Bringing life back to The Greer House: A century-old home for life’s most personal celebrations

There’s a quiet corner in Kingston Springs where time seems to slow, where the hum of memory meets the buzz of new beginnings. That place is The Greer House, a white craftsman-style home on Highway 70 — a landmark locals have passed for decades. After years of sitting vacant, the 1926-built home is alive again, thanks to Karen Marlin’s vision, love for hospitality and deep connection to the town she’s called home for more than 30 years.

“It was purchased two years ago, from the Greers, and it had sat empty,” Marlin recalled. “I started talking with the owners in February. We came together and said, ‘Okay, if we’re going to do this, let’s get it going.’”

That spark became a plan: turn the home into a cozy, intimate event space that feels more like a family gathering than a commercial venue. Their first event? A wedding shower for Marlin's son and his fiancée, Maverick and Melanie. “We had 50 people right in here, watching them open gifts on the hearth,” Marlin said. “It was comfortable. That’s when we knew this could work.”

The Greer House isn’t your average Airbnb or banquet hall. It’s a space layered in history, thoughtfully renovated but never stripped of its soul. “Miss Greer visited during the open house we held in June, and she just absolutely loved everything,” Marlin said. “She was so happy that life’s being brought back into the place — making memories for people — because she did that when they owned it.”

Originally built in 1926, the craftsman-style home has transformed with each generation. “People remember Dudley and Tilly Dillingham living here. The Greers bought it over 40 years ago, and the whole first floor flooded in 2010. They had to redo everything,” Marlin explained. “But it was always a craftsman-style home. We decided to keep the name because everyone knows it — the Greer House. It just made sense.”

What began as a dream for a bed and breakfast slowly evolved into something more feasible — and more personal. “I’ve always wanted to have a bed and breakfast,” Marlin said. “But still working full-time, it just wasn’t realistic. This, though? An event venue with overnight accommodations? It made sense.”

Since launching in May, The Greer House has hosted a wedding couple shower, a ladies Bible class planning session and an open house. Events are booked well into the fall, including a ladies luncheon, a bridal brunch, birthday parties, and a holiday celebration. “Christmas is already booked. We’re also going to have a Christmas party open to the community,” Marlin added.

The space comfortably accommodates up to 50 guests indoors. “It’s perfect for things like baby showers, bridal showers, graduation parties,” Karen said. “And it’s a great setup for quilting or crafting groups who want to stay the weekend, bring their tables and just create together.”

Rental is simple and flexible. The house is available for $450 a night (with a two-night minimum), or $750 for a four-hour event, which includes time for setup and teardown. “If people want me to handle everything — food, drinks, setup, cleanup — it starts at $1,000 and up,” Marlin said. “But they’re welcome to use our full kitchen, too. We’ve got everything — flatware for 20, appliances and even antique china from England that I’ll use for catering.”

In addition to small bites from local favorites like Puffy Muffin or catering through HoneyFire BBQ, Karen’s personal touches make each event feel like home. “I’ve been collecting platters, plates and serving pieces for years. When people use The Greer House, they get access to all of it — no added cost.”

Looking ahead, Karen dreams of expanding. “I think ultimately that house across the street will become a wedding venue. With that beautiful barn, it could be the dining or dance hall, and weddings could be outside or inside,” she said. “Having both of these properties for the same kind of thing — it’s the perfect setup.”

But it’s not just about events. It’s about meaning. “And after everything our town’s been through — floods, tornadoes — this road needs happiness. I want this to be a happy place.”

And for many, it already is. “I had an agent from Knoxville whose family is in Arkansas. The Greer House is a great middle point. For families without space to host holidays — this is it,” Karen said. “It’s an event space with the added bonus of staying here. You get both.”

When asked what The Greer House means to her, Karen paused. “If the walls could talk, I hope they’d say, ‘I’m happy that there’s life back in this house again. I feel the warmth from all the parties we’re having.’ Like a mom when your kids come home — just happy.”

For Karen, bringing joy back to a house once filled with it is more than a business. It’s a mission. “This house went through hell in 2010. People cried here. They cleaned out their homes after the flood. Now? We’re making memories again.”

She smiled. “I love it here. I wouldn’t move out of this town. This house — it’s more than a venue. It’s a piece of Kingston Springs’ heart.”

For more information or to book your next event, email thegreerhousetn@gmail.com.