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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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 a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Franklin
Franklin is home to this apartment. Franklin Theatre and Lotz House Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Westhaven Golf Club and The Square. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Crockett Park Tennis Center or FirstBank Amphitheater.
Williamson County Soccer Complex - 6 min drive - 6.9 km
Brownland Farm - 7 min drive - 8.7 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
Sakura - 8 min drive
Public House - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate on 10 May, 2026 start from S$297, 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 Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate located?
Situated in Franklin, this apartment building is within 3 miles (5 km) of Westhaven Golf Club, Gentry Lake and Westhaven Lake. Williamson County Soccer Complex and McLemore House 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Chris N.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct, 2024
Chris,
We sincerely apologize that your stay did not meet expectations. We thank you for your feedback as we constantly strive to improve our spaces. We do mention the potential for music in our description, as it can vary throughout the day. We hope you understand that it’s part of the vibrant atmosphere of an active Nashville recording studio! If there is anything we can do for you please let us know. We hope to see you again.
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
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 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.
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.
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
Jeff S.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct, 2024
Jeff,
Please accept our apologies regarding dust on the kitchen shelves, bathroom floors and anything else we might have missed. We pride ourselves on keeping our accommodations clean and clutter free, but we obviously allowed a couple of things slip between the cracks, which we will not let happen again. Thank you for your feedback.
Sincerely,
Robin
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
Olivia M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
About the host
Hosted by Robin Crow
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!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests