In 1820 John Harding had a new brick house constructed.  The structure consisted of three rooms on two floors with a full cellar built of limestone.  The house was constructed in the prevailing federal style typical of middle Tennessee homes in the early 19th century. 

1820 North Elevation

In 1845 William Giles Harding expanded the house to include an office, nursery, and kitchen.  The kitchen was built in a separate structure that consisted of two stories and was connected to the main house by a double porch.

c.1845 North Elevation

 In 1853William Giles Harding had the house enlarged adding four new rooms.  The first floor ceilings were raised to 14 feet. A third story attic was built and a new spiral cantilevered stair soared to the upper floors.  A two-story portico supported by six sandstone columns in the Greek Revival style, were also added along with double porch across the rear of the house.

1853 North Elevation

In 1883 General William Hicks Jackson had the house modernized. Three cast concrete ornaments were added to the pediment of the front portico, further supporting the classical look of the façade. Two new bathrooms were built on the rear porches.  The kitchen was also updated sporting a new stove, sink, and copper boiler.

1883 North Elevation

In 1892, the house was once again remodeled.  The dining room and master bedroom were enlarged by an additional eleven feet.  A double porte cochere at the rear of the house was also added as a new covered entrance.

1892 South Elevation

Later owners and residents of the Belle Meade house continued to make additions and modernizations throughout the early 20th century.  Today many of these additions remain unchanged.

Present Day Elevation