Welcome to The Bunkhouse, and the private world of Dark Horse Estate. This legendary property offers a unique experience. This residence can accommodate four overnight guests in our adult oversized bunks.
The Bunkhouse boasts an oversized luxury bathroom, walk-in closet, and a private covered porch. Feel free to use the studio kitchen just down the hall. The Bunkhouse is exclusively yours and can be accessed with an outside entrance. This one-of-a-kind get-away will exceed your expectations.
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!
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 for your secluded getaway.
You will have private access to the Bunkhouse apartment and shared 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 Bunkhouse is the perfect destination for your secluded getaway.
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 music from these sessions inside the apartment. And while late night and early morning sessions are rare, it does happen occasionally. Please read our reviews and you’ll see that our guests are delighted with both the atmosphere and privacy.
The Dark Horse Estate is located amid the pristine rolling hills of Franklin, Tennessee, just 17 miles south of downtown Nashville and three miles west of historic downtown Franklin.
Uber and taxis are available if you do not have a car.
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. Being an active recording studio, there is potential for noise. We highly encourage you to read our reviews!
PLEASE carefully review HOUSE RULES in the Rules section of this Airbnb listing. This includes pet policies, property policies, etc. And please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
*We allow dogs, but no other pets (cats, birds, etc.)*
**If you need more space, inquire about our other airbnbs on site!**
The Manor (sleeps 16)
airbnb.com/h/dhmanor
The Gatehouse (sleeps 4)
airbnb.com/h/dhgatehouse
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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 indicated that there is no 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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Franklin
Franklin is home to this apartment. McLemore House and Franklin Theatre are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Westhaven Golf Club and The Square. Ready for a night out? Consider Westhaven Residents' Club and Franklin Square.
Williamson County Soccer Complex - 6 min drive - 6.9 km
Getting around
Nashville Riverfront Station - 35 min drive
Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 36 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 9 min drive
Dairy Queen - 8 min drive
Dunkin' - 6 min drive
Kroger Fuel - 9 min drive
NY Pie - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
As of 26 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat on 9 Oct 2026 start from £414, 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.
How much is parking at Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Charming Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Retreat located?
Situated in Franklin, this apartment building is within 3 miles (5 km) of Westhaven Golf Club, Gentry Lake and Westhaven Residents' Club. Westhaven Lake is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We were looking for a nice weekend retreat from our busy summer, and Dark Horse checked all the boxes for us. From the time we arrived until we left, everything was perfect: clean room, peaceful setting, and a helpful host.
Dark Horse is located in a prime area just outside of downtown Franklin. With beautiful grounds, attentive staff and access to Westhaven its a perfect location!
The Dark Horse Studio bunk house was a wonderful stay. The grounds are beautiful, the room was very comfortable and everyone was very kind and delightful. I also enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere.
Was a perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing stay!! If you have a vehicle, it was also a perfect driving distance to historic downtown Franklin, Leiper's Fork, Nashville and exploring the beautiful country side. The bunkhouse was comfortable, the shower had amazing water temperature and pressure and the history of the music studio was very interesting and exciting to know the musicians that have recorded there. It will be my first choice for our next visit!
The dark horse was exactly what I was, hoping for, and exceeded my expectations! Minutes away from downtown Franklin, the owner and staff live on the property and were excellent! Can’t wait to come back!
This property is amazing, beautiful, and incredibly open and accommodating. We enjoyed communicating with and meeting Emilee, the manager, who gave us a full tour of the studio and property. The location feels like a remote getaway, but if very close to lots of sites, shops, and restaurants.
This is the second time staying at Dark Horse. We enjoy the isolated beautiful countyside and tranquility of the property.
Other than the unexpected cold temperatures making the bunkhouse very cold, we enjoyed our visit and plan to return in the summer of 2025!
This was the most peaceful and enjoyable accommodations. Such welcome hosts- we felt very cared for. The location was perfect - with so much to enjoy just minutes away. Nashville was only 30 min away - but this property was the perfect TN experience. Already planning to return and enjoy the property more with just relaxing on the porch with a book and a good afternoon nap. Thank you to our hosts that made our stay with our friends so enjoyable.
We utilized this property for a meeting for our Executive Leadership Team. The set-up of the house and all the bedrooms / bathrooms worked perfect for our team and is so beautiful. Robin, Austin and Emily were amazing to work with and were super responsive! We will definitely be back!
I am always looking for unusual places to stay other than the big hotel chains. My experiences this year vacation traveling staying in Vrbo homes and in this case at a recording studio where great musicians have recorded was a wonderful opportunity. Set in country settings away from big crowds and cities I was not disappointed…check out the website for Dark Horse in Franklin Tn
The property is beautiful and very peaceful. We loved having a cup of coffee on our private porch in the morning. Communication with manager Robin was a great! We really enjoyed touring the studio spaces and having musicians around. The town of Franklin is nearby and so charming! Nashville is also within striking distance. We will be back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
About the host
Hosted by Robin Crow
Why they chose this property
Architectural brilliance and unsurpassed craftsmanship define this unique dwelling located in the north wing of the main 9,000 sq ft Dark Horse Recording structure. “The Bunkhouse” boasts four post and beam adult bunk beds with private lighting and charging stations in each. Enjoy an oversized luxurious bath with custom vanities, a private toilet and a dual shower bathed in natural light from the windows above. The Bunkhouse opens up to a 35-foot covered porch with massive timbers and breath-taking views of the Dark Horse property.
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 Bunkhouse at Dark Horse Recording.
Dark Horse Recording is a 10-acre riverside estate is nestled in the rolling hills of Tennessee just five miles from downtown Franklin, and 14 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!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests