Editor’s Note: “Villa Collina Renewed” is a 15-part blog series detailing owner Dr. Eric W. Barton’s work to restore the largest home in Tennessee to its original Italianate beauty. Each week we will discuss renovation projects across the 40,250-square-foot waterfront mansion, from geothermal upgrades and energy efficiency to state-of-the-art lighting, marble renovations and fountain upgrades. We hope you enjoy this … Read More
Villa Collina Renewed: Why Renovate?
Editor’s Note: “Villa Collina Renewed” is a 15-part blog series detailing owner Dr. Eric W. Barton’s work to restore the largest home in Tennessee to its original Italianate beauty. Each week we will discuss renovation projects across the 40,250-square-foot waterfront mansion, from geothermal upgrades and energy efficiency to state-of-the-art lighting, marble renovations and fountain upgrades. We hope you enjoy this … Read More
Villa Collina Owner Donates $113,000 to Local Nonprofits
Charitable Contributions Assist Needy, Homeless in East Tennessee Communities Villa Collina estate owner Dr. Eric W. Barton donated items valued at $113,333 in spring 2018 to East Tennessee nonprofit organizations in an effort to help less fortunate residents of Blount and Knox counties. Barton donated countless household items, including furniture, appliances, lighting, office supplies, decorations and more to Blount County … Read More
Villa Collina Sponsors LexLin Gypsy Gift Program to Support Equine Therapy Centers Across U.S.
LexLin Gypsy Ranch is pleased to announce its fifth year of Gypsy Gift, where the largest Gypsy Vanner Ranch in the United States will donate 20-plus LexLin Gypsy Horses in 2018 to equine therapy centers across the U.S. LexLin Gypsy Ranch is accepting nominations for PATH Premier Accredited EAAT Centers, member centers and other therapy programs now through 12 p.m. … Read More
Villa Collina hosts Marine Birthday Celebration – and Surprise Wedding
Villa Collina recently hosted a 242nd birthday and a surprise wedding – all in one glorious weekend for the U.S. Marine Corps. The waterfront mansion marked the 242nd birthday of the Marines with a formal ceremony, dinner, specially decorated cake and live entertainment. John Becker, veteran advocate and WBIR-TV anchor, served as master of ceremonies at the celebration and Major … Read More
A library worth studying
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what is the worth of a library that will house 10,000 books? Villa Collina, Tennessee’s largest home, is home to a three-story library capable of displaying 10,000 books, among them unique first editions and antique book collections. To protect these rarities, the library features a separate mechanical system for temperature control and motorized … Read More
Tennessee Veterans Business Association relaunches with flair at Villa Collina
The Tennessee Veterans Business Association (TVBA) officially relaunched with a networking event at Villa Collina. The lakeside mansion served as the perfect backdrop for the event. With comfortable temperatures and clear blue skies, the weather drew guests outside and encouraged them to take full advantage of the venue’s spectacular outdoor spaces. Founded in 2010, TVBA is a nonprofit organization providing … Read More
Villa Collina digs deep to create perfect wine cellar
Villa Collina’s original owners loved traveling to Italy. In fact, it was their love for Italy that influenced the architectural design of the waterfront mansion. The couple specifically charged architect Karengaye Johnson with designing an estate that would bring a touch of Italy to the United States. They also tasked her with creating a mansion suitable for entertaining ambassadors and … Read More
Modeling a mansion
In standard home construction projects, work commences based on review and approval of blueprints drawn by architects. As is the case with most aspects of Villa Collina, the review and approval process for building Tennessee’s largest home was much different and done on a grander scale than the norm. Instead of using blueprints and computer-generated models, the architect made three-dimensional … Read More
Opera fundraiser at Villa Collina far exceeds expectations
“Everything was perfect. Perfect location, perfect atmosphere and the perfect venue for our event.” Those are the words of Michael Torano, director of marketing and public relations for the Knoxville Opera. The event, “Under the Tuscan Moon,” was a wine dinner held in summer 2017. Organizers leveraged Villa Collina’s beauty and Italianate design in promoting the event, which also featured … Read More