History of the Edgeworth Inn Bed and Breakfast - Monteagle, TN

Built in 1896, The Edgeworth Inn is a rambling antique-filled Queen Anne style structure housing 12 guest rooms, elegantly appointed and each with its own bath. An 1896 National Register of Historic Places Property, the inn has been praised by visitors who make history as well as honor it themselves. "It doesn't get any better than this," claims ROMANTIC INNS. The simplicity and serenity of a bygone era are yours to relish at The Edgeworth Inn, which the Travel Channel has featured as "an endangered species."
 

Today, The Edgeworth Inn is the oldest continuously operated Inn in the area and has been updated with modern conveniences such as central heat and air, but retained the romantic charm of a bygone era. A wide veranda equipped with rocking chairs invites you to enjoy a summer's evening. You can soak in a claw foot tub in your room. Most rooms have king and queen-sized beds.

We have a sincere and heartfelt passion for preservation and hope that this comes across in every detail of the inn. The cottage decor has been carefully designed so as to preserve the historical atmosphere. It is important to understand that a home such as this is idiosyncratic, that its character comes from over one hundred years of history. We want to make your stay as authentic as possible, but with all modern conveniences for the sake of comfort. Today the Inn has air conditioning, central heating as well as fireplaces, and all the comfort s of a modern day home. But remember that it was actually built and operating as an inn before these things were even invented! On the carriage house level, where the rooms open into the garden, the original tile floors are still in existence. Where ever possible the original and historic aspects of the inn are preserved and married to the new comforts of this 21st Century.

In order that each of our guest can have a private bath, we have added the bathrooms in artful and sometimes curious ways. It has been our great fortune to find fourteen original Victorian footed tubs to outfit most of the private baths. These tubs are wonderful for taking a bubble bath after a long hike in the woods. As you will discover, one of the great benefits of a cast iron tub is the even distribution of warmth … the cares of the world are washed away. You’ll swear that your very bones have been wrapped in comforting flannel.

In the 1950’s, before the Assembly’s dining hall was built, it was decided to convert the inn to a restaurant for the many summer visitors. One of the load bearing walls was removed to make room for industrial kitchen equipment: the effect of this tampering can be seen on the third floor, where settling has made the floor uneven ( see “Curvature of the Pine”). Having learned from history, we are hesitant to change the structure further, lest the charm of the cottage atmosphere be lost to strictly functional hotel-like regularity.

We have chosen to maintain the building as it is, rather than to destroy and rebuild this beautiful creation. It is for this reason the slant of the floor, for example, is more blessing than bane. It is as if Nature herself has gently nuzzled this house to remind us that history has many lessons to teach.

The Village

With so many incredible things to see and do in Monteagle, you might be surprised once you arrive at the Edgeworth Inn. Many of our guest are so charmed by the surroundings that they don’t leave the grounds for the duration of their stay. Why would they, with such an incredible village to explore? Located on the 96 acres within the gates are 165 authentic Victorian summer cottages, an auditorium, a chapel, a dining hall, a bell tower, a swimming pool, several tennis courts, and a bandstand on the mall. Connecting the paths over ravines, waterfalls and streams are numerous trestle footbridges constructed in the same manner that the comfort of home is only so far as the Edgeworth Inn.
 

Assembly bridge

Assembly drive

Bell Tower

Great emphasis is placed on preservation in the village; not only of the priceless historic wooden cottages, but also on the spirit of the era. All of the plantings at the Inn were selected by a local botanist who has ascertained that they are indigenous to the area. The lush setting of the village is meticulously maintained exactly as it would have been over one hundred years ago. Most of the handsome cottages in the Monteagle Assembly remain in the family for generations unchanged, but lovingly tended. Newness is considered ostentatious in the village. The innkeepers at the Edgeworth Inn are still “newcomers” after more than a decade. There are advantages to being a newcomer in a village such as this, however with a tradition of welcoming the world with open arms.

In the village, commercialism is kept practically nonexistent under the watchful eyes of a diligent Board of Directors engaged by and with preservation and quality of life concerns. Many families still come for the entire Summer Season and pride themselves on the environment their children and grandchildren share with them. It is not necessary for the children to leave the grounds, or even to carry cash to buy anything. With the distractions of the twentieth century and the perpetual noise of the city left behind, everyone is granted the opportunity to become reacquainted with their own special talents and individuality, while encouraging the bonds of friendship and communication with others and with nature.

The Monteagle Assembly

Monteagle’s Chautauqua Assembly was founded in 1883, and has been continuously operating since its inception. In the same way that the Colonial chapter of America’s history is perpetuated in Williamsburg and the Shakers are still represented in Shaker Town, this village on Monteagle Mountain presents a living example of Victorian summer cottage life. 

The vast majority of Chautauqua were founded in the new England States, making this “Chautauqua of the South” even more rare. Integrating the ideals of the last century two with traditional Southern hospitality, this Assembly in particular has a uniquely pleasant atmosphere. Interspersed amongst the renowned concerts at Sewanee, there Socratic sojourns on quiet mountain trails and the informative discussions at area gatherings, you will discover a distinctly Southern ambiance. Once you have watched the sun rise or set while rocking on the porch, you will begin to feel a change in yourself. It is this particular magic that continues to summon people “far from the madding crowds: to peaceful surroundings which permeate souls”.

Those who congregate in Monteagle find themselves freed from the burdens of business, the hustle and bustle of city life and even the simplest concerns of the day. The emphasis shifts for each person towards contemplation and personal development in every sense. The quality of life in this atmosphere continually astounds even the longtime residents of The Monteagle Assembly. Perhaps that’s why everyone you meet in this pastoral setting is smiling.

What is a Chautauqua?

“Chautauqua is an idea, embracing ‘all things of life’ - art, science, society, religion, patriotism, education - whatsoever tends to enlarge, refine and ennoble the individual” - John Heyl Vincent
 

The Chautauqua of the South

"A chautauqua is the most American thing about America, it's history and traditions." - President Theodore Roosevelt

Many families in the Victorian Era left the cities in the summertime and spent two to three months in the nearby mountains. This exodus to the more natural and cooler setting was motivated not only by a desire to escape the summer heat and to relax, but also as a serious quest for physical and spiritual well-being.

The Chautauqua was a natural consequence of such informal gatherings of people from all walks of life. The idea was first proposed at the 1873 Methodist Episcopal camp meeting in Chautauqua, New York, by John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller. Inspired by the Lyceum movement, these men suggested combining the summer retreat with eight week programs offering members secular and religious instruction as well as lectures by authors, explorers, musicians, and political leaders. Somewhere between revival meetings and country fairs, Chautauqua were attended by thousands each year. The combination of education and entertainment in a pristine mountain setting caught on rapidly; the Chautauqua Movement spread throughout America and Europe during the latter part of the 19th century. 

Despite the immense popularity of the movement, only thirteen original Chautauquas in the world are still active today. The Monteagle Assembly is a National Treasure whose existence helps define our country’s history.