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Rendering by Norma Riegle- 2008 |
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Nathalia Wright Home |
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In 1941, soon after the unexpected death of her husband, Elizabeth MacNeal Wright purchased Lot No. 19 in Maryville’s W.C. Stanley Addition, and construction soon commenced on this unique home that Elizabeth and her daughter Nathalia designed. The home was complete in 1942. The exterior of the home follows Cap Cod architectural detailing with a symmetrical facade, prominent shutters, steep gable roof and clapboard siding. The interior layout of the home is more reminiscent of Cotswold-cottage design and features a cozy sunroom and large sunken library where Dr. Nathalia Wright, a noted scholar of Early American literature and distinguished University of Tennessee professor, proudly exhibited her collection of over 1,500 books. Built-in cabinets and extensive oak and pine woodwork add to the charm of this home. Dr. Wright, a 1933 graduate of Maryville College, died in 2004 and bequeathed her home and grounds to the college. With plans to use the home as a guesthouse, the College, renovated the interior of the home to crate three separate suites and several common areas to provide guests a ‘bed and breakfast’ experience. Furnishings in two of the three suites pay homage to Nathalia’s research and interest and her family photographs adorn the walls. Also remaining in the home are furnishing, collectibles, and books acquired by Dr. Wright on her world travels. In accordance with Nathalia’s wishes, a small electric candle continues to burn every evening in a side window on the second floor. The light is in imitation of the beacon lamp lit nightly in Rome’s Torre della Scimmia in reverence to the Virgin Mary. This custom is described in The Marble Farm novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. |
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