Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate

Franklin, Tennessee
$347 avg/night Minimum Stay 1 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Apartment

Property Type

Sleep 3

Max Sleeps

Night 1 nights

Min Stay

Welcome to The Gatehouse, and the private world of Dark Horse Estate. This legendary property offers a one-of-a-kind experience. A perfect setting for friends and families to unplug and reconnect.

This residence can accommodate three overnight guests. The Gatehouse features a
queen bed and a day bed. It boasts a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom
and a huge, covered porch looking out over the countryside. The Gatehouse is
exclusively yours and can be accessed with an outside entrance. This romantic one-of-a-kind get-away will exceed your expectations.

Your Property
Dark Horse Estate is gracefully set in the rolling hills of Tennessee, just 5 miles north
from Franklin’s historic town square and 25 minutes from downtown Nashville. Beautiful sunsets and lush mystic landscapes make this private sanctuary an exclusive destination. As you stroll down to the river, you’ll find yourself breathing more deeply as though you’ve been transported to a simpler time.

Guest Access
You’ll be staying on the first level of a 9000 sq. ft. hand crafted post and beam structure housing three recording studios which have become home to many of the most celebrated artists in the world. Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Alice in Chains, Tim McGraw, Korn, Matchbox 20, Carrie Underwood, and Neil Diamond are just a few of the artists who frequent Dark Horse estate. In fact, you’ll be sleeping in the same bed as many of your favorite stars. So… during your stay, you’ll find yourself among very good company!

You will have access to the lower kitchen just down the hall as well as the entire
grounds. Tours of the studios are available almost every day based on the recording
schedules. Whether you’re in town on business, a vacationer seeking an unforgettable experience, or a platinum selling artist working on your next hit, The Gatehouse is the perfect destination for your secluded getaway.

Interaction with Guests
At Dark Horse Estate your privacy is top priority. Having said that, you might bump into other guests as you explore the grounds. Every day is different with activity such as film shoots, interviews and, of course, recording sessions. Sometimes you may be able to hear the creative process from these sessions inside the apartment. And while late night and early morning sessions are rare, (you know musicians)... it does happen occasionally. Please read our reviews and you’ll see that our guests are delighted with both the atmosphere and privacy.

Other details to note
Note: Once again please know that the Bunkhouse is located on the first level of our
9,000 sq. ft. (three level) studio building. During some private recording sessions,
certain areas of the studio building may be closed off to guests.

Please carefully review HOUSE RULES below. This includes pet policies, property
policies, etc. And please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

HOUSE RULES: 
- SMOKING:  Smoking is not permitted in any buildings. Smoking is allowed only
outside, in designated areas. 
- PARTIES/EVENTS/NOISE:  All parties are prohibited. Our goal at Dark Horse is to
provide a private and relaxing environment. We are also an active recording facility.
Because of these factors, guests may not create a disruptive level of noise. Dark Horse is simply not the place for boisterous groups. 
PET POLICY:

We love dogs! We strive to keep our pet friendly homes just that, pet friendly!... by asking our guests to be conscientious about the impact their four-legged friend is having on the home, the property, and the neighbors.

OF PET OWNERS, WE ASK:

A one-time, non-refundable $75 fee per pet for four legged guests. This fee goes toward helping homeowners with the inevitable repairs needed for cumulative pet-wear-and-tear on their home. This is a cash fee, payable upon arrival.

We accept guests of the canine persuasion only ~ sorry, no feline friends, zebras, ferrets, parakeets, camels, etc.

In the home, dogs are not permitted on the beds, chairs, couches, or blankets. If you are unable to prevent this, please bring (clean!) sheets or blankets from home to put over the couches, bedding, and pillows.

If it’s rainy or muddy outside, please throw a dog towel that you provide on the floor by the doors. While some dog- friendly properties provide these towels, please bring your own. Please do not use the towels provided at the property to clean or dry your pets.

Additional cleaning charges will apply for yard clean-up, excessive pet hair, or messes requiring additional carpet, upholstery, or linen cleaning.
Pets may not be left alone in the home unless you have them kenneled or are 110% certain there will be no disturbing barking, scratched doors, or stained carpets. If needed, local pet boarding is available at Waggy Tails Pet Center.

Please understand that we are an active recording studio. Both the studio clients and other visiting guests are looking for privacy and relaxation, and the engineers and musicians are looking for a quiet place to work. We ask that you ensure there is no excessive barking. If you leave your dog unattended in the room and your dog’s barking causes a disturbance amongst other guests, we reserve the right to enter the room and try to calm the dog down. If the barking noise cannot be brought under control, we reserve the right to ask you to vacate the property without refund.

- PLEASE NOTE: All accommodations are to be used as vacation rentals only. If you
wish to conduct a business or personal photo shoot, a video shoot, a songwriting or
recording session, or any other activity beyond a typical guest vacation rental, please reach out at Dark Horse Recording Online. If you are interested in filming, recording, podcasting etc, we will be happy to discuss, and then give you an appropriate price quote.

Our staff is on call 24/7 to assist with any questions or help you in any way! Please don't hesitate to message us, we want to make your stay perfect!

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    2 Total Pets Pet Friendly Welcoming Dogs Only
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    1 Bedroom Bed Sheets Provided Day Bed
  • GENERAL

    Uses Some LED Lighting
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee Grinder Coffee/tea Maker Electric Kettle Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Electric Car Charging Station On Site Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi, With Speed Of 250+ Mbps (good For 3–5 People Or Up To 10 Devices)
  • OUTDOORS

    Garden Outdoor Furniture Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom Hair Dryer Shampoo Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Printer
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Smart TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Change Of Bedsheets (on Request) Change Of Towels (on Request) Housekeeping (on Request) Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    20 Stairs To Reach Property Area Rugs In Public Areas Cobblestone Flooring In Public Areas Gravel Flooring In Public Areas Handrails In Stairways Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Smoke-free Property Thin Carpet In Public Areas Tile Flooring In Public Areas Well-lit Path To Entrance

CheckIn Check-in : 03:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 3

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Hjalti

    Submitted Feb 18, 2026

    Stayed Feb 12, 2026

    This is a hidden gem. We just got back from a stay at Dark Horse in Franklin, and it was honestly the best stay we have ever had. Beautiful, spotless, and genuinely unique, you are literally staying in a working recording studio, but it still feels calm, comfortable, and relaxing... a one-of-a-kind mansion. If you want to experience Music City from the inside while being a short drive from Nashville, this is a must. We would book it again without thinking.

  • Patrick F.

    Submitted Dec 10, 2025

    Stayed Dec 5, 2025

    Outstanding hosts and a remarkable stay fromstart to finish. A return engagement is inevitable!

  • Carlos A.

    Submitted Oct 15, 2025

    Stayed Oct 10, 2025

    Great gem of a place.

  • Elana N.

    Submitted Sep 24, 2025

    Stayed Sep 18, 2025

    The gatehouse was spacious, comfortable and well stocked. The grounds and surrounding area I are beautiful! We were in town for a wedding, the location was convenient, Historic Franklin is charming. Austin was very helpful and responsive. We would definitely stay there again.

  • Martin C.

    Submitted Sep 5, 2025

    Stayed Aug 30, 2025

    Excellent stay! Much needed getaway

  • Kim B.

    Submitted Aug 15, 2025

    Stayed Aug 11, 2025

    We had a wonderful stay at the Whimsical Gatehouse! Austin and Robin greeted us warmly, and our private, beautifully appointed room overlooked a peaceful view. The bed was very comfortable and the room overall was perfect for us during our short stay. We loved relaxing in the rocking chairs with a glass of wine, and our dog Stella was welcomed too. The highlight was an incredible tour of the Studio and Manor—Christian and the interns made it so fun and fascinating. A truly memorable trip, and we can’t wait to return!

  • Edward G.

    Submitted Aug 5, 2025

    Stayed Aug 2, 2025

    Great hospitality and very relaxing. We will be back with the family.

  • Don D.

    Submitted May 11, 2025

    Stayed May 3, 2025

    My wife and I found this unique place to stay on our way to southern Tennessee. We could just imagine the artists that have recorded in these studios. We met a young intern that was a musician and he shared with us the atmosphere is perfect to help fuel the creativity of musical artist. Who knows maybe we stayed in the same room of some muscian that spent the evening creatively writing a tune we all enjoy today. Did not get to see the manor but from the outside it looks amazing.

  • Emily C.

    Submitted Apr 16, 2025

    Stayed Apr 12, 2025

    We had the best stay here! The location was AMAZING. Minutes from Leipers Fork and Westhaven. We had the most magical and relaxing time at each of those towns and loved sitting on the porch in the evening here. Our kids also loved the tree house they found over the walkways. It was a really special trip we will not soon forget!

  • Ronald W.

    Submitted Mar 31, 2025

    Stayed Mar 28, 2025

    We cannot say enough positive things about this property and staff. We found this to be rustic yet modern. Peaceful, relaxing and beautiful all within a short drive from all that Nashville and area has to offer. We highly recommend this place if you’re looking to stay in the Nashville area.

  • Jane J.

    Submitted Mar 26, 2025

    Stayed Mar 20, 2025

    What a great experience We met the nicest people The team the host the instructors the students All were so welcoming and passionate It one is of the coolest music experiences we have had And we will be back We stayed in the gatehouse Next time the bunkhouse the setting is spectacular So close to Franklin and the factory tooIzzy gave us an amazing tour of the studios Emily and Austin were both great thank you

  • Jon c.

    Submitted Feb 19, 2025

    Stayed Feb 15, 2025

    Beautiful! Such a unique experiance worth the weekend. Be sure to ask to see the Manor and the studio

  • Olivia M.

    Submitted Dec 31, 2024

    Stayed Dec 28, 2024

    We stayed here with our 7 year old daughter as part of her Christmas present! She got her first guitar for Christmas and thought coming to this beautiful spot would be a treat. This exceeded every expectation we had for this property. Emily checked us in and was the sweetest person ever! She made our stay so personal and fun! She gave us an amazing tour and we got to hear music being recorded each day. What a memorable experience!! We can’t wait to come back. We all said this was the coolest place we’ve ever stayed! Also so close to Franklin and Nashville which we also explored while we were here. Thanks to Emily and Robin for a wonderful stay! -The Miller family

  • Chris N.

    Submitted Oct 28, 2024

    Stayed Oct 20, 2024

    We were in town for a quick Franklin visit. Overall, property was a great location with views from the back porch. Maybe not a good spot to come to relax, could hear music / instruments throughout most of the day till 6 pm at night.

  • Jeff S.

    Submitted Oct 13, 2024

    Stayed Oct 8, 2024

    Beautiful property, friendly staff. The room was supplied with necessary provisions. The only issue is that the room needs a deep cleaning top to bottom. The kitchen shelves countertops and especially the bathroom floors were extremely dirty. That is not acceptable for any property where you have guests staying there. Thank you

  • Tim H.

    Submitted Oct 9, 2024

    Stayed Oct 7, 2024

    Emily was wonderful and kept us informed about our accommodations. She helped us schedule a studio tour with Christian. He is very easy to talk with and has a wealth of knowledge and information.The two of them were each top of the class employees. We also met Robin and again he was very welcoming.

  • Allison H.

    Submitted Sep 24, 2024

    Stayed Sep 19, 2024

    Excellent, easy, super cool!

  • Karen M.

    Submitted Aug 12, 2024

    Stayed Aug 4, 2024

    We had a total of 7 adult guests that stayed on the property and everything was great! The house and grounds are maintained exceptionally and it worked well for our team. We will definitely be back!

  • Joanna W.

    Submitted Jul 8, 2024

    Stayed Jun 29, 2024

    My boyfriend and I and our two dogs stayed for the night in the Gatehouse on our cross country drive. We are music lovers, so hearing the recording sessions taking place added such a cool element to our stay. The bed was so comfortable, the room was clean and beautiful, and the private porch was awesome!! We loved it!

  • Christy R.

    Submitted Jun 19, 2024

    Stayed Jun 15, 2024

    We loved our stay, wish it could have been for longer than just one night. Thanks so much!

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$347+
View details