CLIFTON, TN – The Commodore Inn, formerly the Hughes House, in Clifton, Tenn. has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Historical Commission, the state agency that is designated as the State Historic Preservation Office, recently announced this designation.
Michael and Kathy Dumont, proprietors, purchased and fully restored the property, converting the private residence beautifully into a five-bedroom Bed & Breakfast. They, along with inn-keepers John and Sharon Dumont, spent two years on the stringent submission process for the National Registry. This historic Commodore Inn has been open to the public since 2017.
Michael and Kathy Dumont,
“Kathy and I have spent much of our careers restoring historic properties,” Michael Dumont said. “We saw the potential of Hughes House the first time we stepped through the doors. Restoring the house to its original grandeur is enough of a reward. Seeing the property placed on the National Historic Registry is the best kind of affirmation about our vision and the completed work.”
William Alford Hughes, a local business man, had the house built in 1892 on West Pillow Street in Clifton. The transitional Queen Anne-Stick style house is a unique design in the community. Two-stories, sheathed with weatherboard and with an abundance of wood trim, the Hughes House dominates the streetscape. The large bay, stained glass transoms and turned and sawn wood brackets represent the ever-popular Queen Anne style. The corner boards and horizontal trim between stories reflect the Stick style. The interior of the house is embellished with more woodwork as seen in the wainscoting, main stair, and built-in cabinets.
The property overlooks the Tennessee River, features five beautifully appointed, individual guest rooms, a parlor for reading and relaxing, a large dining room and a fully restored one-room schoolhouse, also built in 1892.
“It’s been a dream for Sharon and me to serve as inn keepers at this gorgeous property,” John Dumont said. “Our guests come from as far away as Stockholm, Sweden, and as near as Savannah, TN, to stay with us and experience this special place. We are thrilled to now be among some of the most prestigious homes in America, as part of the National Register of Historic Places.”
Five additional Tennessee properties were also added to the National Register, including Millennium Manor in Blount County, First Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church in Rhea County, Kingsport Hosiery Mill in Sullivan County, Johnson City Postal Savings Bank and Post Office in Washington County and Mount Olive Cemetery in Montgomery County.
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. It is part of a nationwide program that coordinates and supports efforts to identify, evaluate and protect historic resources. The SHPO administers the program in Tennessee.
Visit CommodoreInn or call 931-328-7969 for more information.
Copies of the nominations may be found on the National Register web page.
Media Release/Cindy Dupree Holloway/Commodore Inn
