River Side Farmhouse

River Side Farmhouse is a residence built in Queen Anne style in Bedford County around 1890, displaying the characteristic features of this architectural period. The house stands out for its pointed roofs, bay windows, asymmetrical facade, and elaborate wood detailing typical of American farmhouse design from that era.

Jacob Morton Shofner built this farmhouse in 1890 on property his grandfather had acquired from North Carolina in the early 1800s. The structure has remained standing for over a century and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The property shows how successful farming families lived in the region during the 1800s, with architectural choices that reflected their wealth and standing. You can see these aspirations in the ornate wood details and grand design of the house itself.

The property is located in a rural setting and accessible via Shofner Road with clear property markers. Since this is a private residence, visitor access may be limited, so checking conditions ahead of time is wise.

This was the birthplace of Prentice Cooper, who later became Tennessee's 39th governor. His family maintained a connection to the property across multiple generations, underscoring its importance to local history.

Location: Bedford County

Inception: 1890

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture

Address: 497 Shofner Road

GPS coordinates: 35.44944,-86.38139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26