hundred oaks castle



a History



Winchester, Tennessee



Construction on Hundred Oaks Castle began in 1830, though it was not so-named at the time.





It was originally built as a plantation farm house by Benjamin Decherd, the railroad tycoon for whom the town of Decherd, Tennessee, is named.


The property was purchased in the 1860's by Albert Marks, the 21st governor of Tennessee, and a descendant of Thomas Jefferson.


Legend has it that Albert's son, Arthur, counted the gracious oak trees that dotted the plantation property, and came to the sum of 100... hence the name, "Hundred Oaks."



Arthur traveled abroad as a diplomat. overseas, he met his lovely bride,
Mary Hunt, a nashvillian.





Upon their return to Winchester, Tennessee, in 1889, they began the arduous task of renovating Arthur's childhood plantation home into a sprawling work of art, to be appropriately christened...


"Hundred Oaks Castle."



The Castle has seen days of glory, and one fire-ravaged
night of devastation.





In 1990, an arsonist set flames upon the Castle, erasing history, memories and architecture within minutes. Franklin County residents remember the blaze, and collectively wonder how someone could choose to attempt such destruction.​



this castle sat vacant
for seven years





An article appeared in a Nashville newspaper, stating simply, "This Castle needs a King."


PK and Shirley Bramlett saw the article, and knew immediately in their hearts that this special place could be the physical home for The Kent Bramlett Foundation.


They applied for the grand responsibility, alongside over 150 other organizations across the nation.


PK had been practicing law since the late 1960's, and Shirley was an accomplished artist and decorator. Because of their skills, the Foundation's goals, their committment to improving life for others, to supporting arts, history and culture, and to restoration and preservation efforts, the Foundation was chosen.


Recommendations from friends far and wide supported the beginning of this new chapter for the Bramletts, for the Foundation and for the Castle, and in 1997, the Bramletts took on the incredibly emotional and monumental challenge.


BRAMLETT LAW OFFICES

Three generations of Bramletts
have cared for Hundred Oaks Castle, absorbing its history
and learning its fables and fairytales.





All of them have run their fingertips across the bricks that crown the 97-foot Tower, honoring two centuries of souls who have lived or worked at the Castle, or loved ones who are represented here.





Hundred Oaks Castle


Winchester, Tennessee