243 3rd Ave, S

At 243 Third Avenue South, The Grand Dame pairs the grace of a 1910 landmark with beautifully considered modern living, moments from Franklin’s historic square. A stately facade and broad front porch lead to a grand foyer and sweeping staircase. Architectural details preserved from an earlier home on the property lend the residence its singular character. The current owners have renovated the entire home with careful attention to every detail, honoring its history while creating spaces for today. With OVER 6400 SQ FT of total living space, this 5-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom main house unfolds through elegant formal rooms, a dining room with a fireplace, a front parlor, inviting family spaces, and a light-filled sunroom. Detailed ceilings, generous windows, and lighting by Vaughan, Niermann Weeks, Urban Electric, and Visual Comfort enrich the interiors. The kitchen brings together marble, brass accents, custom cabinetry, a generous island, and a statement range. An adjoining breakfast room looks toward the gardens. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite features extensive built-in custom luxury closets. Its bath pairs a long dual vanity and freestanding tub with a checkerboard marble floor, floral wallcovering, and a glass-enclosed shower wrapped in dramatic stone with two showerheads and brass fixtures. Plumbing selections include Waterworks, Rohl, and Toto. Set on 0.57 acres, the grounds extend daily living outdoors with layered terraces for dining and lounging, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, and a lawn shaded by mature trees. A detached 1,113-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment with its own full kitchen sits above the three-car garage, which also includes a half bath. The apartment offers private space for guests or extended stays. Historic presence, exceptional craftsmanship, and remarkable space for gathering—all in the heart of downtown Franklin.