Most antebellum plantation homes display portraits of family members in gilded frames, but at Belle Meade—a stud farm and breeding operation since 1816—the portraits are of Thoroughbred racehorses. For more than 80 years, racehorse owners worldwide came to look for promising yearlings at Belle Meade's annual sale. The 1853 Greek Revival mansion boasts 26ft limestone columns, marbleized woodwork, and ornate furnishings by John Henry Belter, Duncan Phyfe and Joseph Meeks.