The oldest log home at the University of the South at Sewanne suffered heavy damage on Friday night.
Fire broke out at the historic Rebel’s Rest at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Fire units arrived a short time later, but flames were shooting high in the air.
Rebel's Roost was built as the family home of Major George Fairbanks a year after the close of the Civil War.
The house had been closed for renovations and many valuable paintings had been removed.
No one was injured.