Apartment

Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette

Photo gallery for Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette

Exterior
Exterior
Room
Outdoor dining
Private kitchen
Reviews
10

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Dryer
    DryerDryer

Explore the area

Map
Franklin, TN
  • Popular LocationLotz House Museum8 min drive
  • Popular LocationThe Factory10 min drive
  • Popular LocationCoolSprings Galleria16 min drive
  • AirportNashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.)35 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette

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 four overnight guests. The Gatehouse features a
queen bed, day bed and a loft 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: Dogs are permitted at our properties, with approval in advance. A pet
fee will be payable upon arrival of $75 per dog. Please note renter is responsible for any
damage by wayward pups. If you plan to bring your dogs, please let us know so that we
can send you our full pet policy page. 
- 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!

Property manager

Austin Woolsey
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Franklin

This apartment is located in Franklin. Franklin Theatre and Lotz House Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include McLemore House and Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. SOAR Adventure Tower and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens are also worth visiting.
Map
Franklin, TN

What's nearby

  • Franklin Theatre - 8 min drive
  • Lotz House Museum - 8 min drive
  • Carter House - 8 min drive
  • The Factory - 10 min drive
  • CoolSprings Galleria - 16 min drive

Getting around

  • Nashville Riverfront Station - 35 min drive
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Ground Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Scout's Pub - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 75 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette?

As of 2 July 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette on 31 July 2024 start from AU$598.19, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Whimsical Gatehouse / Private Porch / Kitchenette located?

Situated in Franklin, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of McLemore House, Franklin Theatre and Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. Lotz House Museum and Pull-Tight Players Theatre are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a beautiful unique property!
We loved our stay, wish it could have been for longer than just one night. Thanks so much!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and unique
We enjoyed our stay. Close to Nashville. Excellent restaurants in nearby area. So comfy. You must sit on the deck and relax. Perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent Stay
The property and accommodations are excellent on all levels and Robin was an incredible host!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Inspiring!
I took my two teenage kids the gatehouse and it was better than I could have ever planned! Robin made us feel so welcome from the minute we arrived! The “cottage like” guesthouse is quiet, had beds for all of us, and a porch with an incredible view to have morning coffee! There happened to be a small music production class going on while we were there and the instructor and students were sharing great stories with my kids on their breaks. That in itself was a real life experience of driven young people working hard to achieve their goals. Who could have planned that?! Robin helped us with restaurant recommendations, fun places to see and even helped us find a lake to drive to and rent jet skiis the day that we left! She went above and beyond on any requests we made and we can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meg E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place - will definitely come back!
Everything was incredible - from the communication with the property manager, check-in, stay, and check-out. The location is breathtaking and so unique! We felt like we were stepping into a place where history has been and is made! We brought our dog with us and she was so welcomed by the whole staff!!! We loved our stay and will book here whenever we're back in the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna W., norco,ca

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Not your Ordinary Stay
We chose this place because of my husbands love for music. Plus we wanted something different. We were pleasantly surprised by this home/studio. Very quiet and peaceful most of the time. They did have some musicians recording when we were there. We loved it! Robin the manager was great! Really on top of things and Robin the owner was also there and met him several times. Very friendly and accommodating. Funky vibe but then we were born in the 50's and grew up in the 60's-70's. Thanks for the stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandi P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The coolest
If you want a unique place to stay close to Franklin and Nashville TN, then look no further. The is an actual working recording studio. So a any given time you will hear music! The vibe is so chill!!! I can’t wait to Go back!!! Thank you Robin for sharing a bit of your country paradise with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property
Great communication. Relaxing atmosphere
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Misty N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun weekend!
Such a unique place to stay! Enjoyed our stay and loved talking with the young people that work there - so friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tara D., Savannah

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Property
In town only for the weekend and Robin’s place was the perfect accommodation! Well appointed and felt like a genuine getaway from our daily lives! Thanks for sharing the property with us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Cortnee C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Good but needs a deep clean.
Good in many ways, location, host, unique place to stay. The host and his manager were excellent to deal with very helpful and accommodating even in the freezing temps! However there are a few things I think could have been better or should be addressed for the next peeps. The place needs a deep cleaning... there is dust every where. Before we used the stove we had to wipe the dust off. The bathroom had a layer of dirt and dust on the floor. It seemed like whoever cleaned it just wiped anything at eye level with a dry rag. I think this is simply something the host can address with the cleaners he hires. He should be made aware that the 65.00 cleaning fee isn't really worth it. One other thing to mention is the queen bed, it has seen better days it is caved in at the middle. Again just something the host should be aware of so he can resolve for the next person.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dana P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birthday getaway
We enjoyed the solitude and uniqueness of this property. I was hoping to see a few stars, but it was mostly students and some very cute children cutting a Christmas cd for family.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marcia E., Florence AL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely stunning! We loved the Gatehouse and will definitely return with our friends!
I love music and staying in the apartment was such a unique
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sissy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fun and unique property
I unexpectedly found this property and honestly had no idea what to expect. What a great discovery. We had everything we needed in such a unique and private retreat. The staff was friendly and helpful and the grounds were so pretty. The property is super convenient to Leiper's Fork and Franklin and we took advantage of all both towns had to offer. Thanks for the great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Valerie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extraordinary in Every Way
WOW! This place is something to see. It's so so different and unique and full of coolness. Nestled in the country, but so close to the center of Franklin and Leiper's Fork this property was the perfect place to stay for 2 nights while touring around the area. Despite being located in a working studio it was quiet and comfortable. Emily was so easy to work with and was so helpful. Ask for a tour of the studios, it's an audiophile's dream!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chesney R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet, peaceful and unique
What a house! So cool to explore and find a great quiet spot to relax and enjoy the silence. Our room was clean and included everything we needed. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Josh P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing getaway spot
We had a great time at the gatehouse, and at the Dark Horse Estate in general. In the main living area there are artists and engineers doing their thing, such a cool vibe if you love music! The room itself is very cozy and neat, with a very private feel to the porch area. Emily did a great job with the check in process and made us feel very much at home. Overall, we would definitely come back for a weekend getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leslie L., Gastonia, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Sanctuary
My husband and I (and our two fur babies) enjoyed our stay at the Dark Horse so very much! Robin, Emilee and Hailey were absolutely the best host/hostesses! The Dark Horse is the R&R spot you never knew you needed! We can’t wait to return soon with more family!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love love love this property
Love love love this property, we had an amazing time staying here. Such a unique experience. If you’re looking for something that shows a part of the music industry that people don’t normally think about, the recording process this is a great place to visit. Also the accommodations were outstanding and the view of the property from our en suite deck. Thanks Robin and team for a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Place
This was the perfect getaway for my husband and me! We celebrated our 17th anniversary! It was such a peaceful place and the restaurants downtown Franklin were delicious! I highly recommend this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great people and facility
Just loved the facility but what made the place even better were the staff and people there. Just great to work with and a pleasure to do business with as well.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tony H., Rochester

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The ultimate experience
Amazing, amazing property and on-site service. Everything you would ask for with the room as well as propert experience. Also close to shopping, music, sight seeing and rural experience. Will stay at this property as often as travel takes us there!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren G., Charlotte, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nothing short of magical
I am rendered speechless by how incredible our experience at the Dark Horse was. It was a bucket list item I never knew existed! It is literally a small slice of heaven- a once in a lifetime experience. Robin and Emilee are fantastic. They made us feel right at home and we will cherish the memories of our time here forever! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elaine C., DeKalb, IL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Right out of a storybook.
Dark Horse is a beautiful place and we really enjoyed ourselves. My daughter especially appreciated the tour. One caveat: We were fine, but anyone with mobility issues would have challenges with all the stairs.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sean H., Memphis, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spectacular
We absolutely loved this place and will come again. Beautiful grounds and a cozy room with a view minutes from everything we like in Franklin. Hosts were kind and offered my family members a studio tour, which was a highlight.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

About the host

Hosted by Austin Woolsey

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Located in the north wing of the Dark Horse Recording facility you find "The Gatehouse." a well-appointed apartment bathed in natural light creating a seamless transition from indoor living, to outdoor experience. This apartment features a queen bed, day bed, a timber frame bunk bed with full kitchen and bathroom. Sleep in the same bed as some of your favorite stars who have slumbered in the Gatehouse after a long day of recording. Whether you’re a vacationer seeking an unforgettable experience, or a platinum recording artist working on your next hit, you’ll fall in love with the beauty, spirit, and warm country charm of the Gatehouse at Dark Horse Recording.

Dark Horse Recording is a 10-acre riverside estate nestled in the rolling hills of Tennessee just five miles from downtown Franklin and 17 miles from downtown Nashville and music row. During your stay you can hike along the West Harpeth River, stroll the expansive grounds and boardwalks, lounge under the gazebo, and take an exclusive private tour of the world-famous Dark Horse studios. This is a place where you can truly escape from your day to day distractions.

What makes this property unique

Welcome to the private world of Dark Horse Recording. For 25 years this secluded sanctuary has been home to many of the biggest stars in the world, such as Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Alice in Chains, Tim McGraw, Korn, Matchbox 20, Carrie Underwood and Neil Diamond. So... during your stay you’ll find yourself among very good company!

Premier Host

Premier Host
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