Apartment

Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate

Photo gallery for Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate

Exterior
Exterior
Room
Property grounds
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Franklin, TN
  • Franklin Theatre
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • The Factory
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • CoolSprings Galleria
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.)
    ‪36 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 Estate

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!

Property manager

Robin Crow
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

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

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 Temple Hills Golf Course. SOAR Adventure Tower and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens are also worth visiting.
Map
Franklin, TN

What's nearby

  • Franklin Theatre - 8 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Lotz House Museum - 8 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Carter House - 8 min drive - 8.7 km
  • The Factory - 10 min drive - 9.8 km
  • CoolSprings Galleria - 16 min drive - 15.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Hop House Tennessee Taps - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Pueblo Real - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪High Brow Coffee + Tea - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Whimsical Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WOW!

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!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whimsical and Wonderful

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exploring Franklin

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
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Retired

Beautiful! Such a unique experiance worth the weekend. Be sure to ask to see the Manor and the studio
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

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

Allison H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Excellent, easy, super cool!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Chris N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Quick Franklin visit

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Executive Retreat

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!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

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

Olivia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An absolute gem! Wow!

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
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and peaceful getaway spot!!!

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!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding customer care and accomodations

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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

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

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

8/10 Good

Jeff S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Stay at Gatehouse

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
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the host

Hosted by Robin Crow

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!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests