Changing Hands
From listing to auction
As remarkable as it was, a 40,000-square-foot estate is a rare and challenging thing to sell. In its later years, Villa Collina was listed for sale — at one point with an asking price reduced to the high single-digit millions — and ultimately went to auction. Reports indicated the property sold to an undisclosed buyer, closing one era in the mansion's history and setting the stage for its final one.
Demolition
The mansion comes down
Rather than continuing as a residence, the great house met an unexpected end. Demolition of Villa Collina began in late 2021 and was completed in 2022. Aerial footage confirmed what many in Knoxville found hard to believe — that Tennessee's largest home was no longer standing. In its place, the prime riverfront land is being redeveloped, with plans for new homes along the Tennessee River.
A landmark that took the better part of a decade to build was gone within a matter of months.
A place in memory
Though the mansion is gone, Villa Collina remains a memorable part of Knoxville's story — a symbol of ambition, a setting for community generosity, and a reminder of how quickly even the grandest things can change. Revisit the mansion, its history, and its legacy of giving.
When was Villa Collina demolished?
Demolition began in late 2021 and was completed in 2022. The riverfront property is being redeveloped into new homes.
Can you still visit or tour Villa Collina?
No. The mansion no longer exists, so it cannot be visited or toured. This site is a historical retrospective of the former landmark.