Visit Franklin and Williamson County, TN: A Guide to Unique Local Stays
Middle Tennessee’s Franklin and Williamson County offer more than just Southern charm; they provide unique accommodations that transform a simple stay into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the historic allure of The Harpeth Hotel in downtown Franklin, the sustainable luxury of Southall Farm & Inn, or the rustic retreats of Cabin Creek Farm and GratiDude Ranch, each location promises distinctive hospitality. For those seeking sophistication, House + Sanctuary and The Aberdeen Inn offer elegance amidst the tranquility of the Tennessee countryside.
This guide explores the broad range of properties that capture the essence of Southern hospitality, making them perfect home bases for exploring the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Whether you are planning to visit Franklin, Tennessee, or are looking for staycation ideas, here you can discover the perfect blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty.
The Harpeth Hotel
Located in the historic heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee, The Harpeth Hotel combines Southern hospitality and modern luxury. This boutique hotel is perfectly positioned within walking distance of Franklin’s Main Street, known for its shops, eateries, and historical attractions.
The Harpeth Hotel offers a variety of accommodations, from elegantly appointed guest rooms to expansive suites that feature separate living spaces, oversized showers, soaking tubs, and lovely views of the hotel’s courtyard or historic downtown Franklin.
Dining at The Harpeth is a highlight, featuring 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails, which offers dishes prepared with local ingredients, alongside an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers, and a noteworthy collection of over 110 small batch and single barrel spirits. For a more casual dining experience, guests can enjoy McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions, a European-style café that serves an all-day brunch menu in a lively atmosphere.
The hotel is also an ideal venue for events, boasting 5,000 square feet of flexible, tech-forward meeting and event spaces that cater to everything from business retreats to social galas. The beautiful courtyard is perfect for weddings, offering a romantic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
Moreover, The Harpeth extends various thoughtful touches to enhance guest experiences, such as a children’s program and a pet-friendly policy, ensuring that all family members, including four-legged ones, feel welcomed.
For those planning to visit Franklin or looking to experience a luxurious staycation in a historically rich setting, The Harpeth Hotel promises an unforgettable experience.
Southall Farm & Inn
Set amidst rolling hills, Southall Farm & Inn is a luxurious spa resort on 325 acres. It offers a perfect blend of elegance and sustainability, with 62 guestrooms and 16 cottages designed to complement the natural landscape. These accommodations are not just about luxury but also about providing guests with the space to relax and reconnect with nature.
Dining at Southall is an experience in itself, emphasizing a farm-to-table ethos where much of the menu is sourced directly from the resort’s own working farm. The farm employs hydroponics and aquaculture technologies to produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs, ensuring that every meal is fresh and sustainable. The resort also houses an apiary, contributing to crop pollination and the production of award-winning honey.
Wellness is a cornerstone of the Southall experience, with a spa that utilizes the farm’s botanicals and natural elements to offer a range of healing treatments and therapies. These spa services not only pamper but are designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
Southall Farm & Inn is more than just a place to stay when you visit Franklin, TN, it’s an experience that invites exploration. From the apiary and the extensive gardens to the greenhouses and orchards, guests are encouraged to learn about sustainable practices and the origins of their food. For those looking to immerse themselves in a luxurious, yet mindful retreat that celebrates and respects the rhythms of nature, Southall Farm & Inn offers a unique and memorable destination.
Cabin Creek Farm
Cabin Creek Farm, located in Franklin, Tennessee, offers a peaceful getaway that combines seclusion with proximity to urban conveniences. This vacation rental is situated on 5.5 acres of picturesque land, just three miles from downtown Franklin and 20 minutes from Nashville. It features 3 spacious bedrooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests. The property includes a large open-concept living area, an organic herb garden, and a charming outdoor space with a stone fire pit and patio, making it ideal for family gatherings or romantic getaways.
House + Sanctuary
Offering distinctive properties throughout Tennessee, House + Sanctuary ensures a unique stay whether you’re after historical charm or contemporary luxury. If you’re planning a visit to Franklin or nearby Lieper’s Fork, House + Sanctuary offers a diverse array of accommodations, each with its unique charm.
Sweeney Cottage
This historic 1892 cottage near Leiper’s Fork sleeps 6 and features a small kitchen, dining area, and deep tub. Amenities include two guitars for guest use, a fire pit, Wi-Fi, and cable.
Scarlett Scales Cottage
Located less than a mile and a half from downtown Franklin, this three-bedroom cottage sleeps 6 and features a unique blend of antique and modern decor. Each bedroom includes a television and there’s a spacious, fenced backyard, providing a perfect setting for family gatherings or children’s play.
Five Acorns Farm
Once a horse barn, this renovated property has three bedrooms, a cozy living area, and a double-sided gas fireplace. Located near Leiper’s Fork Village and historic downtown Franklin, the wrap-around porch and firepit make it perfect for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Wildflower Farm
Wildflower Farm offers a chic countryside retreat on 15 acres, less than half a mile from Leiper’s Fork Village. Featuring two living areas, a playroom, and a well-equipped kitchen, this cottage sleeps 8 and includes access to a pond, fire pit, and a barn mural perfect for photo opportunities.
Cozy Cottage
This serene mini farm five miles from downtown Franklin sleeps 9 and features a backyard fire pit, a porch with a bed swing, and historic elements like a nearby Revolutionary War veteran’s cemetery.
Hargrove House
This elegant property is situated on four acres in Leiper’s Fork and features connected structures, offering accommodations for up to 8 guests with a mix of king, queen, and twin beds. It features a wrap-around porch, a back porch for leisurely coffee mornings, and a bar area.
Little Leiper’s Cottage
This renovated space for 4 near Leiper’s Fork offers two bedrooms and a cozy sitting area. The cottage includes modern amenities like a full kitchen, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and cable TV and guests can enjoy spa products and local coffee during their stay.
Berry’s Chapel Cottage
Located in Franklin, this recently renovated cottage sleeps 6 and boasts stylish upgrades, a spacious fenced yard, and a vegetable garden.
William H Southall House
A historic 1910 Victorian home in Leiper’s Fork Village, this cottage accommodates up to 11 guests in six uniquely decorated bedrooms. This three-level home features a family room, kitchen, and multiple outdoor spaces including a back deck with a fire pit.
Logcastle
An authentic 1855 log cabin, this property has been restored to offer a luxurious yet rustic experience near Leiper’s Fork Village and downtown Franklin. With three bedroom suites, two living rooms, and a well-appointed kitchen, it can comfortably accommodate 6 guests.
The Big Blue House
Located in Leiper’s Fork, this 6,000-square-foot home sits on five acres and accommodates up to 15 guests. The property features a gourmet kitchen, multiple living areas, several gas fireplaces, and outdoor spaces including a fire pit and a stocked pond.
The Aberdeen Inn
Located in Brentwood, Tennessee, The Aberdeen Inn offers a sophisticated yet casual escape. Set in an area known for its residential charm, the inn overlooks a picturesque valley and is accessed via a century-old stone bridge.
The Aberdeen Inn provides a range of beautifully appointed suites with a blend of European and American antiques and contemporary pieces. The inn also offers high-quality linen, free Wi-Fi, and personal care items in each room, adding to the luxurious feel of your stay. The inn’s hilltop location with expansive acreage makes it ideal for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.
Gratidude Ranch
Sprawling across 25 acres in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, GratiDude Ranch provides a unique experience in Williamson County, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. The ranch supports agritourism with farm stays, private chef dinners, and community gatherings.
Gratidude Ranch offers a variety of unique accommodation options with peaceful surroundings and a homey atmosphere that reflects the natural beauty and simplicity of farm life. This setting is ideal for those looking to visit Franklin and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Ranch House
The Ranch House sleeps 6 and features a contemporary farmhouse style with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a double chef kitchen. There’s a swim spa on the patio with an outdoor fireplace, a dining patio, and a back porch with a fireplace and gas grill.
Carriage House & Loft
This house sleeps 6, offers an open concept space in a remodeled barn and includes a queen and twin bed, kitchenette, full bathroom, and additional 3 twin beds in the loft. Relax on the private back porch and enjoy the gorgeous views and an in-ground park-style grill.
Storybook Cottage
This cottage sleeps 2 and was inspired by Roald Dahl’s Writing Hut. Perfect for a couple or individual, Storybook Cottage features a king bed, a kitchenette, and an antique wood stove for heating.
The Lyric Lodge
The Lyric Lodge offers accommodations for groups of up to 17 guests. Upstairs suites provide privacy and comfort, while downstairs features include a unique sleeping option in The Saloon, a billiard room with a bar, and a wraparound porch with seasonal sleeping possibilities. A fully stocked kitchen and a spacious dining room make it perfect for group gatherings.
The Lyric Inn
The Lyric Inn at GratiDude Ranch offers a charming farmhouse-style retreat for up to 6 guests. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit can be booked independently or combined with the neighboring Lyric Lodge for larger groups. While both spaces are private with separate entrances, an unlocking door allows them to be connected when needed.
Tiny Living
This tiny house, featured on HGTV’s Tiny Luxury, sleeps up to 6 guests with a downstairs bedroom, a loft bedroom, and a futon in the TV area. Decorated with vintage touches and a farmhouse sink, guests can “live big while living tiny.”
Discover Your Perfect Stay in Franklin & Williamson County
Each of these accommodations offers a unique perspective on the charm and luxury available when you visit Franklin and Williamson County, TN. Whether you’re looking for a historic stay, a luxury resort experience, or a rustic cottage retreat, this area has something to suit every preference.
