Bluff View Inn ~ Elegance Preserved
At the turn of the century, the Tennessee River Valley was booming with wealth and industry. Many of the city’s most influential families built their homes and raised their children in a neighborhood known as “Bluff View”. These families proceeded to fashion their neighborhood in the style of a small European village. The unique charm and character of these historic homes made them the perfect haven for a premier bed & breakfast experience. This concept led to the establishment of Bluff View Inn.
For many years, Bluff View Inn has been the centerpiece of Bluff View Art District. In 1993, Dr. Charles and Mary Portera first purchased the C.G. Martin Mansion. Following closely in 1994, was the T.C. Thompson House. Rounding out the three bed and breakfast homes is the crowned jewel, the Maclellan House. Each house is positioned in its original location within the Bluff View Art District.
Maclellan House (circa 1889) – The main mansion for Bluff View Inn, the Maclellan House is an English Tudor-style home that features an exclusive honeymoon suite and many one-of-a-kind period pieces from the original home. Mr. Thomas Maclellan, a banker, lived in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada for several years before coming to Chattanooga. Later in 1958, the home was purchased by the Bryan family who maintained the residence for many years. History and elegance abound in this seven-room bed & breakfast home. Conveniently located near the river’s edge, each room boasts breathtaking views of the Tennessee River.
Martin House (circa 1927) – Inside this elegantly restored Colonial Revival home, you will find three guest rooms furnished with antiques complemented by traditional and contemporary art. The namesake of the home, Cyrus Griffin Martin, was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War I. After exiting the armed forces, Griffin met his wife, Rosalind, and settled down in Chattanooga, where Cyrus enjoyed a successful career as a banker and lawyer. The stretched portico and spacious veranda allow guests a picturesque view of the Tennessee River and Maclellan Island.
T.C. Thompson House (circa 1908) – The Victorian-style T.C. Thompson House served as the original residence of former Chattanooga Mayor Thomas Clarkson Thompson. Later, as president of Chattanooga’s Civitan Club in the 1920’s, Thompson spearheaded a movement to build a hospital exclusively for children. The new facility opened its doors in 1929. Today, the hospital is known as Children’s Hospital of Erlanger. The T.C. Thompson house features four guest rooms and two apartment-style suites. Guests are invited to cozy up in the indoor parlor or unwind on front porch rocking chairs while the sun sets over Signal Mountain.
As a family owned and operated business, Bluff View Art District strives to continue the preservation of the architecture, character and charm found in each of these bed & breakfast homes. Seamlessly blending modern convenience and historical beauty, Bluff View Inn provides a relaxing retreat with an array of restaurants, activities, and attractions at your fingertips. Give Bluff View Inn a call at (423) 321-0235 x2 or visit www.bluffviewartdistrict.com for more information on availability and booking reservation.
Recent Articles
Soaring Artistry
From a child’s first kite at the beach to the 20-foot flying art-pieces that will take the air this April at Chattanooga’s Montague Park, kites have always set flight the imagination of children and adults alike. This spring in Chattanooga, don’t miss the chance to...
Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D
Return of the Giants 3D Blue Whales 3D narrated by Award-Winning actor Andy Serkis, takes viewers on a journey of a lifetime to explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction. Blue whales are the largest animals ever...
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Celebrating African American History & Culture in Chattanooga A native of Chattanooga, Bessie Smith was a 1920s Blues icon. Mentored by Ma Rainey, she wrote and performed blues classics such as “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” and “Gulf Coast Blues.”...