The History of the Smith House (continued)

Dr. Giles Savage purchased the home in 1898 and his family owned "The Savage House" as it was known until 1980. Dr. Savage, a Vanderbilt professor of ophthalmology, housed his private practice in the front rooms and used the large room under the ballroom as an infirmary for recovering patients. His daughter, Dr. Kate Savage Zerfoss practiced here until 1975 and occasionally lived in the home until her death in 1988. During the 1930's and 40's some of the rooms in The Savage House were used as music studios.

John W. Hunt and David Nelson purchased the property in 1980. They opened a multi-function operation including The Savage House Bed and Breakfast upstairs, The Towne House Tea Room on the main floor and The Gas Light Lounge in the rear ballroom. The Gas Light Lounge was a colorful part of Nashville's cultural scene for 20 years, hosting live music, theatre productions, art shows and karaoke. During this time the building was used as a set for many music videos including Allison Krauss and Brad Paisley's "Whiskey Lullaby" which featured actor Rick Schroder crashing through an upper floor window and won Country Music Video of the Year honors in 2004.