The History of Lylewood
Although the present Greek Revival–style home was completed in 1892, the story of this property reaches back much further. The stone foundation and cellar date to the early 1800s, and while records of the original construction have yet to be found, we do know that the first house on this foundation was a log home—one with a dramatic and tragic end.
In 1890, the original log house was intentionally burned by a former employee. At the time, the property belonged to Maj. Thomas W. Lewis, who had acquired it after the Civil War through his marriage to the only daughter of Adam and Matilda Dickson, the owners during the war years. Following the fire, Maj. Lewis spent two years rebuilding the home, completing what stands today in 1892. He continued to operate the farm successfully and became a well-known and respected figure in the region.
Maj. Lewis played a notable role during the Civil War, helping to form two regiments: the Tennessee 14th Infantry, Company B, and the Kentucky 2nd Cavalry. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he preferred the title “Major.” He rode on special missions with Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, further cementing his place in regional history.
In the 1880s, Maj. Lewis served several terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, where he worked diligently to pass legislation supporting farmers and aiding in the rebuilding of the postwar South. At its height, the farm encompassed approximately 1,400 acres, included 24 tenant houses, and featured one of the largest smokehouses in the country, along with a substantial cistern house—allowing the land to support many families.
Over the decades, the home has seen changes while retaining its strength and character. The original grand, two-story porch once offered sweeping views of the river and bottomlands but collapsed in the 1930s, leaving the house without a porch for many years. In the 1950s, Arch Lyle—Maj. Lewis’s grandson and heir to the property—constructed the current porch. Interior updates have also occurred, though the home’s massive construction, with 18-inch solid brick exterior walls and 14-inch solid brick interior walls, limits major alterations. Built to endure storms and stand the test of time, the house has done exactly that.
In 2001, with a leap of faith and a labor of love, Mandy purchased the home, embracing both its beauty and its imperfections, and named it Lylewood Inn. After a year of dedicated restoration, she opened the doors to share this remarkable place with others. Today, it has been a true blessing to preserve and celebrate the history of the inn through the many gatherings and events held here.
Our Innkeeper
This historical home has always held a special place in the heart of my family as well as that of many others. Lylewood Christian Camp is located right behind and adjacent to this farm. For all of us who grew up attending the camp, this home was part of the camp. Srch and Edwina Lyle were like our summer grandparents, and as camp kids we all grew up coming to the porch to sing our camp songs. It was our home away from home in the summer. Raised on a farm in Pegram Tennessee. I have always enjoyed the serentiy of country life. When the opportunity to purchase this farm in 2001 was brought to my attention, it was a leap of faith and a desire to save a piece of history that drew me here. My children, Luke and Audrey, were very excited to be at camp all year long and finished their primary schooling here. Lots of hard work and many blisters later, we are open for business, but still a work in progress.
My children and I still work at the camp in all our spare time (of course, there really is no spare time). The children are now moved out on their own, and many years of experience as a caterer, seamstress, and mom are what I use to give the feel of home when you visit here. I want people to feel that they are part of the family while here. I have always lived my life sharing my home with others, so this is no new feat for me. I enjoy folks who come my way and enjoy the simple things while taking time to get away from it all. This is my haven of peace God has blessed me with, and I want to share it with you.
-Mandy Williams
Innkeeper of Lylewood Inn
