Karlan Mansion

Karl Harris, who renovated "Karlan" bought the property sometime in the '50s. There were two homes built for sisters; I recall that with the home, they had the original plans of the home, smoke house, barns, stables and slave quaters and that the brick were made on the property. Karl Harris had first built his home in Middlesboro and it was a replica of Monticello and it burned down prior to his purchase of what is now called Karlan. That first property is now part of the Cumberland Ntl Park. I recall visiting the home in the '50s before heading off to college. Ann (Pan) Harris, Nelson's mom spent years decorating the house; there was a large organ in the downstairs entrance hall by the stairs. They had added a solarium and built a pool. They had stables and hounds. A local family were staff for the family. Nelson Harris sold the property to Virginia before his death in the '90s. Nelson built a home across the road from Karlan that his partner lived in. Nelson had two sisters and a brother; surviving family are scattered around NC and area. My grandmother was Nelson Harris' Great Aunt.