Unifamiliare Indipendente Knoxville

The Lou-Mar House - Where Architectural Craft Meets Artistic Soul.

Built in 1889 and designed by celebrated French-born architect David Getaz--whose legacy includes the Knox County Courthouse and Eureka Hall in Asheville--The Lou-Mar House is a crown jewel of East Tennessee architecture. A commanding Queen Anne Victorian set on a double corner lot in the heart of Knoxville’s thriving Happy Holler neighborhood, this 135-year-old landmark is equal parts historic treasure and cultural statement. Fully gated with an automated entry, the property includes a 6-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom main residence, a fully renovated 2-bedroom carriage house, and a separate workshop space--a turnkey compound made for living boldly.

Step onto the dramatic wraparound front porch of a home that has anchored this neighborhood since the Gilded Age, and you immediately sense the presence of something rare. Inside, etched-glass double doors open into a grand foyer crafted from six varieties of wood, setting the tone for the artistry and craftsmanship that have defined this home for over a century.
The parlor features a bespoke mural created in collaboration with fine artist Mara Wilson, honoring the home’s rich history and architect David Getaz’s enduring legacy. Double pocket doors connect the parlor to the former gentleman’s parlor--now a custom maple library--creating a fluid, flexible space that balances formality with warmth. The dining room, anchored by a boxed-beam ceiling, adds even more character and depth. With nine stained-glass windows, seven ornamental fireplaces, detailed trimwork, and original lighting throughout, the home honors its 19th-century roots while offering 21st-century livability. A seamless family room addition above a three-car garage expands the layout without compromising the home’s historic soul. And in a city neighborhood where parking is a premium, the estate offers six total off-street spots--one under the porte cochere, two beneath the workshop, and three in the garage--an amenity nearly unheard of in urban Knoxville.

The Lou-Mar House has been stewarded with the same care its architect deserved. The slate roof--a hallmark material of the era--is a 100-year roof replaced just 14 years ago, offering decades of remaining life with the authentic character the home demands. Fresh paint throughout gives the exterior a crisp, move-in-ready finish while respecting the original palette and trim.

Recent improvements read like a who’s who of quality: a 5-ton multizone HVAC installed in 2022 delivers precision climate control throughout; marble-updated bathrooms completed in 2020 and 2024 include a standout primary suite with Artistic Tile, Rohl fixtures, and custom cabinetry; and a stunning outdoor kitchen and lounge added in 2021 features Blaze appliances, a gas fireplace, and a Sonance sound system. The fully renovated carriage house has equally thoughtful finishes inside and out. Every update has been made with an eye toward preserving what makes this house irreplaceable.

The fully renovated carriage house is more than charming--it’s smart. With high-end finishes, a private entrance, and a flexible 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom layout, it functions beautifully as a short- or long-term rental, guest quarters, or in-law suite. Whether you’re looking to host, earn passive income, or expand your creative space, the possibilities are truly turnkey.

Happy Holler is more than a neighborhood--it’s a vibe. Friendly, inclusive, and full of personality, this pocket of Knoxville blends front-porch culture with forward-thinking style - complete with a neighborhood playground and dog park. The Lou-Mar House sits at the heart of it all, just minutes from Downtown Knoxville, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, interstates, and more. The Lou-Mar house isn’t just a house--It’s The house in Happy Holler.