From a Family Home to a Tennessee Treasure

Built in 1892, the Commodore Inn at Clifton began as the home of merchant and banker William Alford Hughes, a respected businessman whose family helped shape the early history of Clifton, Tennessee.

More than a century later, the house still stands as one of Clifton's finest Victorian homes—a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful preservation, and generations of memories.

Today, guests have the rare opportunity to experience this remarkable home while becoming part of its continuing story.

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The Hughes Family

William Alford Hughes was the only son of Thomas Ridley Hughes, co-founder of T.S. Hughes & Co., one of Clifton's most successful mercantile businesses.

The store supplied everything from fine clothing and furniture to household goods, allowing William to furnish his new home with many of the finest materials available at the time.

William and his wife, Lillian Taylor Hughes, raised their nine children here, filling the home with family life, celebrations, and traditions that echoed through its halls for generations.

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Building a Victorian Landmark

In September 1892, William Hughes purchased a half-acre lot on Pillow Street and began building what would become one of Clifton's landmark homes.

The property originally included:

• The Victorian mansion

• A private schoolhouse

• A gazebo

• A barn

The original schoolhouse still stands today. Inside, visitors can still see names and dates written by the Hughes children, along with the teacher's handwritten instruction:

"Be Seated."

These small details offer a remarkable glimpse into everyday life more than 130 years ago.

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A Home at the Center of Clifton

The Hughes home witnessed much of Clifton's history.

Family gatherings filled the wraparound porch. Children played croquet on the neighboring property. Students attending the newly established Frank Hughes College boarded in the home, making it an important part of community life.

The house has remained in the care of only a handful of owners throughout its long history, preserving much of its original character.

Original Victorian Features

One of the home's greatest treasures is how much of the original craftsmanship remains intact.

Guests can still enjoy:

• Original hardwood floors

• Original grand staircase

• Pocket doors

• Original stained-glass window

• Original door hardware

• Original claw-foot bathtub

• Countless period details throughout the home

These authentic features create an atmosphere that simply cannot be recreated.

Restoring the Commodore Inn

When Michael and Kathy Dumont purchased the property in 2015, they saw more than an old Victorian house.

They saw an opportunity to preserve one of Clifton's architectural treasures for future generations.

Over the years, thousands of hours have been devoted to carefully restoring the home while respecting its original craftsmanship. Layers of paint were painstakingly removed from the intricate woodwork, original hardware was preserved whenever possible, and historic details throughout the home were brought back to life.

Today, the Commodore Inn welcomes travelers from around the world to experience the beauty, elegance, and craftsmanship of a true Victorian home.

Become Part of the Story

History is meant to be experienced.

Walk the same staircase the Hughes family climbed each day.

Relax beneath the towering trees that have watched over the property for generations.

Step through original pocket doors.

Spend an evening on the porch as countless guests have before you.

The Commodore Inn at Clifton isn't simply a place to stay.

It's a chance to spend the night inside a living piece of Tennessee history.

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