The original house built on the current site was a log structure, with only the basement remaining today. During the Civil War, the basement served as a fort for storing ammunition, offering clear views of the Tennessee and Clinch Rivers as well as the Cumberland Road, the main East-West route to Nashville at the time.
After the war, Judge Crumbliss redesigned the house to a seven-gabled style, with the front porch facing the Tennessee River to the south. Subsequent owners, the Eblens, later reconfigured the house, orienting the front porch towards Cumberland Street to the north. In the 1930s, the Eblens sold the house to the Bronce & Vera Johnson, who transformed it into a true Southern Colonial style. The architect, hailing from Knoxville, added a two-story formal section and a single-story Early American portion, previously serving as the carriage house. The residence was further enhanced with the addition of a back patio, pool, pool house—featuring a marble floor—and a circular driveway while preserving the property’s trees and overall silhouette.
Noteworthy elements within the house include stairs and mantels sourced from the Ward House and molding from the old YMCA building in Oakdale, TN. These historic artifacts were chosen for Lindale due to their originality.
An intriguing feature is the outside kitchen`s brick walls, made from ballast bricks manufactured in England and used on sailing ships for balance during voyages to America. These bricks were also available for riverboat ballast, with some arriving at Kingston`s shores, now the site of Lindale (Colonial511). During excavation, these bricks were discovered beneath layers of soil and plant growth.
The limestone blocks enclosing the pool`s east side and forming the pool house`s foundation were repurposed from the old Clinch River Bridge. This bridge once spanned the Clinch River near what is now Kingston City Park.
The property boasts various tree species, including elm, maple, sycamore, cedar, and spruce, with the oldest being over a century old. Notably, a unique vine found on the western side of the pool typically thrives in New Orleans but has adapted to the Kingston region.
This distinguished two-story colonial residence has long been a standout landmark in Kingston, recognized across the state for its historical and architectural significance. 🏡 Welcome to Colonial 511
A little history, a lot of charm, and your home away from home in Kingston! Please help us care for this special historic property.
🚭 No Smoking
No smoking or vaping inside or outside the property. Evidence of smoking may result in a minimum $500 charge.
🐾 No Pets
Pets are not permitted at Colonial 511.
🎉 Parties & Events
Parties, showers, events, or gatherings must be approved by management in advance. Only registered and approved guests are permitted on the property.
👥 Occupancy
Please do not exceed the approved number of guests. Unapproved additional guests may result in additional fees.
🤫 Be a Good Neighbor
Colonial 511 is located in the heart of Kingston. Please be respectful of our neighbors and keep noise to a minimum, especially during evening hours.
🏛️ Love the History
This home has a story to tell! Please treat the furnishings, décor, historic pieces, plaques, and memorabilia with care. Do not remove or relocate items.
Fun fact: The Rosalynn Suite hosted Rosalynn Carter in 1976 during Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign!
🍳 Kitchen
Enjoy the fully stocked kitchen! Please clean up after yourself and load and start the dishwasher before departure.
🅿️ Parking
Park only in designated areas. Parking is permitted on the concrete pad up to the planters. Please do not park on grass or landscaped areas.
🔑 Check-In & Checkout
Please follow the times listed on your reservation. Early check-in and late checkout must be approved in advance and are subject to availability.
🧹 Before You Go
* Bag and dispose of all trash in the designated bins. * Load and start the dishwasher. * Leave sheets and linens on the beds. * Place used towels on bathroom floors. * Check for personal belongings. * Lock all doors when leaving.
🛠️ Something Not Right?
Let us know while you’re here! Contact Jim Henry Vacation Rentals as soon as possible and allow us the opportunity to address any issue during your stay.
❤️ Enjoy Your Stay!
Colonial 511 has been part of Kingston’s story for generations. Enjoy the character, make some memories, and help us keep this beautiful historic home ready for many more guests to come!
Thank you for staying with Jim Henry Vacation Rentals!