Southall Farm & Inn: Why To Go & What To Know
Franklin, Tennessee
When I launched this site 8 years ago, the primary focus was to write firsthand reviews on standout hotels and resorts across the globe. That is still the focus today. These reviews, which I file under “Hotel Spotlight”, are in-depth recounts of my experiences from a storytelling perspective, visually driven by photography I capture during my stays. What I have found over the years, though, is that due to the time consuming nature of these reviews, I tend to only put a spotlight on a small percentage of properties, leaving the majority of hotels I stay at unsearchable on my site. While I do highlight most on my Instagram following trips, I have been wanting a dedicated space on here where I can quickly and effectively feature each and every noteworthy stay and the reasons why I recommend them.
With that said, here is my one-sheet, so to speak, on what I thought of Southall Farm & Inn and what you should know before booking.
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Nestled on 325 acres in Franklin, Tennessee, Southall Farm & Inn is just the type of property the greater Nashville area was in need of (something I can say with confidence as I have called this area home for 10 years). First and foremost a farm, Southall has been years in the making, first creating a name for itself amongst locals thanks to an intimate “seed-to-fork” dining experience, The Rambling, before stepping into its next chapter as a luxury inn whose doors opened December 2022. Southall’s purpose is simple: to put guests in harmony with the land and in turn, with themselves. While nature-fueled, hands-on activities and seasonal dishes across multiple dining options put the land center stage of any stay, guests will find all the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel in the inviting guest rooms and cottages scattered across the property. Days are filled hiking or biking the trails, pampering yourself at the spa or taking a class like Food Fables, a history of our food and agriculture system paired with a tasting menu of creative recipes.
Living minutes away, I’ve been to Southall a handful of times to enjoy a meal or relax at the spa, but I recently had the opportunity to check-in and here’s what I thought as an overnight guest…
Rooms: 4/5 Food & Drink: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Location: 4/5 Experience: 4/5
What’s The Vibe: Taking its cue from the Tennessee countryside and old farmsteads across America, Southall’s aesthetic is new Southern meets eco-chic. Think casual yet luxurious. Exposed wood beams, natural light and mixed materials lay the foundation, while design elements such as playful wallpapers and bold fabrics leave room for the unexpected. Everything about the property is laid-back and approachable, including the welcoming staff.
Who’s It For: Those who appreciate delicious food, great design and a slower pace to their travels. Suitable for both couple and family getaways, a few nights is all you need to enjoy everything the property has to offer.
Location: A 40-minute drive from downtown Nashville, the inn rests in a quiet corner of Franklin, Tennessee. Just 10 minutes in opposite directions, guests can find themselves wandering the shops and restaurants along Franklin’s Main Street or the art galleries and antique shops in Leiper’s Fork - both towns are the definition of charming. While far removed from Broadway’s honky-tonks, Southall is still close enough for guests to see the sites of Music City during their stay. However, if you’re hoping to spend lots of time downtown, consider staying a few nights in Nashville and ending your trip on a relaxing note with a few nights at Southall.
When To Go: Southall is a year-round destination offering plenty of seasonal activities. However, my recommendation would be to visit in September or October, when the arrival of autumn offers pleasant weather while still warm enough to enjoy the pool and activities on the seven-acre lake (intentionally built to irrigate the orchard). If early fall doesn’t work for your schedule, the grounds are lush and beautiful in May, the only downside being the potential for spring storms.
Which Room To Book: The inn houses 62 guest rooms and suites, along with 16 separate cottages scattered along the hillside across from the main building. The king Polk Room I stayed in was comfortable in size and amenities, designed in a cottagecore-meets-modern-farmhouse style with the focal point being a custom wallpaper made to mimic the landscape. While I have no complaints about the room, I will say it felt like a hotel room, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, if you’re coming for an extended stay seeking seclusion and luxury, I recommend booking a cottage.
Food & Drink: Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at Sojourner, the inn’s casual restaurant and bar which serves everything from classic Southern staples of biscuits and gravy to lighter dishes like white pea hummus with crudité. At January, Southall’s signature fine dining restaurant, dinner is intended to be an experience. With an ever-evolving seasonal menu featuring the farm’s current bounty, dishes are unique. January is Southall’s attempt of making a name for itself in the culinary world. I’ve had dinner here twice, and while I love the ambiance, I have honestly been slightly disappointed by the menu both times. If you’re a foodie, it is worth booking a table. If you prefer a good burger, enjoy dinner on Sojourner’s outdoor patio.
What Not To Miss: The homemade shortbread cookies and caramel dipping sauce upon arrival. Lounging by the spa’s outdoor mineral pool. S’mores around the fire pit. Live music and a nightcap at newly opened Dottie’s Speakeasy.
What Could Be Better: A handful of small things didn’t quite hit the mark to consider the property 5-star, in my opinion, such as not accommodating requests at the restaurants or charging overnight guests a fee to use the spa facilities. Shortcomings in this vein aren’t a huge deal and wouldn’t keep me from returning, but they also just wouldn’t happen at many properties in the tier I believe Southall is hoping to rank amongst.
