Dark Horse, Taylor Swift’s former recording retreat, for sale for $24M
Look inside Franklin estate where Taylor Swift recorded early music
Dark Horse in Franklin, Tennessee, has hosted acts such as Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Neil Diamond and Alice In Chains.
One of Middle Tennessee’s most storied creative retreats — and the birthplace of Taylor Swift’s debut album — is officially up for sale.
The famed Dark Horse Estate in Franklin, Tennessee, is listed for $24 million. It encompasses 10 riverfront acres, a 23,000-square-foot manor and the famed Dark Horse Recording Studios, where artists from Swift to Dolly Parton have brought songs to life.
Built in 1993 by musician and entrepreneur Robin Crow, Dark Horse has long been a sanctuary for artists seeking inspiration away from Nashville’s hustle.
“Every artist has the dream of a creative space to write songs, to create, to record,” Crow told The Tennessean in August.
Within its first two years, the studio hosted Neil Diamond, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Alison Krauss, eventually drawing names like Shawn Mendes, Jack Harlow, Carrie Underwood and Alice in Chains.
The Zillow listing describes the property as “a world-class compound and creative retreat; truly a legacy estate for the discerning few.”
The estate includes multiple recording studios, a seven-bedroom lodge and guest cottages connected by covered walkways. Built with post-and-beam architecture, the manor offers over 14,200 square feet of living space designed to “inspire, entertain, and elevate.”
For Crow, Dark Horse has always been about sparking creativity, a philosophy that helped launch Swift’s career when she recorded early work there with producer Nathan Chapman.
“Every spark can turn into a flame,” Crow said. “At Dark Horse, we’ve seen more than a few [careers] catch fire.”
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