A weekend away from home is good for the soul, and fall is the best time of year to make it happen. When the air starts to cool and the leaves start to turn, Franklin turns into a wonderland of color to be explored.
Along with your autumn adventures around our idyllic small town, plan for a beautiful stay at one of these vacation rental properties. All have prioritized guest safety and cleanings, and each space has a unique flair to make your vacation (or staycation) that much more memorable.
Whether you’re hoping to find respite on a jaw-dropping estate or you want to try your hand staying the night at a family-built log cabin, these relaxing spaces with stunning outdoor areas underline the beauty of Franklin in the fall.
Colorful Leiper’s Fork Inn
This listing is ready to host 10 of your favorite people! The only thing more vibrant than the leaves along the Natchez Trace Parkway is the pops of color across these two 100-year-old homes in Leiper’s Fork.
Together, they make up the Inn: a relaxing 3-acre retreat filled with whimsy. With four bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, family room, and dining room, this quirky inn has plenty of room for enjoying meals together, playing games, sitting on the porch, and listening to music—there’s even a colorful record player.
While pets are not allowed at this rental, it’s stocked with amenities you’ll love come chilly fall weather, like an indoor fireplace, comfy beds, and a claw-foot tub for soaking.
Once you’ve gotten to enjoy this beautiful space, take a short walk into Leiper’s Fork or a quick drive into downtown Franklin. Host Samatha even provides guests with a $10 gift card to Front St. Tavern so visitors can really soak up the local flavor.
The Gatehouse at Dark Horse Estate
When you spend the night at this incredible Airbnb, you’ll be in good company. For nearly 25 years, this secluded 10-acre estate has housed stars from Neil Diamond to Taylor Swift to Keith Urban.
Situated in the Dark Horse recording facility just outside of Franklin, the Gatehouse is eclectic and comforting, with large windows that soak the room in natural light.
If you’re looking for something bigger, you’ll also want to check out the breathtaking Dark Horse cottage, a luxurious 3500-square-foot home complete with a piano.
The external property, however, is really the sell for visitors hoping to relax and unwind. Wander around expansive grounds on wooden boardwalks that lead to the stuff of songwriters’ inspiration, like foggy morning fields, a picturesque gazebo, and a view into life above the treetops.
During your stay, you may catch glimpses of musicians coming in for their recording sessions. Superhost Robin knows all about it—he went from RCA recording artist to best-selling author.
Cozy Arrington Retreat
If you’re looking for a fall escape in the Tennessee countryside, this modern retreat—“The Firefly”—in Arrington should be at the top of your list. With hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen, natural light galore, a wraparound deck with hammock, and infinite spots to cozy up with a cup of tea, you’ll feel rejuvenated after a weekend at this charming Airbnb.
I’d recommend relaxing in the jacuzzi tub—Superhost Susan even provides guests with a bubble bath! The location of this airy 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is ideal; you’ll find yourself in the middle of rolling Tennessee hills just five minutes away from Arrington Vineyards.
Bring a bottle of wine back to your space and enjoy it with a view of changing leaves. With amped-up cleaning procedures to keep guests safe, this bohemian and breezy Airbnb is the perfect spot for a getaway.
Rustic Country Log Cabin
Looking for a new fall experience? Spend the night in a 900-square-foot log cabin complete with separate (but modernized) outhouse. This unique Airbnb sleeps four people and offers guests stunning scenic views of fields, forest, and even a few horses with all the fresh, chilly, country air guests can inhale.
You won’t miss many modern conveniences; the log cabin has Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, and an indoor fireplace. Located just south of Leiper’s Fork, this historical property is waiting to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle.
Artsy Leiper’s Fork Cottage
If you’re looking to spend the weekend in an 1890s cottage, you’ll find more than a little R&R at the historic Carl-Sweeney house in the heart of Leiper’s Fork.
Curated by country singer-songwriter Holly Williams—daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.—this pink-doored cottage sleeps six, with two queen beds and a double-mattress trundle bed. Holly’s goal was to preserve the home’s history in the midst of “renovating where needed,” she writes.
For this reason, visitors will find an eclectic, artsy mix of modern and vintage. You’ll find a mint-green Smeg fridge and updated appliances in the kitchen, yet antique plates and mirrors in the dining area. The cottage has its original tin roof, antiques around every corner, and all sorts of dreamy nooks and crannies.
A few other perks that will resonate with music lovers: Holly lends visitors two Gibson guitars that sound best on the front porch swing or around the cottage’s backyard fire pit.
This Airbnb is pet friendly and even includes a dog bed in the living room for furry friends. In case you’re not yet convinced, Leiper’s Fork is the place you want to see, shop, and gather this fall.
Country Guesthouse at Franklin Edge Farm
Join the dozens of guests who rave about this Airbnb in the beautiful countryside of College Grove. While the decor is a little more rustic, the 1920s property is stunning—especially in autumn.
Guests can relax in a king bed or spend the night in bunk beds with all the amenities of home, including a full kitchen. Franklin Edge Farm offers acres of space for guests to wander, with an old barn, the original smokehouse, creek, and walking trails.
Watch the sunset over golden leaves from the rocking chairs on the front porch and spot a bright moon and starry sky away from the lights of town.
With the sounds of crickets to keep you company, take on a little friendly competition in the game room inside the barn loft, where you’ll find foosball, ping-pong, and pool tables.
Dreamy Storybook Cottage
Write your own fairytale at this inspired cottage in Leiper’s Fork. Nestled on 8-acres of quiet countryside, this Airbnb has everything a guest could possibly want in a weekend getaway: cathedral ceilings, an outdoor fire pit, a hammock, a king-size bed, a loft, a covered porch, and even an outdoor shower.
You’ll find this enchanted property just one mile from the Natchez Trace Parkway, which means that fall color abounds across old oaks and sugar maples. Perfect for a romantic getaway or writer’s retreat, this tasteful home has even been featured in magazines.
Plus, they’ve gone above and beyond to make sure the space has been sanitized for guests.
Stylish Thompson’s Station Apartment
For a slice of the country complete with chickens and sheep, book a stay at this tasteful and secluded Airbnb in Thompson’s Station. The 950-square-foot apartment is located above the home’s 3-car garage in a totally private space with tons of natural light.
Find a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom that have been deemed “sparkling clean” by guests. The backyard is an oasis, with a stone fireplace and plenty of outdoor seating among a colorful garden. Indulge in fall nights wrapped in a blanket around the fire with a glass of wine.
Whether you’re looking for a fall staycation or you’re visiting some of Franklin’s seasonal fun, Superhost Edy will make you feel right at home.
Italian Luxury at Villa Toscana
While you may not be able to fulfill your dream of vacationing in Tuscany this fall, you can splurge on a stunning Italian villa. This opulent four-bedroom home is tucked away on 11 acres of Franklin countryside.
Experience another place and time with thoughtful touches, Italian furnishings and decor, authentic Venetian plaster walls, and even hammered copper ceilings. Guests can enjoy a double shower, jacuzzi tub, outdoor fire pit, private pergola, screened-in porch, and plenty of room for alfresco dining.
This Airbnb is absolutely spectacular—not to mention the many concierge services you can add on to your autumn escape.
Opt for a fully-stocked kitchen upon your arrival, a personal chef to cook you a five-course meal, an in-house massage, limousine service, welcome baskets, golf tee times, or even a personal shopper to make your stay undoubtedly memorable.
Abbi is an adopted Tennessean who has fallen in love with the South—especially its people, warmth, and incomparable food. When she’s not telling stories or experimenting with family recipes, Abbi loves to explore new places with her husband Zach and dog Groot.