Majestic Mansion B&B

The history of the Majestic Mansion Bed and Breakfast dates back to 1909 when George Foster built this home as a showplace on the main federal highway from Washington to Atlanta. He owned a livery stable where Trinity United Methodist Church is currently standing. Construction cost was $2,000. The building attracted wide-spread attention in that day and time. While traveling to Etowah, he would pick up mules from the railroad station and sell them in Athens, TN. Supposedly, he swapped the livery property for the Methodist Campground in order to build his family home. Carl Rowan, pastor of the Trinity Methodist Church, and his wife purchased it in 1933.

Their unmarried daughters lived there and taught piano and art until 1984. Many residents of Athens, Tennessee have fond memories and favorite stories about the Rowan sisters. In 1988, David Brock bought the home and began major renovations. In 1995, your hosts Richard and Elaine Newman, purchased the home and continued the renovations and remodeling needed to convert this stately residence into what has become the Majestic Mansion Bed & Breakfast. All of the rich wood imported from Brazil is still here, and the stained glass window in the dining room remains to catch the afternoon sun. Walk through the 9 foot pocket doors to relax and read in the parlor. The house still has a majestic appearance on a street now filled with businesses in houses.

Enjoy hearing about the Newman family history, which dates back to the late 1700’s, when Isaac Newman received land grants in East Tennessee as payment for having fought in the American Revolution. Isaac died in McMinn County, and you can read his will of 1832 on file in the McMinn County Courthouse. His son, Samuel I. Newman, is the Newman of Carson-Newman College.