Historical Beauty of the Wells House

The Wells House
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Wells House
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Janie Slaton
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Dandridge is home to many historical landmarks, and few are as exemplary of local culture and heritage as the Wells House. Located just off of Wells Spring Road, the house is currently owned by Jim and Janie Slaton. Janie is of Wells descent, and the home has been inhabited by the Wells family since April 7, 1878, when it became the home of James Bedwell Wells. The house, itself, was built using lumber that was cut at the estate’s mill, and the bricks were also made on-sight. The three story home has seen some upgrades since Jim and Janie took the reins, though none of the historical value has been lost in transition. The couple has made a conscious effort to make the home warm and welcoming for family and friends, while keeping the historical integrity. Lining the walls are pictures and art work that depict a time gone by and they are joined with more recent family photos and lovely poems penned by Janie Slaton. The Wells House features many rooms that have been made into tributes, not only for the Wells and Slaton lines, but for local culture, as well. Jim and Janie also display a great affection and pride for the American soldier, as one room has been dubbed the “War Room.” Inside lays a fascinating display of memorabilia and photographs of familial soldiers, as well as a veritable library of books on war history, especially the Civil War. The stately home once served as a place of rest and respite for injured Civil War soldiers and the room is a gracious nod to Patriotism. Perhaps the most striking item in the room is a Christmas tree, decorated and lit year-round. The couple refer to the tree as their “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” tree: the lights will only be put out when all American soldiers are safe at home for Christmas with their families. In addition to the staggering amount of history that the house and grounds have, Janie and Jim emphasize that the Wells House is still very much a home, and decorate the house extravagantly for each season. Currently, the Wells House sports a host of Saint Patrick’s Day decorations, particularly in the dining room: in no small part a tribute to the Wells family history and their patriarch James Bedford Wells. The house has always been welcoming to travelers, as, for example, the Wells would feed vagabonds that were starving and traveling through the area. Jim and Janie carry on this welcoming demeanor, and have been approached multiple times by strangers whose families were impacted by the estate and wished to visit the historical home. Though some believe that the estate is haunted by those that have passed through its doors, the couple, who believe the joining of their families was destined, welcome the spirits of loved ones that have passed. The Wells House is a lovely and welcoming meshing of warmth and family with historical reverence and beauty, which is certainly a gracious combination.

The Wells House
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew