The Tennessean
July 14, 2000
Marilee Spanjian / Staff Writer

Riverstone Farm, Gary Chapman's house on Manley Lane in Franklin, is for sale. (Photo courtesy 360realtor.com)

Have you made it financially? Can you afford your own slice of heaven, something with a stocked lake, on a river, or tucked in a valley protected by thick forests?

Maybe you've always wanted horses or just breathing room and some privacy. Or, if it is the right property, maybe you've dreamed of developing a resort or corporate retreat. If your own children are grown, perhaps you've even thought of building a family compound where you can watch your grandchildren grow up nearby.

In Williamson County, three of the highest priced residential real estate properties on the Middle Tennessee market offer that opportunity. As they should be, each property is unique.

There's only one catch for most of us dreamers: The price tags range from $8 to $10.5 million.

Still, for someone who can afford luxury, most will agree there is nothing that compares to looking out at your own rolling natural hillsides while a gentle breeze and a symphony of Carolina bluebirds, chickadees, cardinals, finches and blue jays lulls you into serenity.

The Ferhmann estate on Stillhouse Hollow

The entrance to George and Mary Lou Fehrmann's 365-acre estate on Stillhouse Hollow can only be described as grand. A stone entrance with electronic wrought-iron gates that open as though to a drum roll. Stretched as far as the eye can see is a shade canopy of more than 50 mature Bradford pear trees that line a gravel lane. Just over a knoll, first-time visitors feast their eyes on one of Williamson County's postcard settings. Off to one side of the gentle lane is the 15-acre stocked lake with two islands shaded by weeping willows and cherry trees. Close to 100 white swans and Canadian geese meander along the edge of the clear water.

On the gentle slope to the right is the main house, a 4,830-square-foot, four-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath French country manor. Beyond is a two-bedroom, two-bath log home that's been used for elegant soirees over the years. And tucked up on the slope is a two-story barn, complete with its own three-car garage, wood shop, 5,000-bottle wine cellar, separate caretaker's two-bedroom, two-bath apartment and enough storage space to house a lifetime of a large family's belongings.

Tucked in a valley beyond is another 5-acre stocked lake, a fenced garden, farm equipment storage stalls, all wrapped in 45 acres of grounds, manicured like a golf course.

Surprisingly, nearly 75 years ago, Stillhouse Hollow wasn't the Shangri-La it is today. In fact, for 90 years the property was known as the county's poor house in the Bingham community.

In his book, Leiper's Fork & the Surrounding Communities, Richard Warwick wrote: "Becoming a ward of the county was perceived by many to be the worst fate an individual family could experience." He further wrote: "The Williamson County Quarterly Court very early in its history took responsibility for the unfortunate by providing lodging, clothing and food at the lowest bid annually. In 1826, the Tennessee Legislature mandated asylums for the poor under the supervision and support of the county quarterly courts."

Eventually, the Stillhouse Hollow poorhouse residents were moved to another location in the county. Then, in the mid-1960s, Nelson Elam purchased the farm, "dismantled the remaining dilapidated log structures and built a beautiful estate with lakes and a manor house," Warwick wrote.

Due to health reasons, George and Mary Lou Fehrmann want to sell their slice of heaven. The asking price is $8 million. Since the property is not in a land trust, George Fehrmann says, "I'm not going to tell you the property can't be developed, although, I'd hate to see it happen."

The property includes several wells.

"Somebody could come in and put four to six other houses without any problem," he said.

Of course, it would have to go through the Planning Commission.

"Or, it could be made into a retreat center with very little effort."

The current caretaker has been with the property for 11 years. "He'll stay with the property if he's able to come to an agreeable solution with the new owner," George adds. "He knows the property. He runs the place without any difficulties."

George says it will be hard to leave Stillhouse Hollow along with all its tractors, farm equipment and most of the furnishings. He says he'll especially miss watching the swans hold flight school on the massive lawn stretched out in front of the main house.

But he does have an ideal buyer in mind.

"I'd like to find the guy who's 50 years old who wants to be a country gentleman farmer."

For more information, call Bob Parks Realty at 790-7400 and ask for realtor Ann Arnold.

Riverstone Farm on Moran Road

Whether you're into country music or casually follow the lives of local celebrities, most people know Riverstone Farm on Moran Road as Amy Grant and Gary Chapman's home when they were married. Beyond the stone wall and wrought-iron gates, grand old trees -- perfect for climbing -- line the gravel drive that leads to the estate and meticulously maintained grounds.

In their divorce, Chapman was awarded sole ownership of the property. Recently, he remarried and Chapman is now ready to sell the 7,772-square-foot Southern estate and 190 acres that Irby and Fay Simpkins once owned. The asking price is $10.5 million.

With five bedrooms, five full and two half baths, plus five fireplaces, this home is designed for a large family that enjoys entertaining. Cozy covered porches, detailed interior wood trim, a sunroom, built-in drawers and customized closets, can be found around every corner. Beyond the four sets of French doors in the family room is a pool built to host everything from an elegant wedding to an end-of-season baseball party. A separate pool house with two baths and its own kitchen, as well as an observatory above, is set off to the side.

Just beyond the three-car garage is a tennis court and tucked up in some nearby trees is a secret fort. Down the gravel drive are two small lakes and a horse barn and stables that produces $3,000 each month in boarding fees. There also is a riding ring with jumps along a tree line that borders the property.

The top of the old two-story red dairy barn (that has been used for youth group retreats) and silo can be seen from the pool area, where there's a separate caretaker's quarters, complete with a small kitchen and full bath. Nearby is a renovated recording studio designed with its own vocal isolation booth and a studio large enough to hold an orchestra.

There's no need to worry about privacy at the end of the vast, open fields as the peaceful Harpeth River wraps the edge for 3/4 mile. Realtor Mike Jones of Jones Properties says that he's sold a lot of large tracts over the years, and "this is one of the best. Total views, the sunsets, river access and its location between Green Hills and Franklin. You can't find anything like it."

For more information, call 646-0304.

The Greene Springs Estate on Old Harding Lane

Back in 1992, Joe Greene built his dream home, a 12,034-square-foot Southern estate with a green standing seam metal roof, matching red brick chimneys, and a brick motor court that wraps around a dramatic fountain. He set his dream home on 610 of the most picturesque acres in Williamson County where there are lakes, a stream and a natural spring.

Unfortunately, during construction, Greene's wife died, leaving him with small children, says Prudential McArthur-Sanders realtor Maria Carter who is one of the listing agents. Since then, he has attempted to develop the property into a golf course community, but for various reasons, the project never got off the ground.

Now, he wants to sell and has the property listed for $9.1 million. With eight bedrooms, five full and four half baths, an elevator, widow's walk, marble and tile baths, and extensive porches, the home is grand by anyone's standards. There is also a caretaker's house, storage shed and livestock barns, office building, fenced pasture and pool designed for entertaining. And off to the side, is a "kiddie" pool and an in-ground trampoline.

For more information, call Prudential McArthur-Sanders at 370-4663 and ask for Realtor Maria Carter.

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