Carmichael Inn

The Carmichael Inn, constructed in 1800, is one of Loudon County’s most beloved landmarks. It became imperative to move it in the early 2000s when the land it was constructed on was slated for redevelopment. Loudon resident Betty Greer Carey, a Carmichael descendant, took it on as a personal project, and she worked to have the inn installed next to another historic building owned by her family, the Orme-Wilson Storehouse (circa 1852). The initial plans were to use the buildings as a museum, but a lack of long-term funding made that impractical.

Dover Signature Properties stepped in and acquired both properties in 2005. “We completed paperwork for a National Register of Historic Places listing and did a complete restoration of both properties,” says general manager Rick Dover. “This was an absolutely beautiful project and it attracted a lot of attention at the local and state level.”

The buildings are located near the historic Loudon County Courthouse at the intersection of Hackberry Street and Lee Highway. The upstairs of the inn was remodeled into a private loft apartment with a separate entrance; the rest of the buildings are commercial space. This is currently being leased to local resident Larry Click, who operates it as an event center for weddings, corporate meetings, and other celebrations.