house tours nashville tn

Take The Nashville City Tour! Voted BEST Tour In Music City!

• Popular Tour!

Homes of the Stars Tour

See over 30 Nashville celebrity homes!

Quick Details

• Bus Vehicle Type: Mini bus
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Map Marker Celebrity Homes: A Great Mix Of Past & Present Celebrity Homes!
• Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

We believe strongly in the Gray Line Tennessee sightseeing experience. If you’re dissatisfied with your tour, please contact our Customer Service office at 615-883-5555 and we’ll make it right.

Tour Celebrity Homes in Nashville, TN!

See over 30 Nashville celebrity homes* with an expert tour guide on this two-hour tour.

Celebrity Homes Include:

• Taylor Swift
• Kellie Pickler
• Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts
• Little Big Town
• Martina McBride
• Reese Witherspoon
• Dierks Bentley

Check out this quick preview of some of the stars’ homes you will see on the tour and their visibility rating!

*Please note stars homes are subject to change. This tour does not make stops where you can get off and may not be able to make complete stops in front of homes due to traffic flow & location of the star’s home.

Hours:      Mon - Sat. 10 am to 3:30 pm   /   Sun. 11 am to 3:30 pm   /    Last admission at 3:30 pm

Stories of the Past - Conversations for the Future

Discover the largest house built in Tennesse e prior to the Civil War. Constructed between 18 50  and 1860, Belmont Mansion was the home of Adelicia and Joseph Acklen.

Visiting here is an opportunity to explore one of the few 1850s era homes still standing in Nashville while learning about the place and the people -- both free and enslaved -- who make this site worth understanding.

A majority of rooms in Belmont Mansion have been meticulously restored,

complete with original and period furniture, artwork and statuary.

Located in the heart of Nashville on the Belmont University Campus

Monday through Saturday

Open at 10 am.

Last guest admitted at 3:30

Doors close at 4:30 pm

Open at 11 am.

Average visit is 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Located in the middle of the Belmont University campus  behind Freeman Hall. 

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Take the Tour

Experience the Thrill of the Opry on a Backstage Tour

Take it all in: the sights, the sounds, and the stories that only happen backstage – before the country music magic happens onstage. Come on over, hang out behind the scenes, and let us introduce you to our famous friends at a brand new, star-studded tour exhibit. There’s simply nothing else like it.

Get Tickets

Daytime Backstage Tours

A state-of-the-art theater experience with music, special effects, priceless archival footage, and superstar hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Stories about the Opry and country music greats with exclusive photos from the Opry’s biggest moments.

See the Artist Entrance, where stars walk into the world-famous Opry House every night. 

Learn about our exclusive Proposal Packages. 

Women of Country Tour

This one’s for the girls. 

• Mimosas and Petit Fours
• The state-of-the-art Circle Room theater experience
• A specialized, 45-minute tour of artist dressing rooms, artist entrance, and green room
• Women of Country Tour-exclusive access to the Glitz & Glamour and Honky-Tonk Angels dressing rooms 
• A visit inside the Women of Country dressing room with exclusive photo ops 

 The Women of Country Tour is available for guests ages 21 and up.

Country Duos

Tour the legendary Grand Ole Opry AND Nashville's Mother Church, Ryman Auditorium, for one low price!

• Join an immersive theater experience hosted by Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
• Go on an expert-guided tour behind the curtain
• Hang out where the stars gather before the show
• Step into our themed dressing rooms and more

Ryman Tour:

• Experience a world-famous living music landmark
• See this season’s star-studded exhibits
• Join an immersive "Soul of Nashville" theater experience
• Step onto the stage and stand where your favorite artists play 

Postshow Backstage Tours

• Get a glimpse of the Opry’s themed dressing rooms and see the artist entrance where the stars arrived that night.
• Postshow tours often make a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of HEE HAW.
• After you take in an Opry performance, let us officially say, “Welcome to the family!”

Opry show tickets must be purchased separately .

Also available for Opry and Opry Country Classics shows at Ryman Auditorium.

How long is a tour at the Opry?

The backstage tour typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

How much does a tour cost?

Tour tickets range from $39-$98.90 (before taxes & fees) depending on the ticket type and optional upgrades.

Have any additional questions? Check out our FAQs page for more information:

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Belmont Mansion

Top ways to experience Belmont Mansion and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Belmont Mansion - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• (0.25 mi) Proper Bagel

Homes of the Stars Bus Tour - Tour Celebrity Homes in Nashville, TN

• Valid For Adult Ticket for New Homes of Stars
• Valid between now and 12/31/2024

Wanting to enjoy a Nashville stars home tour or looking for an entertaining motorcoach tour? You found it! From the Grand Ole Opry country music show to the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville , Music Row, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville TN is known as the country music capital of the world. The Homes of the Stars Bus Tour in Nashville gives visitors the classic tour bus experience combined with seeing the home of their favorite country star.

Country music fans, this Homes of the Stars Nashville tour is for you as you enjoy a trip into the lush neighborhoods that country music stars such as Taylor Swift and Martina McBride call home. Since it is such a hot spot for music, most country music stars live in Nashville. These stars' homes are absolutely gorgeous and immaculate, giving unique insight into the property options in the area as well as estate views of the hottest celebrities and the most iconic celebrity homes Nashville has. See your favorite country star's Nashville home as you explore the city on this fun Nashville celebrity homes tour! 

This tour of stars homes Nashville TN gives you an up-close look into the personal lives of many of today's top country stars as you are taken on a guided tour of some of Nashville's most popular neighborhood areas. After scoping out the sights of the city it will be off to the suburbs, where you may see stars' homes such as Opry legend Dolly Parton, Kid Rock, Martina McBride and more!

Your trip into the world of country music star homes begins as you board a comfortable 25-passenger bus and taken through the streets of downtown Nashville's top attractions. The Homes of the Stars tour also includes other great landmarks and sites along the way, including the Tennessee State Capital, Cumberland River, and much more!

Highlights of your Nashville Celebrity Home tour will include real estate of country music performers such as that of Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Ronnie Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood, Jack White, Dolly Parton, and more! Homes that you may see are subject to change. These homes in Nashville are sure to give unique insight into the area. Embark upon this celebrity homes tour to see mansion views and potential celebrity sightings on this fun and professional tour. Purchase your tickets today!

Live music has long since added to the history of Music City. Be sure to gaze upon the celebrity life and mansion views of the neighborhood on one of these awesome Nashville tours. Visitors can also experience other awesome Music City adventures . Visit a honky tonk, take a Nashville tour or cruise the General Jackson showboat. No matter what you do, you're sure to have a blast. nashville starnashville s homes map nashville celebrity homes map nashville tn stours of stars homes nashville tn tours of stars homes nashville stars homes map

• What methods of transportation does the Homes of the Stars Tour use? This is a 25-passenger bus tour.
• Approximately how long does the Homes of the Stars Tour last? It is approximately 2 hours.
• For what ages is the tour appropriate? Great for all ages.
• What type of dress & footwear are recommended? Comfortable clothing.
• What sights will be seen from the motor coach? Homes of stars such as Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Jack White, Martina McBride, and more as well as Nashville sites.
• Is photography / video recording allowed on the Homes of the Stars Tour? Yes.
• Is the Homes of the Stars Tour handicap accessible? Yes.

Mansion Tour

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 45 minutes

Discover a Greek Revival Mansion in Nashville!

Enjoy a guided walk through the 1853 Greek Revival Mansion, followed by a complimentary wine tasting (for those who are age 21+) in the Winery. Includes access to our Grounds and Outbuildings, Outdoor Game Court, Walking Trail, Gift Shops, and our on-site restaurant, The Belle Meade Meat & Three .

Please Note:

• If on-line tickets are sold out, we do have a limited number of on-site tickets available.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before scheduled tour time.
• Tickets are only valid for the date and time purchased.
• Discounted tickets for military available on-site. Inquire at Tickets in Visitor’s Center.

Tour Duration & Location

• 45 minutes (We suggest a minimum of 2 hours on site.)
• The Mansion Tour starts on the front porch of the Mansion.
• Every guest must either purchase tickets online and check in at our Visitor’s Center or purchase tickets to this tour in the Visitor’s Center.

Wheelchair Access

• The grounds are wheelchair accessible and the first floor of the Mansion is also wheelchair accessible with a ramp to the side porch. Please bring your own wheelchair, walker, cane, or scooter to ensure your comfort. There is an elevator that provides service between the lower and upper levels of the Visitor Center.

Related Options

• Hour Glass 60 minutes
• User Ages 12+

Journey to Jubilee

Learn more about enslavement in the American South, contract labor after emancipation, and also the Black Heritage and legacy in thoroughbred horse racing.

• User Ages 21+

Wine, Bourbon and Food Pairing Experience

Embark on an enchanting journey where the worlds of wine and bourbon intertwine. Prepare to indulge your senses and elevate your palate to new heights!

• User All Ages

Grounds Only Admission

Visit the Belle Meade Mansion! The grounds only admission does not include a guided tour. However, you will be able to access our grounds and outbuildings, outdoor game court, walking trail, gift shops, and our on-site restaurant!

Photo: Google Maps

Celebrity Homes In Nashville: Here’s the Map You Need!

Ever found yourself wondering where do country stars live in Nashville, or where do celebrities live in Nashville in general? Well, we’ve totally got the inside scoop and lucky for you, we’ve dug deep to get you all the best deets on your favorite celebrity homes in Nashville.

So, the truth of the matter is that when it comes to celebs, most celebrity homes in Nashville are actually in Brentwood or Franklin, TN. These are two of the most affluent suburbs in the Nashville area.

PSST –   If you’re looking to get even more juicy bits on celeb homes in Nashville, check out our “Where the Stars Live in Nashville map”! This awesome tool was created to give you guys a detailed listing map of country stars homes in Nashville.

So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, What is Taylor Swift’s address in Nashville? We’ve got the hook up for you. Totally not creepy, just expressing our love of celebrity culture!

Nashville Celebrity Homes Map

Looking for the REAL star tour of Nashville? Want to avoid tourist traps? You’re in the right place and won’t regret our expertly curated tour!

This tour takes you through everything from Downtown Nashville’s celebrity-owned hot spots to the massive estates of the stars. From the heart of Nashville to Brentwood and Franklin, there are over 80 current and former celebrity homes on the tour.

What You’re Getting

• 84+ Verified Celebrity Homes
• 40 Proven Celebrity Hot Spots and Attractions
• Easy to Follow PDF Tour Emailed to You
• Map Links for Easy Navigation to Each Location
• Exclusive Tips That Only Locals Know

Nashville Celebrity Homes

Keith urban and nicole kidman.

Located in the Green Hills / Belle Meade area of Nashville, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman live in an exclusive gated community called Northumberland. The paid $3.47 million for the 12,582 square foot home in 2008. It’s an incredibly regal home, based on the listing photos, with a huge tennis court and pool out back. There appears to also be a private creek of sorts. #Fancy!

Check out Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman House Photos here!

Believe it or not, Big Kenny designed and built what he calls “Chateau di Amore” to be the absolute ideal home.  It was last listed at $10 million and is an insane 18,449 square feet, complete with 8 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 3 half baths, and a gorgeous in-home studio. The backyard patio and pool are perfection, complete with perfectly manicured gardens, a saloon style bar and literally too much to even go into full detail. But, if you’d like the visual scoop, you can check it out for yourself and feel the full thrust of your life’s failure here: Big Kenny House Photos and Address.  

Check out Big Kenny House Photos here!

You can pretty much sum up the second half of Big & Rich’s estate with one phrase: “Mt. Richmore”. After all, that’s what it says on the entrance gate. Gotta love a guy with a sense of flair. “Massively extravagant” as Taste of Country called it is quite right. This 20 room, 17,081 square foot mansion is complete with 5 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, an elevator, a guitar-shaped pool, guitar-shaped toilet seat covers, and a private club with its own musical stage that is a whopping 4,000 square feet all on its own.

Check out John Rich House Photos here!

Reba McEntire

This country legend’s former home is 12,819 square feet and located in Lebanon, which is just about a 45-minute ride just east outside of Nashville. When I say it’s the most beautiful home I’ve laid my eyes on thus far – I mean it. The courtyard and manicured gardens, the spiral staircase, the gorgeously carved wooden accents, the granite kitchen walls – the fame of it all. There’s also a pool, a tennis court, and a dock out back as it sits just on the water. But the master bathroom, LAWD honey child. Regal. Reba sold it in 2017 for $3 million and it’s actually an event space now.

Check out Reba McEntire House Photos here!

Jake Owen’s former pad was located in Kingston Springs which is just about 23 miles southwest of Nashville. This is rustic luxe at its best. This 4,918 square foot home has 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms and 1 half bath. It comes with a chef kitchen, a workout room, an elevator, a recording studio, a tiki bar and is sitting on over 7 wooded acres. Oh, and it is also the former home of country music legend Loretta Lynn!

Check out Jake Owen House Photos here!

Miranda Lambert

Lambert’s beautiful rustic home hidden away in Williamsport just under 60 miles south of Nashville, is a beautiful, serene little getaway that cost her $3.4 million in 2015. Mounted stag heads. Check. Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Check. Guesthouse. Check. Outdoor firepit. Check. Personal lake. Check. This place is understated luxury at its best. The interior is nothing to go crazy over but she’s got her name all over it. The entire property as a whole makes you feel like you’re having an indefinite stay at a sleep-away summer camp. In a good way.

Check out Miranda Lambert House Photos here!

Kelly Clarkson

Clarkson’s 20,000 square foot, manor home is located in Hendersonville just 20 miles north of Nashville. With it comes 6 acres of land, 7 bedrooms, 8 full baths, and 3 half baths. Three words: Gorgeous, stately, sophisticated. The foyer is absolutely to-die-for with a double spiral staircase and the kitchen has a rustic Restoration Hardware vibe. There’s also a gorgeous back balcony that leads down to a beautiful outdoor pool area, a volleyball pit, and the most adorable wooden playground for the kiddos.   She’s been trying to sell it for quite a while. As of this post, it’s listed at $8.75 million.

Check out Kelly Clarkson House Photos here!

Todd Chrisley

This $1.6 million 4-bedroom, 6 bath, 5,229 square foot home is kind of like the quintessential country family dream home. The gorgeous spiral staircase, the marble fireplaces, countertops, and showers – dear Lord baby Jesus. Everything in this house is beautifully crafted using superior materials — nothing insanely over-the-top or too extravagant – just modest luxury. I mean, really, it’s kind of like everything you would expect for Todd Chrisley’s home.  

Check out Todd Chrisley House Photos here!

Martina McBride

Ms. McBride’s home is like a little desert oasis hidden in the city. I mean, the interior is to-die-for. Literally. Elegant luxury at its best and I CANNOT get over the art deco bar. The exterior is breathtakingly beautiful and includes a courtyard, an outdoor patio with a stone fireplace and probably the most gorgeous pool you’ve ever seen complete with a waterfall and lush, perfectly manicured greenery.

Check out Martina McBride House Photos here!

What country stars live in Brentwood, TN?

Dolly parton.

The Zillow pic does not do it justice people. Parton’s Brentwood home is absolutely stunning. I love a good upper-level patio and well-manicured gardens and this estate just meets it all. There’s a huge tennis court on the property, guest homes, a gazebo, a gorgeous pond and the longest driveway you’ve ever seen in your life. Plus, it’s uber private and a perfect fit for my all-time favorite country singer, ever.

Check out Dolly Parton House Photos here!

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Five bedrooms, 10 baths, and a whopping 22,426 square feet. Holy moly. But could we really expect anything less for the king and queen of country? I mean this thing is MEGA. Like, I’m talking compound, mega, not just your everyday McMansion mega.  You know how big it is? You could literally fit the neighbor’s mansion inside their backyard/pool area.

Check out Tim McGraw & Faith Hill House Photos here!

So, for those of you who are presently unaware, Jack White is my future ex-husband. He may not be aware of that yet, either, but minor details, folks. So the king of rock (yes I said it!!) has an amazing 18,490 square foot house located in Nashville complete with a huge outdoor pool, a wrap-around porch, an adorably quaint back patio and a fire engine red guest house? Studio? I’m not sure. He’s notoriously private so don’t hold your breath on the interior pics.

Check out Jack White House Photos here!

Amy Grant and Vince Gill

Six bedrooms, 6 baths and 10,377 square feet of pure country luxury, y’all. This house is gorgeous. Nothing spectacular on the outside in terms of design, but just all-around beautiful and I am dying for the front patios on every level. I mean this thing is insane. Two huge parking lots on the property as a well as a gorgeous outdoor pool and what looks like a golf course! Yass kween! They are the cutest.

Check out Amy Grant & Vince Gill House Photos here!

Hillary Scott-Tyrell and Chris Tyrell

This 6-bedroom, 6 bath, 7,851 square foot home is situated in Brentwood and estimated at $2.3 million. It just screams southern country comfort living and is wonderfully stately and demure. The wrap-around patios are to-die-for and the backyard boasts a gorgeous pool area with beautifully manicured gardens. The interior is beautifully done and the home comes complete with a home theater and billiard room.

Check out Hillary Scott-Tyrell House Photos here!

Taylor Swift

Our girl’s gated country estate is located in Forest Hills, TN, which is just next to Brentwood, just outside of Nashville. Vaulted ceilings in the formal living room, a den, a study, a terrace room, guest suites, and a gorgeous outdoor patio and pool area.  There’s also a beautiful fountain and lit columns in the backyard. It’s quaint for Taylor, but it’s classy, it’s understated, and it’s secluded – which is just what our gal needs.

Check out Taylor Swift Nashville House here!

TAYLOR’S PENTHOUSE

Taylor also owns a penthouse in the heart of the city. It’s where she spends most of her time, according to reports and paparazzi photos of her on the balcony 😉

Check out Taylor Swift Nashville House – The Penthouse  here!

Sheryl Crow

Purchased in 2011 for $3.6 million, Crow’s country estate was covered in Country Living and is literally just to die for. It’s not that the house is insanely remarkable in any way, it’s that this woman’s got a major knack for interior décor and I’m literally dying over it.

I mean she’s got it all – a  huge collection of antique books, vintage signage EVERYWHERE and even these super cute vintage tea caddies she discovered in a flea market in Franklin.

There’s also a beautiful piano room (of course there is) with a gorgeous grand piano and a separate barn studio where she records her music (with her 31 guitars). She also created a saloon downstairs but that’s not the killer y’all. To top it all off – she literally built her own church on her own property as a little safe haven and decorated it with her collection of religious statues, figurines, glass cloches, vintage suitcase, and oil portraits.

We would expect nothing less.

Check out Sheryl Crow House Photos here!

What country music stars live in Franklin, TN?

The king and queen of Country actually have a second estate in Franklin as well which sits on 753 acres of land. The entire estate boasts a whopping four residences in total, as well as a 12-stall barn complete with a caretaker’s apartment and various historic features throughout the homes.

Wynonna Judd

The Judd’s are an interesting bunch and generally remain pretty private, so it only makes sense that Wynonna’s home would be situated on a highly secluded plot of land. The ranch-style residence is gated and the home clocks in at a whopping 10,621 square feet.

Check out Wynonna Judd House Photos here!

Naomi’s Franklin, TN home includes a great room with gorgeous wood paneling and copper ceiling details. The interior, in general, is full of natural light which in combination with the vaulted ceilings gives it a beautifully airy ambiance. There’s also an office room full of the various awards the family has won over the years.

Check out Naomi Judd House Photos here!

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler

This $5.4 million home boasts 10,307 square feet, 8 bedrooms, 8 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. The farmhouse style mansion sits on 10 acres of land and features a gorgeous wrap-around patio. The interior includes a study and displays beautiful rustic details with tons of natural lighting. It’s regal, it’s elegant, it’s stately and comes complete with a barn and beautifully serene pond.

Check out Kristin Cavallari House Photos here!

DeMarco Murray

The former running back for the Tennessee Titans owns a home in Franklin currently being listed for $3.29 million. This French manor-style home features beautifully manicured garden and a gorgeous outdoor pool area. The interior includes a theater room, a large outdoor pool, a grand entry, a game room, a spa bath, a coffee bar, six bedroom suites, seven full bathroom suites, three half baths, and an elevator. It clocks in at 9,600 square feet.

Check out DeMarco Murray House Photos here!

Brad Paisley

The Paisley’s boast a gorgeous two-story log cabin style home complete with beautiful stone fireplaces, a den and an attached garage measuring in at 1,568 square feet. The size in total of the residence clocks in at respectable 11,130 square feet.

Check out Brad Paisley House Photos here!

Carrie Underwood

There’s something about Franklin that keeps pulling Ms. Underwood back. America’s sweetheart purchased a relatively modest 3,099 square foot home with 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and a half-bath in Franklin, Tennessee for $384,000 a few years back. She eventually sold that one and built a custom estate with her hubby Mike Fisher situated on 400 acres of land in the area.  

Below is a video of the massive home they are building, courtesy of MEGA via DailyMail. As this is being built they are living in a neighboring barn/cottage-style home on the property, which you can see here:  Carrie Underwood House Photos !

Ronnie Dunn

The other half of Brooks & Dunn owns a beautiful 6-bedroom, 7 bathroom farm manor that’s been coined as “Parkview Farm”. The home itself is 10,898 square feet and sits on 16 acres of land, worth an approximate $8.9 million. There’s also a 4,000 square foot guest house, a greenhouse, a spa, a horse barn, a pool, and a riding ring.

Check out Ronnie Dunn House Photos here!

Jason Aldean

This country king found his home in Columbia, TN – about 45 miles south of Nashville. The rustic estate sits on 120 acres of land and includes a bowling alley, in-law quarters, an outdoor entertainment area, a pool area, and a 10,000 square foot horse facility. The home itself is 9,000 square foot and includes 6 bedrooms and 8.5 baths. He had it listed for $7.875 million for quite some time and finally sold it for $7 million in early 2019.

Check out Jason Aldean House Photos here!

So, how many country singers live in Nashville, TN, you ask? Pretty much all of them.  

To explore more via our map, all you’ve got to do is go to Velvet Ropes and drag the map over to Nashville, and the fun begins!

https://www.countryliving.com/real-estate/news/a46070/keith-urban-nicole-kidman-nashville-home-sale/

https://www.romper.com/p/where-does-carrie-underwood-live-the-expectant-mom-family-call-this-nashville-suburb-home-10924274

https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/house-tours/g3299/sheryl-crow-nashville-home-tour/

http://amyjacksonsmith.com/chateau_di_amore_2325_golf_club_lane.aspx

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/08/magazine/jack-white-is-the-savviest-rock-star-of-our-time.html

http://tasteofcountry.com/john-rich-house-pictures/

.css-16urd06{margin:0;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.5;} .css-1eo6nkc{color:rgb(0, 0, 238);font-size:24px;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;} Danni Holland

Danni Holland is a writer, artist and self-professed celebrity news junkie. Whether she's writing about digital marketing for some of the biggest names in the industry, politics , interviewing legendary fashion icons , or dishing out the #411 on local dirt —you can rest assured she's giving you a 100% truth #nofilter perspective. Check her out on Instagram @iheartcandyfromstrangers and Facebook !

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Idea House 2023: Step Inside Our Tennessee Country Home

For the 2023 Southern Living Idea House, we followed winding roads to rural Tennessee, where we built a family farmhouse that embraces life in the slow lane

The Tennessee countryside is musical. The land rolls here, dipping into tree-spangled valleys then cresting into grassy knolls that stretch toward the sky. But unlike the rollicking melodies of nearby Nashville, about 30 miles northeast, the rhythms of the Leipers Fork area are a bit more relaxed, with honky-tonk tunes and neon lights taking a back seat to birdsong and starry skies. In other words, it was a pitch-perfect choice for the site of our 2023 Idea House —a reimagined farmhouse that honors its surroundings and encourages gracious hospitality.

We assembled a talented crew from across the region to bring our country-place dreams to life: interior designer Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio i n Catonsville, Maryland; residential designers Bill Holloway and Luke Sippel of Lake + Land Studio in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; builders Mary and Patrick Hatcliff of Hatcliff Construction in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and landscape designer Butch Hamby of Southern Creations Landscaping , which is also based in Murfreesboro. 

“It was very natural for me to be inspired by the landscape when I considered the color palette, textures, and general energy of the house,” notes Laura. “We always aim for sustainability in our design plans, so we picked out materials that made sense for the property.” The footprint of the structure also takes its cues from the 67 acres surrounding it, with a main house that unfolds along the hilltop plus a garden folly and a multipurpose barn that snugly flank the pool and open-air entertaining space out back. “We thought it should be a home that looked like it had been there for a while, something that seemed settled and original,” says Bill. “We wanted it to appear as if the grounds had developed around the house, instead of the other way around,” adds Luke. Through architecture that prioritizes livability and interiors that feel harmonious with the land, our team crafted a bucolic retreat that is mindfully rooted in its environment and also intentionally designed for the future.

Listen to the Land

Lake + Land Studio selected James Hardie® Hardie Plank Lap Siding and custom cut limestone from Alabama Stone, a division of Vetter Stone, for old-house character. “We tried to create layers of history to tell a story about how this farmhouse could have evolved on the site,” says residential designer Bill Holloway.

Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Matthew Gleason

Set the Scene

“I love that you’re greeted immediately by natural materials,” says Laura, who chose Summer Classics Santa Barbara Teak Lounge chairs for the front porch. “This space lets guests know what to anticipate inside,” she adds.

Balance the Scale

The expansive great room has high vaulted ceilings, so to make it feel more intimate, Laura designed two smaller gathering spaces within it for lounging and dining. “Your eye goes straight outside, as we have Marvin’s Ultimate Multi-Slide Door across the back,” says Laura, who filled the living room with textures and colors that are reminiscent of changing leaves. (All interior paint colors, including Whitetail (SW 7103) in the living and dining rooms, are Sherwin-Williams Emerald Designer Edition.) Vintage pieces have their perks, says the designer, who grounded the living room with a hand-knotted find from Nashville Rug Gallery. “It’s likely made better than a lot of the ones you’d buy new,” she notes. “If it’s been around for this long, you’re not going to ruin it.”

Prioritize Pieces Made in the U.S.A.

The dining room is rooted in Earth-conscious choices, says Laura. “We have vintage chairs reupholstered with fabric from Kravet’s Recycled Content collection (which is made from plastic bottles) and a table handcrafted in Pennsylvania using American oak.” She worked with Grothouse to design the custom table, pulling elements from both Georgian silhouettes and West African furniture.

Carve Out a Focal Point

Rather than diverting the eye from the stovetop, Laura treated the Monogram Luxury Appliances 48-inch range as the kitchen’s main event, framing it with an arched plaster hood that extends the length of the oven and the neighboring white oak built-ins. She designed the cabinetry with Unique Kitchens and Baths (nearby Tennessee maker Henry's Cabinets specially fabricated them for our Idea House, but readers may purchase directly from Unique Kitchens and Baths). Billie Concrete Pendants in Large from Regina Andrew shed light on the ebonized oak island, where rattan-wrapped stools support easy entertaining. The designer selected Imperial Danby marble for the countertops and backsplash. “It’s sourced out of Vermont, so it’s not traveling from overseas,” says Laura. “It’s surprisingly easy to live with. I think people are afraid of staining it, but marble lasts and lasts.”

Design the Breakfast Nook for All Hours

In a space off the kitchen, Laura translated the connection to the outdoors more literally, commissioning Lenehan Studios to cover the walls in a softened version of the natural landscape. An English pine table from Chairish, a pair of 1960s bentwood chairs, and banquette seating dial up the coziness. “In the evening, this space feels loungy,” notes the designer. “There are beautiful views of the sunset through these windows.” The breakfast nook’s trim, ceiling, and cabinetry are all painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Meander (SW 9522).

Elevate the Everyday

Board-and-batten walls, bardiglio-and-white Carrara marble floors, and a table from Jayne Thompson Antiques reflect the team’s thoughtful design approach to hardworking spaces. “The mudroom is like a handshake,” says Bill. “It’s where you leave when you’re going to work and school, and it’s the spot that lets you know you’ve arrived home.” The same ethos was applied to the laundry room, where they installed GE appliances and wooden countertops crafted by Grothouse. The space plays double duty, as it's well equipped to serve pets, from the pretty storage for Pedigree® Dog Food to the convenient tiled dog-washing station.

Use Your Imagination in Utilitarian Places

Swathed in Sherwin-Williams’ Forged Steel (SW 9565), the catchall pantry feels like a mini escape, thanks to its well-considered details, like open shelving punctuated by metal uprights from Brass Hardware and inset brass screens, which provide vented vegetable storage. The oil cruets are from Domain, Laura’s home-goods shop. She also outfitted the space with glass food storage. “Decanting items into glass containers allows you to purchase in bulk and helps avoid so much plastic,” she says of the pantry storage. “You don’t have to take on a sustainable lifestyle all the time, but this is a small step to be more intentional.” The design of the butler's pantry is similarly thoughtful in its design: With the side-by-side sommelier fridges and soapstone countertops, it’s ideal for happy hour, which calls for a glass of wine paired with some Kerrygold cheese.

Build In Room To Play

“This area is meant to be lighthearted for kids, but it could easily transition into a guest room,” says Laura about her approach to the twin bedroom upstairs. To maximize the square footage, the designer focused on built-in pieces, from the beds (with drawers below for storage) to the desks and shelves. The headboards, upholstered in Thibaut’s Club Velvet and hung from brass rails, extend around the walls. “It creates little daybeds,” says Laura, who covered cork in Thibaut’s Vario fabric in Cashmere so the kids could pin up artwork and mementos.

Connect the Dots

“There were spots on-site that we wanted to celebrate [through the architecture],” notes Bill. This is true of the northeast-facing upstairs bedroom, where Laura highlighted the sweeping backyard view and provided an option for blocking the morning sun with window treatments in Thibaut’s wool-blend Ravello in Charcoal. She worked with Alabama furniture maker Reid Classics to design the modern four-poster bed, which features leather detailing up top as a nod to the decor on the main floor.

Stick the Landing

“The second-story den may be a pass-through space, but I still wanted it to feel rewarding,” says Laura, who added a bench from Jayne Thompson Antiques, a vintage find from Nashville Rug Gallery, and artwork by Carey Haynes (via the Nashville Artist Collective).

Get in the Mood for Entertaining

“Each room feels like it has its own identity and character,” says Luke. You can consider the elegant basement the home’s resident night owl, with its moodier hues and sumptuous textures. “This is a party house,” says Bill. “It’s a great place to gather family and friends.” To emphasize the hospitable vibes downstairs, Laura designed custom bistro tables with Grothouse and surrounded them with mohair-upholstered stools from Lee Industries. She hung the Concorde Chandelier by Regina Andrew above the billiards table for a dose of drama. “It’s all very luxe feeling,” she notes.

Turn Up the Music

“The basement den was my indulgence into Nashville’s Music City vibe,” says Laura, who coated the walls in mossy green (Sherwin-Williams’ Nocturne, SW 9520) and added a wood-and-stone fireplace for coziness. “I wanted to foster a speakeasy sort of feel down here.” Tufted leather sofas by Lee Industries, chairs upholstered in cinnamon velvet, and a Steinway Baby Grand piano underscore the sultry atmosphere, while works by local artists (hung with Command Brand Canvas Picture Hangers) inject pops of color.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Matthew Gleason

Spin a Tranquil Cocoon

“There’s a lot of natural light but also an incredible feeling of warmth, like you’re being wrapped up in the architecture of the space,” says Luke of the primary suite. Laura followed the architecture’s lead, enveloping a niche in a caramel-colored velvet by Phillip Jeffries and dressing the bed in comforting layers from the Southern Living Collection Exclusively at Dillard’s. Regina Andrew’s sculptural La Dame Chandelier floats overhead. She also sourced a pair of antique nightstands from Chairish for the space. “We always start with vintage,” says the decorator. “It’s exciting to be able to have unique pieces that are special and well crafted, and it’s more sustainable because they aren’t newly made. In the adjacent primary bathroom, light-filtering curtains from City Shade Company offer some privacy and a Ferguson tub emphasizes the spalike atmosphere.

Energize the Home Office

Ceiling-high windows bookend this intermediary space between the great room and the primary bedroom, flooding the oak-paneled study with natural light. 

Make Outdoor Areas Extra Comfy

“Porches should be cozy, especially one like this that’s covered and has retractable Phantom Screens that come down,” says Laura, who furnished it with pieces from Summer Classics’ Havana collection. Chestnut-colored Zuri Premium Decking by Westlake Royal Building Products mirrors natural wood but is hardy enough to withstand any rainwater that manages to sneak past the porch’s exaggerated overhangs.

Create A Secret Garden

The elements are no match for this adorable potting shed, where a GE mini-split heating-and- cooling system maintains a consistent environment for plants year-round. “It’s got so much character,” says Mary. “It’s the perfect little spot. I love plants, and I could see myself going out every morning to see my little plant babies. I want one of everything! Lots of  orchids , lots of different kinds of ferns.” The folly also overlooks a culinary garden (designed by Sara Gasbarra of Verdura), which brings fresh ingredients and lively hues to the yard.

Laurey W. Glenn

Gather Around

Laura relied on Summer Classics’ Ashland Teak Adirondack chairs to provide spots to relax by the pool and the firepit. “I kept the seating style the same so you could bring them all together and have it feel intentional, not like a mishmash of furniture,” she notes. The grounds surrounding the pool, designed by Butch Hamby of Southern Creations Landscaping, feel equally deliberate, thanks to a well-curated mix of greenery and flowers from the Southern Living Plant Collection. “The house is beautiful from the front, but when you walk out the back doors and look at the views, you could stay there and not know the world is around you,” says Patrick.

Rethink the Barn

In keeping with the area’s agricultural roots, Lake + Land Studio envisioned a barn, outfitting it with James Hardie’s Hardie Plank, Hardie Panel, and Hardie Trim Batten Board with ColorPlus Technology finishes. While Clopay’s Avante garage doors allow easy entry for farm equipment, Laura reinterpreted the structure as a no-fuss venue for poolside entertaining. “I wanted it to be modular so it could be used for lots of occasions,” says the designer, who opted for a built-in kitchen and dining nook (shown below left).

Outfit A Space for Easy Entertaining

Inside the party barn, durable outdoor furniture allows for hanging around the table in wet bathing suits, and the kitchen has a Hearth Oven by Monogram Luxury Appliances, ideal for hosting pizza night at home.

Design Mini Escapes

In the gym on the main floor, plenty of windows, a whitewashed wood ceiling, and sustainably crafted equipment by Paragon Studio yield a pleasant area to exercise. “It’s the type of space you want to stay and use,” says Laura. Downstairs, a moody songwriters' room provides another in-house getaway. Portraits of musical legends take center stage in the recording studio, where instruments from Fanny’s House of Music help deliver inspiration and sound-absorbing sisal wallcoverings from Fibreworks prevent late-night jams from disturbing the peace.

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Mansion Tours

Guided tours of falcon rest mansion bring the faulkner family and the 1890s to life for visitors of all ages., there's something for everyone on this historic mansion tour between nashville and chattanooga, tenn..

• The Victorian mansion called “Tennessee’s Biltmore” by PBS. Mr. Faulkner’s obituary described him as a mechanical genius, so it’s easy to understand why his mansion was equipped with “all the modern conveniences of a model city residence.”
• Museum quality Victorian antiques in every room
• Gardens reflecting the bounty of McMinnville, “the nursery capital of the world”
• A restoration that so revived a near-derelict old building that it won the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Great American Home Award” — an inspiration to visitors who are redoing old homes themselves
• Intriguing accounts of experiences that hint Falcon Rest might be inhabited by a friendly ghost
• Real stories about real people associated with the mansion over the years, from Mr. Faulkner (the “secret soldier” of the Civil War) and his colorful family, through its days as a local hospital and its dedicated restoration

They all add up to the Victorian mansion where history is fun.

PLEASE NOTE: The mansion and gardens are not visible from the road.  They are entirely hidden in the 1890s inside our tall holly hedge.  Enter at the Visitor Center just past the hedge at 85 Bluff Springs Road.  Access to the gardens is restricted to paid tourists, overnight guests, and participants in large events.

• GROUP TOURS
• UPCOMING SHOWS
• PROPERTY MAP

QUESTIONS? Call us at 931-668-4444 or e-mail .

Open wednesday - sunday 9 am to 5 pm..

• Walk-ins welcome Wednesday thru Sunday.
• Gift shop open all day Wed. – Sun., tea room open 11-2, no tour required
• Tours usually start within 15 minutes of guests arrival, and last between 45 minutes to an hour.  We try to start our last tour by 4 pm.
• Closed Monday and Tuesday*, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
•   *If you will only be in town on Monday and Tuesday, call for a tour appointment.  We will be happy to schedule one if a tour guide is available.
• Adults & Teens: $17  | Children 4-12: $9 Plus tax.  No charge for age 3 and under.

Includes guided mansion tour and self-guided gardens tour at your leisure.

• All buildings except the mansion are handicapped accessible. There are three steps to the first floor of the mansion, and 24 very easy ones to the second floor. The buildings are close enough together to make it easy to walk from one to another.  See our property map.
• Please note:  Photographs  are not allowed inside the mansion, but guests are encouraged to stay as long as they like after a tour to take pictures outside and explore the grounds.

Falcon Rest is 1.3 miles north of Hwy. 70S at the end of Faulkner Springs Rd. To enter at the Visitor Center, turn left at the end of Faulkner Springs Rd. onto Bluff Springs Rd., then left onto the driveway just past the mansion. (GPS Address)

No GPS? No problem.  Follow the written directions.

Take Manchester Exit 111 (Hwy. 55) to McMinnville. DO NOT turn and go to the McMinnville business district. Instead, keep going straight and follow Hwy. 70S signs toward Sparta. Turn left onto Faulkner Springs Rd. at the FIFTH traffic light (the one AFTER Korner Market).

Simple way Follow directions above from I-24 through Manchester.

Closest way Take I-24 exit 81B to Murfreesboro. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Rutherford Blvd. After you pass Wal-Mart, turn right again onto Mercury Blvd., which is Hwy. 70S. Go through Woodbury and into McMinnville. Instead of crossing Hwy. 70S toward the downtown McMinnville business district, take the exit toward Sparta. Turn left onto Faulkner Springs Rd. at the FIFTH traffic light (the one AFTER Korner Market).

Closest way Choose the scenic route across the gorgeous Sequatchie Valley (just beware of deer at dusk!)

Take Hwy. 27 across the Tennessee River at the Aquarium, then Hwy. 111 past Dunlap.

Approximately 10+ miles past the Dunlap turnoff, turn left onto Hwy. 8.

Turn right when Hwy. 8 meets Hwy. 56 on the outskirts of McMinnville, enter downtown on Main Street, take the first right onto Sparta St., first left onto Morford St., and first right onto Spring St.

Go straight across the Hwy. 70S Bypass, where Spring St. becomes Faulkner Springs Rd. (Call for directions with less turns if you’ll be in a motorcoach!)

From I-40 West (from Nashville), take Exit 273 south onto Hwy. 56 through Smithville into McMinnville. Turn left onto the Hwy. 70S Bypass, then left again at the second traffic light onto Faulkner Springs Rd.

Closest way Go west on I-40 to Crossville Exit 317. Turn left at the end of the ramp; go about 1-1/2 miles and turn right at the traffic light by Walgreens. Stay on this road (Hwy. 70) just through Sparta, then turn left onto Hwy. 111.

A couple of miles south of Sparta, take fork toward McMinnville on Hwy. 70S. Stay on the four-lane Hwy. 70S Bypass in McMinnville, and turn right at the fourth traffic light onto Faulkner Springs Rd.

Simple way If you’d prefer to stay on 4-lane roads all the way from Knoxville, take I-40 west to Cookeville. Exit onto Hwy. 111 toward Sparta. Follow directions above from Sparta.

Exit the park at the south entrance onto Hwy. 284. For the quickest route, go straight across Hwy. 111 instead of turning north to Spencer. Hwy. 284 curves north and meets Hwy. 30 west of Spencer.

Turn left onto Hwy. 30. Go to the end of Hwy. 30, and turn left where it “y’s” into Hwy. 70S.

Go to the fourth traffic light; turn right onto Faulkner Springs Rd.

Go through Fayetteville, Tullahoma and Manchester, Tenn. Don’t turn onto I-24. Instead, go straight across the Interstate and follow the directions above from I-24 Exit 111 in Manchester.

“This was the best tour I have ever taken. If you have never been here, give it a try. Its beautiful inside and out. Read the history of the place — very interesting.  I give it 5 stars. Gift shop and tea room very nice.”‘

Patricia — walk-in tourist

Lunch in the Tea Room

Enjoy a delicious lunch in our Victorian Tea Room Wednesday thru Sunday, 11-2.

Browse the Gift Shop

Allow some time to shop for 1800s treasures. The Victorian Gift Shop has around 3,000 items you won't find anywhere else.

Relax in the Gardens

After the guided mansion tour, linger at your leisure in Falcon Rest's gardens. Access to the gardens is included in tour admission.

Explore the Local Area

Check out lots more fun things to do in the McMinnville area and Middle Tennessee.

Give a Gift Certificate to tour, shop, dine or stay on the grounds.

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the fun at Falcon Rest Mansion.

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• Biltmore House
• Gardens & Grounds
• Antler Hill Village

Explore this Section

A marvel of elegance and charm.

Experience America’s Largest Home®, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home of  George and Edith Vanderbilt . Explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more.

Biltmore: A Vision Made Real

Take a closer look at how a beloved national treasure has evolved over the years, from a history of significant events and decisions that ensure George Vanderbilt’s legacy lives on to the collection of rare and priceless objects that fill his grand home.

A Rich History

A vast collection, virtual tour: biltmore house—america’s largest home.

Rooftop Tour

Enjoy breathtaking views from rooftops and balconies of Biltmore House and get a closer look at its design and construction with this 60-minute guided tour of areas not seen on the regular house visit.

Hours of Operation

Directions & parking, help center.

Nashville's Best Historical Homes

TripSavvy / Jackson Vance 

No trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to one of its many historical homes. From log cabins to castles to plantation mansions, you'll learn a lot about how people lived during earlier times. Architecture buffs will be fascinated by different styles such as Greek Revival, Italianate, and Moorish-Gothic. You can even see the home of a U.S. president: The Hermitage, owned by President Andrew Jackson. The following is a list of some of the best historical homes and mansions that Middle Tennessee has to offer, all within an hour's drive of Nashville.

Belle Meade Plantation

TripSavvy / Jackson Vance

110 Leake Ave. Nashville, TN 37205

Belle Meade Plantation, founded in 1807 by John Harding, started with just one log cabin on 250 acres. In 1845, he commissioned the building of the Greek Revival mansion, which was home to five generations. The grounds now cover 5,400 acres and, in addition to the mansion, ​including a horse farm, dairy, mausoleum, gardens, and carriage house. After the tour, enjoy a free wine tasting, get a bite in the restaurant, and visit the gift shop.

Ambrose House

122 S. 12th St. Nashville, TN 37206

The beautiful Ambrose House is a Victorian charmer with crown molding, brick, copper, warm woods, and 12-foot ceilings. Architect Hugh Cathcart Thompson designed the house and is most famous for designing the historic Ryman Auditorium, which opened as a church in 1892 but in 1943 became the home of country music's Grand Ole Opry radio show.

Athenaeum Rectory

808 Athenaeum St. Columbia, TN 38401

Located in Columbia, Athenaeum Rectory was completed in about 1837 and is known for its Moorish-Gothic architecture. It served as the rectory for the family of Rev. Franklin Gillette Smith, headmaster of a girls' school. After the last member of the Smith family to live there died in the 1970s, the home was donated for use as a museum.

Belmont Mansion

1900 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, TN 37212

The Belmont Mansion, built in Italianate style, was completed in 1853 and served as a temporary headquarters for the Union Army during the Civil War, as well as an all-girls college and seminary. With 19,000 square feet and 36 rooms, the house is Tennessee's largest house museum and one of the most elaborate Southern antebellum homes.

Bowen Plantation House

PapaBear/Getty Images

705 Caldwell Drive Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Also known as the Bowen–Campbell House, the Bowen Plantation House, circa 1787, is located in Goodlettsville at Mansker's Station. The two-story, Federal-style house is the oldest brick house in Middle Tennessee and was the frontier home of Capt. William Bowen, an American Revolutionary War veteran.

Buchanan Log House

2910 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37214

The Buchanan Log House is a two-story house built in 1807 from chestnut logs and has poplar floors and limestone fireplaces. James Buchanan built the home and lived here with his wife and 16 children. Also nearby are the Addison House, a crafts cabin, and the James Buchanan Cemetery. 

Carter House

1140 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064

Just a mile and a half from Carnton Plantation, the brick Carter House was built in 1830 and was occupied successively by three generations of the Carter Family. In 1864 during the Civil War, a Union Army general took possession of the house to be used as his headquarters during the bloody Battle of Franklin.

3831 Whites Creek Pike Nashville, TN  37207

Cedarwood is a beautiful antebellum farmhouse built in 1835 that now serves as a wedding venue. The 50-acre estate is in the countryside just eight miles north of downtown Nashville .

Cragfont State Historic Site

200  Cragfont Road Castalian Springs, TN 37031

In 1786, Gen. James Winchester, a veteran of the War of 1812, began work on this log cabin. He named it Cragfont because of its location on a high, rocky bluff with a spring at its base. The home wasn't completed until 1802, and once it was, it was considered one of the grandest homes on the Tennessee frontier. Built in the late Georgian style, the house was built from limestone and poplar, walnut, ash, and cherry woods. It even had a second-floor ballroom.

Croft House at Nashville Zoo

3777 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211

The Croft House, built around 1810 by Col. Michael C. Dunn, is on the Grassmere Historic Farm and Nashville Zoo  property. Originally built in the Federal style, it was converted to Italianate after its renovation following the Civil War. This is when the ornate front and back porches, smokehouse, kitchen, and three-tiered garden were added. This is a working farm with livestock, chicken coop, machine shed, and pastures.

Elm Springs

740 Mooresville Pike Columbia, TN 38401

Elm Springs, located near Columbia, is a two-story, brick house built in 1837 in the Greek Revival style by brothers James and Nathaniel Dick, wealthy cotton merchants from New Orleans. It was later the home of Confederate Lt. Col. Abram M. Looney during the Civil War and was set to be destroyed by fire by Union troops. Fires were started, but Confederate Brig. Gen. Frank C. Armstrong sent troops to put out the flames. The house is currently the headquarters for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens

2645 Faulkner Springs Road McMinnville, TN 37110

Falcon Rest is a 10,000-square foot Victorian mansion in McMinnville built in 1896 by Gorilla Pants manufacturer Clay Faulkner. The brick house features electricity, central heat, and indoor plumbing, causing PBS to liken it to the impressive Biltmore Estate in North Carolina . The house was used as a hospital from the 1940s until 1968. Today it features a Victorian Tea Room and gift shop. 

Carnton Plantation

Pat Canova/Getty Images

1345 Eastern Flank Circle Franklin, TN 37064 615-794-0903

Carnton Plantation was built in 1826 by Randal McGavock, a former mayor of Nashville, and was one of the area's premier farms. In 1864 during the Civil War's Battle of Franklin, the home became a field hospital where hundreds of wounded soldiers were taken. The land near the family's cemetery became the final resting place for 1,500 Confederate soldiers killed during the battle. It's the country's largest privately owned military cemetery.

Gordon House

205 Old Spencer Mill Road Burns, TN 37029

Gordon House, built in 1818, was one of the first brick homes built within a 30-mile radius of Natchez Trace near Williamsport. The Georgian-style structure was built on Chickasaw land and was the main house on a 1,500-acre plantation featuring a trading post and ferry over Duck River. Its owner, Capt. John Gordon served under Confederate Gen. Andrew Jackson and was known to be a fierce Indian fighter. He was also Nashville's first postmaster.

Hundred Oaks Castle

101-, 199 Hundred Oaks Pl Winchester, TN 37398

Tour reservations are required and limited to groups of 20 or more. Directions to the castle are given when reservations are made.

Hundred Oaks Castle, located in Winchester, is one of only 13 remaining historic castles in the United States and is considered one of the world's most romantic. Built as a plantation farmhouse by railroad tycoon Benjamin Decherd in the 1830s, the castle was once home to  Albert Marks, a governor of Tennessee and a relative to Thomas Jefferson. For more than 50 years, it was a monastery. In 1990, a fire thought to be set by an arsonist ripped through the castle. You can tour 30 of the castle's rooms and two of its towers.

Lotz House Museum

1111 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064

Lotz House Museum, built in 1858 by German carpenter and piano maker Johann Albert Lotz, lies where the 1864 Battle of Franklin took place during the Civil War. The home was a way for Lotz to showcase his beautiful handiwork to attract potential clients.

The house is now a museum of the material culture of Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It has the largest and most comprehensive collection of War Between the States and Old West artifacts in the Mid-South.

Oaklands Mansion

900 N. Maney Ave. Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Oaklands Mansion, circa 1818, just north of Murfreesboro, was built by Sallie Murfree, daughter of Col. Hardee Murfree, and her husband Dr. Maney. Originally a two-room, brick house, later additions in both Federal and Italianate styles made this one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee. The land served as a cotton and tobacco plantation. Guests included Confederate President Jefferson Davis and First Lady Sarah Childress Polk, wife of President James Polk.

President James K. Polk House & Museum

ProhibitOnions/Flickr/GNU Free Documentation License

301 W. 7th St. Columbia, TN 38401

The James K. Polk House, a brick Federal-style house, was built in 1816 for James K. Polk's father, Samuel, and is the only surviving home of America's eleventh president. James K. Polk lived here with his parents from after his college graduation in 1818 until his marriage to Sarah Childress in 1824. Polk's possessions at the house include furniture, paintings, clothing, and White House china. Before becoming president, Polk was a U.S. Congressman, Speaker of the House, and governor of Tennessee.

Rattle and Snap Plantation

National Park Service photographer/Public Domain

Andrew Jackson Highway (TN 43) Mount Pleasant, TN 38474

Rattle and Snap Plantation, circa 1845, is one of the country's best examples of residential Greek Revival architecture. The property was named Rattle and Snap after William Polk won the land from the North Carolina governor in a game called rattle and snap. The home features beautiful craftsmanship featuring limestone bricks, 10 portico columns, four porches, and 10 Corinthian columns. Talented slave artisans built the house.

Cheekwood Estate

1200 Forrest Park Drive Nashville, TN 37205

Cheekwood is a limestone mansion completed in 1932 by the Cheek Family. The family's fortune came from investments in the Maxwell House coffee brand. The house is a great example of an American Country Place Era Estate. Its 55 acres are now home to a botanical garden and art museum. Popular times to visit are during the spring when more than 100,000 tulips are in bloom and at Christmas when many holiday events are scheduled.

Rippavilla Plantation

5700 Main St. Spring Hill, TN 37174

The two-story brick mansion at Rippavilla Plantation was completed in 1855 by Nathaniel F. Cheairs IV. Every wall in the house is three bricks thick. In 1920, electricity and plumbing were installed and the kitchen and smokehouse were attached to the home.

During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate generals used the mansion as their headquarters, and this is where Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood drew up his plan for the bloody Battle of Franklin in 1864. In 1985, the Saturn car company leased the property. The city of Spring Hill now owns Rippavilla.

Riverwood Mansion

1833 Welcome Lane Nashville, TN 37216

Riverwood Mansion was built by Irish immigrant Alexander Porter, who owned a lot of commercial property in the area. Built in the late 1790s and at 9,200 square feet, this Greek Revival-style house is one of Nashville's oldest and largest. The home has hosted seven U.S. presidents. Today it's a wedding venue.

Rock Castle

139 Rock Castle Lane Hendersonville, TN 37075

Rock Castle is a limestone Federal-style structure on 18 acres next to Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tenn. It was built by Revolutionary War Gen. Daniel Smith in the late 1700s. Smith, a surveyor from Virginia, was a two-time senator and also named the state of Tennessee.

810 S. Water Ave. Gallatin, TN 37066

Rose Mont was established as a 500-acre thoroughbred horse and longhorn cattle farm. Built between 1836 and 1842 by Josephus Conn Guild, the mansion features a blend of Creole and Palladian design. The Creole influence can be seen in its large windows, open-air halls, separate wings, extended roof, and wide porches. The main facade is Italian Palladian design. Its name comes from the property's rose gardens. Today Rose Mont consists of only six remaining acres, is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, and is owned by the city of Gallatin.

Sam Davis Home

1399 Sam Davis Road Smyrna, TN 37167

The Sam Davis Home was built between 1810 and 1820 by the father of Confederate Civil War hero Sam Davis. The two-story house lies on a cotton plantation and is characteristic of a Southern, upper-middle-class family. The home has nine rooms, its original kitchen, a smokehouse, office, and privy. Four slave cabins were relocated to the property to teach about life as a slave on Southern plantations. Located in Smyrna, the house is on 168 acres along the banks of Stewarts Creek.

Smith-Trahern Mansion

101 McClure St. Clarksville, TN 37040

Smith-Trahern Mansion is located north of Nashville in Clarksville where it has overlooked the Cumberland River since 1859. Built by Christopher Smith, a wealthy tobacconist, the house is both a Greek Revival and Italianate design. Highlights include grand hallways, a curved staircase, and a widow's walk on the roof. Slave quarters are the only remaining outbuildings. During World War II, the house served as temporary housing for soldiers. The mansion is rumored to be haunted by one its original owners, Mrs. Smith.

Spring Haven Mansion

1 Spring Haven Court Hendersonville, TN 37075

Spring Haven Mansion is a circa 1825 plantation home that sits on a beautiful three-acre property in Sumner County. It includes a log cabin, smokehouse, springhouse, screened-in porch, patio, and barn. It was built at about the same time as President Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage, and many items in both houses are similar.

Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum

636 Farrell Parkway Nashville, TN 37220

Travellers Rest Plantation, circa 1799, was the former home of Judge John Overton and his family for more than 140 years. The mansion served as the headquarters for Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood just prior to the Battle of Nashville during the Civil War. Today the museum includes exhibits covering the history of the Cumberland Basin area, Native American settlements, the Civil War, and slavery.

Two Rivers Mansion

3130 McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37214

The stately Italianate Two Rivers Mansion built in 1859 by David McGavock has been restored to reflect the splendor of the 1870s. The 14-acre property also includes a small Federal-style brick home built in 1802. At one time, it was home to livestock, a dairy operation, fox hunting, and a horse-breeding facility. Many of the estate's 50 outbuildings were destroyed by a tornado in 1933. Now owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, you'll also find two schools, a golf course, water park, skate park, and picnic areas here.

The Hermitage

4580 Rachel’s Lane Hermitage, TN 37076

The Hermitage mansion was the home of President Andrew Jackson, who lived here from 1804 until his death in 1845. In 1889, it opened as a museum and has become one of the most visited presidential museums with more than 15 million visitors.

This National Historic Landmark on 1,120 acres was once a cotton plantation that relied entirely on the labor of African slaves. At the time of Jackson's death, he had owned 150 slaves. He is buried on the grounds alongside his wife, Rachel, who died in 1828.

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Downtown Nashville's Hotels

Here's a peek inside downtown Nashville homes for rent. Heads up, don't forget your wallet

• The nonprofit organization has been offering the home tour for 19 years.
• Participants in this year's tour included Prima at Paseo South Gulch, Pullman at Gulch Union and several private homes.

Rooftop views. Resort-style pools. Sprawling vacation rentals.

Several luxurious homes and rental properties were showcased last week at the Nashville Downtown Partnership's 2024 Home Tour. The nonprofit's yearly event brings in visitors from all over Middle Tennessee to take a peek inside downtown Nashville residences.

The home tour is meant to promote downtown living, share design tips and offer participants a chance to see the city from new angles. Rental apartments from the brand new Prima building at Paseo South Gulch were featured on this year's tour. The mixed use development on 8th Avenue was built by SomeraRoad.

A new building called Pullman at Gulch Union showcased model units for luxury condos soon to hit the market. Prices for those condominiums start at $400,000.

According to the Nashville Downtown Partnership, 17,630 people currently live downtown in an average home size of 813 square feet. More than 4,000 units are currently under construction and at least 13,000 are in planning stages.

Travellers Rest

Historic house and museum.

The Oldest Historic House Open to the Public in Nashville

Travellers Rest Historic House Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the Overton home and landscape and serving as a gateway for learners of all ages to explore and experience Nashville's historic past. Our primary focus is history education and we serve more than 12,000 children and adult visitors each year. Our programs and events cover approximately 1000 years of history, from Mississippian period pre-contact settlement through the 19th century using the cultural resources of John Overton’s 1799 home.

Understanding each other through open dialogue

We believe as an historic site we have an obligation to provide a space that welcomes and facilitates open dialogue. We are working every day to more accurately tell the storiesof all former residents of Travellers Rest, including native communities who resided on this land prior to 1799, those enslaved here during the 18thand 19th centuries, and property owners and descendants. Learning from our collective history should lead to a better understanding of our present and allow for continued growth as a community, state, and country.

Educational Opportunities

Homeschool programs.

Scout Programs

Summer Camp

History At-Home

Group Tours

Field Trips

Upcoming Events

Spring 2024 Programs

Preservation Celebration

History of travellers rest, the first residents of historic travellers rest.

From as early as 1270-1316 A.D., more than 500 years before John Overton purchased the land which would later be known as Travellers Rest, the area was occupied by Native Americans during what archaeologists call the Mississippian period (circa 1000-1450 A.D.)

Nashville: From Frontier to Home of the U.S. President

The Native Americans who occupied Travellers Rest in the pre-historic Mississippian cultural period, were no longer present when white settlers began occupying Middle Tennessee. John Overton was among the very early residents of the young city.

Slavery at Travellers Rest: A Past Uncovered

Education is a key component of our mission at Travellers Rest Historic House Museum and provides a path to understand the hardships that enslaved persons endured.  Here at Travellers Rest, we strive to respectfully tell the complete story of all the inhabitants of the site.

The American Civil War: “HdQrs: 6 Miles from Nashville On Franklin Pike”

The American Civil War changed nearly everything in the South and deeply impacted the course of American history. Landscapes, farming practices, families, industries, homes, the economy and an entire way of life were radically altered and recovery, for some, would take generations.

Changes in Land & Economy Define the Emerging New South

In the late 19th century, post Reconstruction, the Overton family remained at Travellers Rest and, as did the rest of the Nashville, adapted to a nation entering a new era of industry. The city regained its economic strength and saw significant changes to its neighborhoods, way of life, and industries.

Discovering Nashville Through the Doors of Travellers Rest

Travellers Rest remained a central part of the Overton family and their descendants until 1946 when J.M. Dickinson, Judge Overton’s great-grandson, sold the property to Dr. John Youmans.

Discover Nashville Differently

Help Preserve the Past for the Future

Your tax-deductible contribution today will help preserve and maintain Travellers Rest Historic House Museum as a premier resource for history in Nashville and Middle Tennessee for generations to come.

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EXPLORE MUSIC’S MOST ICONIC STAGE. THE MUST-SEE NASHVILLE LANDMARK ON EVERY ARTIST’S AND FAN’S BUCKET LIST.

Self-Guided Tour

Tap in to the spirit of over 130 years of iconic performances and pop culture moments on a self-guided tour through the hallowed halls of Ryman Auditorium.

• Go behind the scenes of Elvis’s infamous Opry debut and see artifacts from the King of Rock
• Stop at Rock Hall at the Ryman – in partnership Rock & Roll Hall of Fame  - New artifacts added!
• Get a professional souvenir photo onstage
• Discover the immersive “Soul of Nashville” theater
• Explore our gallery of signed Hatch Show Prints
• Check out this season’s starstudded exhibits
• Take home a piece of music’s most iconic stage from the gift shop

*Please note: The Johnny Cash bus is temporarily closed

*Onstage photo availability may vary

Guided Backstage Tour

See the Ryman the way your favorite performers do. Get a one-of-a-kind look at what goes on behind the scenes on a Guided Backstage Tour.  

*Buy early – limited availability & select dates only! 

• Hear insider stories about the venue’s iconic performances and the stars who have taken its stage 
• Take advantage of exclusive photo opportunities 
• Step into the footsteps of music legends backstage  
• Free souvenir photo on stage 
• New Rock & Roll Hall of Fame feature 
• Immersive “Soul of Nashville” theater experience 
• Star-studded exhibits 

Backstage access based on availability.

Ryman VIP Tour

Grab your entourage and let an expert guide walk you through the untold stories and exclusive memorabilia that make the Ryman the “Soul of Nashville.”

• Stop at Rock Hall at the Ryman – a powerful new exhibit with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the Ryman tour
• Get a customizable tour with backstage access (when available)
• Take home a commemorative VIP lanyard & Ryman poster

* The maximum group size is 10 people.

Country Duos Tour

Make it a double! Tour both the legendary Grand Ole Opry House AND Ryman Auditorium for one low price.

• Start with an immersive video hosted by Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
• Go on an expertguided tour backstage
• See the themed dressing rooms where superstars & rising stars prepare to take the stage
• Stand where your favorite country artists have stood at the Opry

Ryman Tour:

• For a limited-time, you can step into Johnny Cash’s personal tour bus for over 20 years
• Take in over 130 years of diverse music history
• See this season’s starstudded exhibits
• Watch the immersive “Soul of Nashville” video
• Step onto the stage where your favorite artists play

Group Tours

Plan an unforgettable outing. Bring your group of 15 or more to the Ryman for a group-friendly tour or performance.

To speak to a Group Sales representative call 615-871-5043 or contact us .

“I genuinely, hands-on-heart, believe this is the best venue in the United States of America.” Ed Sheeran

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