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Dark Horse Estate, Where Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton Recorded Hits, Is Listed for $19.5 Million
Nov
Dark Horse Estate, home to a famous recording studio in Franklin, TN, where artists such as Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton have recorded hit music, is now available for $19.5 million.
The estate was built in 1998 on a sprawling 10.01-acre lot. It was where more than 65 gold and platinum albums have been recorded and features 23,138 square feet of interior space, including a manor, the recording studio, The Cottage, The Bungalow apartment, and The Party Barn.
According to the listing, legendary artists such as Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Amy Grant, and Peter Frampton have come here to “escape, focus, and create.”
The retreat has multiple studios, private guest quarters, and public gathering spaces. It has also reached the top of the week’s most popular homes list.
The outdoor spaces are designed for entertaining and creative inspiration. More than 3,000 square feet of covered porches and walkways overlook the peaceful property.
Other properties grabbing attention this week include a transformed schoolhouse in Kansas, a Virginia farmhouse built next to an accessible cave that once housed a moonshine bootlegging operation, and a South Carolina estate perched on dramatic rock formations in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
10. 1031 2nd St, Hudson, WI
Price: $1,100,000
Why it’s here: Here’s a chance to buy the famous pink-hued Barbiecore Castle located near the St. Croix River. It currently operates as a “high-demand” short-term rental.
The sellers purchased the seven-bedroom Victorian for $614,000 in 2020 and added the iconic home to their portfolio of unique rentals. The pretty pad’s 5,189-square-foot interior has fuchsia walls, trim, staircase, treads, ceilings, and built-ins, along with Barbie decor.
Beyond the eye-popping design, there are two full kitchens, some original woodwork, a yellow spiral staircase, a movie room, and a primary suite with a walk-in closet. The fenced lot has a hot tub, a swim spa, an entertaining patio, a two-car garage, and a driveway with space for 12 vehicles.
If you’ve ever wanted your own Barbie Dreamhouse, the home could easily be converted into a single-family residence or used for multigenerational living.
Jennifer R Martin of Edina Realty Inc. – Woodbury is the listing agent.
9. 3461 Lawrenceville Rd, Princeton, NJ
Price: $1,748,000
Why it’s here: This thoughtfully updated 1750s stone country estate sits on 3.02 acres of “renewed” grounds.
The eight-bedroom home has been extensively renovated to meet modern standards, with a new roof, new porches, updated electrical and plumbing systems, new heating and central air conditioning, and refinished interiors. The 6,750-square-foot, three-level interior has two kitchens, dual living rooms, an art studio, and a two-bedroom guest suite. Historic highlights include custom millwork, preserved hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, a grand staircase, and multiple fireplaces.
A wraparound terrace overlooks the private lot, which has a custom-built fire pit and a barn.
Christopher Waaben of Maximum Realty Services is the listing agent.
8. 28517 Hinerville Rd, Alma, KS
Price: $525,000
Why it’s here: The former Hinerville Schoolhouse has been converted into stylish living quarters while keeping a nod to its past.
Built in 1898, the 1,546-square-foot limestone building has many original architectural details, including a belfry, beadboard walls and ceilings, a century-old blackboard, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, limestone details, and even the school bell, which can still be rung. The landmark one-room classroom, currently used as a “highly successful short-term rental,” now has an open-concept floor plan with a great room with a fireplace, a kitchen with modern appliances and a breakfast bar, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, including one with a claw-foot tub.
A large deck designed for entertaining overlooks the 1.57-acre lot. According to the listing, all of the furnishings can be included “with an acceptable offer” for a turnkey opportunity.
Levi Whitebread of Re/Max Signature Properties is the listing agent.
7. 459 SW Bigfoot Ct, Fort White, FL
Price: $245,000
Why it’s here: This 13-acre farmstead was originally part of a 500-acre farm. It’s seeking a buyer to restore its 130-year-old farmhouse to its former glory.
Built in 1896, the 1,416-square-foot home has original wood walls, ceilings, and floors, and a relocated kitchen that was once where the bathroom now is. One bedroom is in the original portion of the home, while two more, added in the 1920s, have private access from an exterior porch. The property has an original Aermotor Chicago windmill that once operated the farm’s well, plus an additional well and septic system where a mobile home previously stood.
According to the listing, the property consists of two parcels, and the second might offer future buildable potential. It is being sold as is.
Katie Garrett of Garrett Realty is the listing agent.
6. 1274 State Route 40 W, Claysville, PA
Price: $399,900
Why it’s here: Built in 1880, the Montgomery Mansion, also known as the Gingerbread House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an interior full of charm and character.
Period highlights of the 4,015-square-foot interior include gingerbread detailing, ornate window surrounds, hand-carved millwork, tall ceilings, stained glass, a grand staircase, hardwood floors, custom mantels, and two fireplaces. The updated kitchen has stone countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and rich wood cabinetry. One bathroom has a vintage ribcage shower and a copper tub. The home is currently used as a short-term rental.
The double lot includes a porte cochère and a level backyard for entertaining and relaxing.
The John Fincham Group of Keller Williams Realty is the listing agent.
5. 1346 Easthill St SE, North Canton, OH
Price: $5,000,000
Why it’s here: Fieldcrest Estate is a 50-acre landmark property that once operated as an inn and has a welcome center, a barn complex, twin silos, a lodge, the inn, a teahouse, and additional outbuildings.
Originally part of the Hoover family’s historic PoHeJa Farm, the beautifully maintained compound is surrounded by winding drives and sweeping lawns. Built in 1925, the lodge has exposed beams, a stone fireplace, entertainment spaces, a dance floor, a commercial kitchen, and guest accommodations. The inn, formerly known as the Hoover House, was relocated here in 1988 and has eight en suite guest rooms, shared living and dining spaces, and a billiard room. The teahouse was the estate’s original three-bedroom farmhouse.
The property also has the coop, a horse barn, garages, and fenced areas for livestock. An on-site natural gas well supplies all of the buildings.
Luke Schmidt of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty is the listing agent.
4. 34965 Wilderness Rd, Jonesville, VA
Price: $280,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1859, this five-bedroom Victorian farmhouse sits on 2.89 acres with a creek. It is also located next to an accessible cave that once housed a moonshine bootlegging operation.
The 3,500-square-foot home needs some TLC, but recent updates include new drywall, modernized plumbing, and updated electrical. Historic highlights include original millwork, hardwood floors, oversized windows, and a grand staircase. A covered front porch has views of the serene country setting.
According to the listing, the cave travels under “hundreds of acres of farmland where it opens up on the other side of the ridges,” making it a perfect gateway for the bootlegging operation.
D.J. Wilder of Century 21 Virginia Wilder Real Estate is the listing agent.
3. 297 Big Rock Lake Rd, Pickens, SC
Price: $1,350,000
Why it’s here: Built in 2011, this three-bedroom retreat was built with reclaimed granite from Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. It sits atop dramatic rock formations in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Set on 7.11 acres along Big Rock Mountain, the 2,749-square-foot home has hardwood floors and expansive windows. The cozy living room has a stone fireplace. The updated kitchen has a wine cooler, dark wood cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances. A sunroom would be a nice spot for morning coffee. The upstairs primary suite has a wood ceiling, exposed beams, and an arched stone alcove. A third-floor “crow’s nest” has custom bookshelves and a private balcony with treetop views. The two-car garage has a workshop area and attic storage.
An industrial steel bridgeway from the foyer leads directly to the mountain’s dramatic rock landscape and an overlook patio. From there, hiking trails connect with the Naturaland trail network on Big Rock Mountain.
Britni Ream of Bluefield Realty Group is the listing agent.
2. 3351 S Center Ave, Joshua Tree, CA
Price: $849,900
Why it’s here: This 36.07-acre desert retreat has two brand-new luxury smart pods and resort-style amenities, including a seven-person hot tub under a covered pergola, a barrel sauna, a cold plunge tub, an outdoor soaking area, hammock stations, and a fire pit.
The 571-square-foot primary pod has a modern kitchen with sleek countertops and a breakfast bar, a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a contemporary bathroom with a tiled shower. A 279-square-foot terrace overlooks the California sun and sky. The second pod, configured as an accessory dwelling unit, has 192 square feet of similar living space and a private 192-square-foot deck. Automated smart glass transitions from “transparent to frosted at the touch of a button,” and each pod has LED color-changing exterior lighting. A spacious deck designed for entertaining overlooks the transparent stargazing dome.
The retreat is offered fully furnished for immediate potential vacation rental operation, subject to applicable licensing and operating requirements.
David Colin of Homesmart is the listing agent.
1. 2465 Old Charlotte Pike, Franklin, TN
Price: $19,500,000
Why it’s here: Dark Horse Estate is a 10.01-acre retreat with a recording studio where artists such as Florida Georgia Line and Darius Rucker have recorded their hit music.
The sprawling property includes Dark Horse Manor, Dark Horse Recording, The Cottage, The Bungalow Apartment, and The Party Barn. Built in 1998, the 23,138-square-foot creative compound has multiple studios, private guest quarters, public gathering spaces, and a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. Covered porches are designed for entertaining and relaxing.
The property comes with a three-car garage and covered walkways that lead to a sky bridge and game room.
Jamie Parsons of Compass is the listing agent.
