With the cold weather slowly going away, many residents may find it time to start revisiting locations of historical significance in their local parks. In particular, Sabine Hill is ready for tours again.

The Sabine Hill home has only been open to the public for a little less than two years, following a 10-year community effort to restore it to its original condition.

Sycamore Shoals State Park Ranger Corbin Hayslett said the tours are a chance for community members who have never been inside to see what the past might have looked like.

“A lot of folks have not had the chance to come by since the work was completed,” Hayslett said.

The house has stood since 1818, roughly 50 years younger than the Carter Mansion. He said the small, white house on the hill represents the cultural history of East Tennessee.

“This is one of the most prominent and well-preserved pieces of Federalist era architecture,” Hayslett said.

The county originally put the eight-acre piece of land on the demolition block about a decade ago. In response, Hayslett said various community members from across the region pooled together money and resources to keep the home standing, even working to refurbish the structure so it could resemble its original construction.

“This is a unique case,” he said. “Normally when a home is preserved, it is done entirely through federal funds. This was a grassroots effort.”

Since then, the home has stood as a chance for East Tennessee residents to connect with a piece of history they have seen all their lives but could never actually visit.

Hayslett said his favorite part of the tours is seeing that connection form with participants.

“Folks who have seen the home their entire lives are able to make a connection,” he said. “They can see what their involvement turned into.”

Tours of the home occur roughly once a month during the off-season, ramping up to four or five times a week during the summer months.

Those looking to register for next week’s tour can do so online at www.sycamoreshoalstn.org or by calling the park at 423-543-5808. They can also visit the park directly at 1651 West Elk Avenue. Those wishing to register must pay fees of $7 for adults and $3 for those between seven and 17 years old. Those six and under come free. There is a maximum seating of 16 participants.

The house is located at 2328 West G. Street.