You can stay in the recording studio where Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift made their music – it's a modern-rustic hideout in a Tennessee forest
Dark Horse Estate, located in Franklin, Tennessee, is a haven for design and music lovers alike – we tour the beautiful estate (now on Airbnb)


The recording studios where musicians like Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift create their songs are typically inaccessible to the public; however, the Dark Horse Estate near Nashville is a rental property that is too good to keep a secret.
Built in 1993, the modern rustic-style, 10-acre estate located in Franklin, Tennessee, boasts three properties available to rent on Airbnb. These include The Manor, a 14,000-square-foot mansion that sleeps 16 and features seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, three kitchens, and a party barn (naturally). Guests have included Shawn Mendes, 5 Seconds of Summer, Greta Van Fleet, and Jack Harlow (not too shabby).
Meanwhile, the Gatehouse is located in the recording studio and fits a queen bed, a daybed, and a loft bed. The Bunkhouse is made for multiple occupants with four bunk beds on the bottom floor of the studio. Let's take a closer look around.
Sprawling and surrounded by lush greenery, the estate is located just 20 miles south of Nashville, making it a quick trip from Music City.
The dining room is modern rustic at its finest; wicker chairs surround a reclaimed wood table, which pairs perfectly with the unfinished wood beams lining the walls and ceilings. Glass windows allow for scenic views of the lush grounds.
The bones of the property remain in the master bedroom, where exposed brick juxtaposes the wood beams and floors. The reclaimed wood bedframe and nightstand add some vintage flair, while the cream sofa at the foot of the bed is a nice spin on a typical ottoman. The neutral color palette throughout makes the space feel soft and soothing, proving that white and wood is an unbeatable combination.
High ceilings and big windows are a highlight in the recording spaces, which really allow the natural materials of the space to shine. The visibility to the outdoor landscape gives the space a treehouse-like feel.
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The property's integrity remains even when technical equipment, like in the above studio space, is introduced. We can see why people like Taylor and Dolly would be inspired to make music in this gorgeous space.
Shop the Rustic Modern Edit
This colorful rug is unlike anything you've ever seen with pops of color and unexpected pattern.
This natural wood rounded table adds a warming feeling to any room at an accessible price point.
We can't get enough of reclaimed wood, so this bowl is an instant 'yes' in our minds.

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
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