarkable property represents more than just a historic home – it’s a piece of American history that continues to inspire and delight nearly a century after its construction. The house demonstrates how good architecture transcends trends and fads, creating spaces that feel as relevant and beautiful today as they did when they were first built. For anyone interested in historic homes, architectural preservation, or simply beautiful properties, the Charlie Wilkinson House offers a perfect example of how the past can inform and enrich the present. The combination of Dutch Colonial Revival architecture, substantial acreage, and well-preserved original features makes this property truly special among Tennessee’s historic homes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful homes, the Charlie Wilkinson House represents the very best of American residential architecture. The house stands as a lasting tribute to the Wilkinson family’s vision and the skilled craftsmen who brought their dreams to life in the rolling hills of Joelton, Tennessee.
