214 3rd Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
Historic Downtown Franklin · Williamson County
Key Facts
Description
The Watson House is one of Franklin’s most treasured historic residences—an architectural masterpiece built in 1881 and featured in Treasures of America and Where to Find Them by Reader’s Digest in 1974. Designed by Hugh Cathcart Thompson, the acclaimed architect of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, this remarkable home has been owned by only four Franklin families throughout its storied history. A striking example of Second French Empire French Victorian architecture, the home is distinguished by its mansard roof, segmental arched openings, bracketed eaves with pavilions, central tower, and an extraordinary cornice that creates a commanding presence. A rare decorative urn crowns the pediment at the tower, while the ornate front porch features graceful arches and balustrades, welcoming guests with timeless elegance. Inside, historic authenticity meets grand scale. A stunning double parlor is divided by impressive pocket doors, separating the living and dining rooms beneath soaring 13-foot ceilings. Original front windows open as doors to the front porch, filling the home with natural light. Seven beautifully preserved marble fireplaces grace the parlors and bedrooms, and the original newel staircase remains a breathtaking focal point. Upstairs, the original clawfoot tub remains intact, preserving the home’s historic charm. Thoughtful renovations by the current owners honor the home’s legacy while enhancing modern livability. Improvements include a historically accurate reconstruction of the front porch, replacement of the ornamental sheet-metal finial, matching of original flooring materials, a renovated kitchen and pantry with custom bar, restoration of an original bedroom, an updated primary closet and rebuilt primary bath shower, and a refreshed guest suite/apartment. A side porch added in 1910 offers peaceful views of 3rd Ave. Rich in history, architectural significance, and refined restoration, the Watson House is a rare opportunity to own a true Franklin landmark.
Property Information
Property Type
Residential
Sub-Type
Single Family Residence
Year Built
1881
Stories
2
Living Area
7,437 sq ft
Lot Size
0.68 acres
Lot Dimensions
148 X 197
Garage Spaces
3
Parking Spaces
3
Days on Market
32
MLS® Listing#
3234862
Property Features
Interior
Appliances
Cooling
Heating
Flooring
Fireplace
Basement
Parking
Laundry
Patio
Construction
Utilities
Sewer
Water Source
Rooms
- 18x15
- Bedroom 121x15
- Bedroom 219x16
- Bedroom 318x16
- Den24x19
- Dining Room21x15
- Kitchen19x16
- Living Room17x15
- Master Bathroom
Schools
- Elementary:
- Johnson Elementary
- Middle:
- Freedom Middle School
- High:
- Franklin High School
Financial Details
HOA
None
Annual Taxes
$20,688
Parcel Number
094078C G 01800 00009078C
Directions
From Nashville take I-65 S. Take exit 65 and turn right onto Murfreesboro Rd. Continue straight onto 3rd Ave S. The property is on the left.
Affordability Calculator
$1,199,980
Estimated monthly payment
$31,934/mo
Principal $4,799,920 · Est. interest $6,696,316 over 30 yrs
Neighborhood Market Statistics
How this home compares to active listings in Franklin, TN
- $1,000,000
- Median Listing Price
- 46
- Median Days on Market
- 3,140
- Median Sq Ft
- $386
- Median Price / Sq Ft
- 722
- Active Listings
- This home’s price is 500% above the area median.
- Its price per sq ft is 109% above the area median.
Market statistics compiled from active EXIT Realty® and MLS listings in Franklin, TN.
Location
Points of Interest in Franklin, TN
Showing the Franklin area map.
Nearby Schools
Franklin Classical School
School · 0.1 mi away
Williamson County School District
Secondary · 0.3 mi away
Battle Ground Academy
Elementary · 0.4 mi away
Renaissance High School
Secondary · 0.8 mi away
Johnson Elementary School
Elementary · 0.8 mi away
Franklin Special School District
School · 0.8 mi away
Liberty Elementary School
Elementary · 0.9 mi away
Freedom Intermediate School
Secondary · 1.0 mi away
Trinitas Classical Academy
School · 1.0 mi away
Franklin Special School Distri
School · 1.1 mi away
Montessori School of Franklin
Elementary · 1.1 mi away
Franklin Special School District
School · 1.1 mi away
Franklin Elementary School
Elementary · 1.2 mi away
Franklin High School
Secondary · 1.3 mi away
Howard Gamble Stadium-Franklin High
School · 1.3 mi away
Freedom Middle School
Secondary · 1.5 mi away
Poplar Grove Elementary School
Secondary · 1.6 mi away
Franklin Special School District Schools
School · 1.6 mi away
New Hope Academy
School · 1.8 mi away
Harpeth Montessori
Elementary · 1.8 mi away
Commute Calculator
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Similar Home Values
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| Address | Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2620 Goose Creek By Pass, Franklin, TN | $4,200,000 | 5 | 6 | 5,952 |
| 3235 Kinnard Springs Rd, Franklin, TN | $4,200,000 | 4 | 7 | 6,550 |
| 3021 Smith Ln, Franklin, TN | $4,250,000 | 4 | 6 | 7,064 |
| 116 Church St, Franklin, TN | $4,250,000 | 4 | 4 | 5,601 |
| 805 Columbia Ave 1, Franklin, TN | $4,375,000 | 4 | 5 | 3,491 |
| 5468 Parker Branch Rd, Franklin, TN | $4,399,000 | 4 | 6 | 6,861 |
Moving Cost Estimate
EXIT Agents in Franklin
Listing Courtesy: Onward Real Estate - 6153008285
Last Updated: 2026-01-16