Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Deck or patio
Explore the area
Franklin, TN
Westhaven Lake
Place, Westhaven Lake
4 min drive
Gentry Lake
Place, Gentry Lake
4 min drive
Westhaven Golf Club
Place, Westhaven Golf Club
5 min drive
Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.)
Airport, Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.)
37 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 at Dark Horse Retreat
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 CMA Theater at Country Music Hall Of Fame 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 going on at Crockett Park Tennis Center, or consider a night out at Westhaven Residents' Club.
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
Hank’s Coffee Station - 9 min drive
Starbucks - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Waldo's Chicken & Beer - 8 min drive
January - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
As of 19 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Retreat on 22 Aug, 2026 start from S$419, 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 Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Whimsical Gatehouse 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.
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