Nationally renowned gardener buys historic Scott-Hanna-Moore home in Marion

One of Marion’s most storied homes is entering a new chapter as nationally known gardener and television personality Chris VanCleave begins a full restoration of the Scott-Hanna-Moore House, with plans to make the property his permanent residence once he retires.

The home, located at 102 West Monroe Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure within the Courthouse Square Historic District. Its history is among the most unusual in Alabama. Built in 1834 at Scott’s Station outside Marion, the house was dismantled in 1904, loaded onto 25 mule drawn wagons and moved into town, where it was enlarged and rebuilt in the Gothic Victorian style that defines it today.

VanCleave, known nationally for his work in horticulture and his appearances on PBS, HGTV, Southern Living and Good Day Alabama, said he has admired Marion for years. 

“I first visited during the town’s Christmas home tours more than a decade ago and was immediately captivated by its history and architecture,” he said. “I toured this house when it was on the market years ago. It wasn’t the right time then, but when the opportunity came again, I knew I couldn’t let it pass.”

He said the restoration will focus on preserving the home’s historic character while preparing it for long term use. “This house has survived nearly two centuries because generations before me recognized its value,” VanCleave said. “I see myself as its next steward. My goal is to honor its history while creating something that contributes to Marion’s future.” 

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Work already underway includes structural stabilization, exterior wood restoration and historically appropriate improvements designed to preserve the home’s architectural integrity. VanCleave plans to restore the residence using period correct methods and develop extensive gardens featuring historic roses, Southern heirloom plants and heat tolerant perennials suited to the Deep South. The gardens will be designed to complement the home’s architecture and highlight Southern horticultural traditions.

VanCleave also intends to publicly document the restoration, allowing visitors and history enthusiasts to follow the transformation of one of Perry County’s most significant homes. In the years ahead, he envisions the property becoming a destination for historic preservation, gardening education and community events that support Marion’s cultural and tourism economy.

For VanCleave, the project is both professional and personal. After decades of work in horticulture and a long career in banking, he plans to make the Scott-Hanna-Moore House his permanent home once he retires. He said the move to Marion reflects his long-standing admiration for the town and his desire to invest in its future.

“This is a place worth preserving,” he said. “And it’s a place I look forward to calling home.”