safety
Historic Donoho Hotel site in Red Boiling Springs listed for sale after November 2025 fire
By Amanda Roberts at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 11, 2026
· 2 min read
The ownership group of the historic Donoho Hotel in Red Boiling Springs has decided to sell the property after a fire destroyed the century-old landmark in November 2025.Despite the loss, co-owner John Cook said he hopes the site will someday again host the weddings and family reunions the hotel ...
Key takeaway "It was way too late to save the building, that 1914 tongue-in-groove lumber dry and the walls were insulated with sawdust and it was just nothing you could do and so we just had to painfully watch it burn," Cook said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The sale of the Donoho Hotel site in Red Boiling Springs raises questions about the future of historic preservation in rural areas of Davidson County. While the hotel's destruction is a loss for the community, the decision not to rebuild to historic guidelines due to cost concerns is a common challenge faced by many property owners. The fact that the site has been cleared and is now ready for new development presents an opportunity for a buyer to create a new destination that still honors the spirit of the Donoho. As the property changes hands, it will be worth watching to see if the new owner prioritizes preserving the site's history and character, or if a new vision for the property emerges. The Donoho's legacy as a beloved gathering place for weddings and family reunions could live on if the new owner chooses to build a hotel or event space that pays homage to the original landmark.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The ownership group of the historic Donoho Hotel in Red Boiling Springs has decided to sell the property after a fire destroyed the century-old landmark in November 2025.Despite the loss, co-owner John Cook said he hopes the site will someday again host the weddings and family reunions the hotel ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amanda Roberts at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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