In YOUR Backyard: An Intentional Oasis, Southall Farm & Inn

Nov 07, 2022 at 03:02 pm by RMGadmin


By Amelia Rose Smith
Photography by Kris Rae & Jay Williams
“The luxury of time allowed Southall an opportunity to be mindful of how they will showcase local artisans, current and past, and have them work their magic into the Southall experience. All of it was created and curated with a purpose—to do the job well, but also one small way we can acknowledge and honor a job well done.”
 
Located in historic Franklin, Tennessee and less than twenty miles from Nashville, Southall encompasses over 325 acres of bliss. Southall is set across rolling Tennessee hills and includes a working farm, luxury inn and cottages, a spa, a signature restaurant and outdoor activities. This getaway will offer an escape for guests, or locals, to enjoy an array of experiences based on the property’s core principles of exploration, discovery and connection.

The Roots

“Southall started with the vision of my wife, Laura, who wanted to own land, grow food to eat and donate the rest to those in need. But having no experience or expertise in farming or land management, my wife and I knew we had to build a team to execute the vision. So, we hired experts across many disciplines and asked them to dream big, to find ways we could create something new and special, here in Williamson County,” Founder, Paul Mishkin shares.
The luxury of time – eight years, to be exact – allowed Southall an opportunity to be mindful of how they will showcase local artisans, current and past, and have them work their magic into the Southall experience. All of it was created and curated with a purpose — to do the job well, but also one small way we can acknowledge and honor a job well done.
 

Stay a While

According to Southall, “Fulfillment can be elusive; it means something different to each of us, but generally, we believe it centers on well-being. An unforgettable meal, a day spent melting away in the spa, an exhilarating challenge, an extraordinary experience. Memories made with loved ones, bathed in luxury against a stunning backdrop.” This and more can be found at Southall. 
 
Southall offers sixty-two guestrooms and suites with modern yet natural touches. The Polk Rooms provide a place to recharge with views of the property’s picturesque landscape. The Cumberland Rooms are the perfect way to end a day of exploration, cozied up by the in-suite gas fireplace with views of the meadow and Polk Creek. Take your stay a step further by staying in the Caney Fork Suites. These elegant and expansive third-floor suites include a king bed, living space, separate powder room and gas fireplace; unwind and enjoy the sprawling scenery from indoors. Finally, the Tennessee Suite is the premier spot to recharge. The 1,529 square foot suite includes a baby grand piano, luxurious bathroom, gas fireplace and conferencing capabilities for small meetings. Not to mention, all rooms and suites have an oversized soaking tub.
 
Southall features sixteen separate cottages for those wanting a more private stay. Tucked away among towering trees, the cottages offer privacy, exclusivity and luxury.
 
“Expansive yet intimate, modern yet rustic, the nine Hillside Cottages offer the ultimate escape.” Each features one or two king bedrooms, a patio and a spa-inspired bathroom. Guests will savor the open air from their spacious outdoor living area. The two-bedroom cottages also include a gas fireplace and conferencing capabilities for small gatherings.
 
Communing with nature takes on new meaning with the seven elevated Arbor Cottages, which offer a patio and large wraparound deck with an inviting swing bed. Ideal for those seeking a luxurious glamping-style experience, each includes a king bed and a spa-like bathroom.

 

The Farm

The working farm serves as the heart of Southall and is rooted in the craft of growing, raising and preserving ingredients that lead to incomparable cuisine. The Farm is constantly evolving and has a 1,300-tree apple orchard. It also includes hydroponic and conservatory greenhouses, a dedicated seed-saving program, formal kitchen gardens, large-format crops, and an array of heirloom varieties and heritage ingredients. Not to mention, an abundance of acres for foraging.
 

Experiences

Southall will be a backdrop for one-of-a-kind events and group experiences, including weddings. With acres upon acres of outdoor space, including a manicured lawn overlooking Lake Mishkin, flexible indoor space with the 4,000-square-foot Orchard Event Center, an on-site preservation kitchen (The Jammery), a natural amphitheater and hilltop lookout, the entertaining options are endless.
 

Let the Adventure Begin

From hiking, biking and running trails through bygone forests to fishing, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, there is an adventure for all! The rolling property of Southall hosts a plethora of things to keep visitors busy; an aerial obstacle course, archery or fly fishing in Lake Mishkin – Southall’s man-made lake.
 
With five miles of trails and a wealth of local flora and fauna, guests can explore the pristine beauty of Southall on one of the guided hikes—or discover it on their own. Did you ever think you would try falconry hunting? You can experience the thrill of a hunt with a falcon perched above.

 

The Apiary

Located above the orchard, near the sundial, the apiary is home to approximately four million honeybees, which live within six apiaries. These pollinators are vital to the health of the farm, increasing harvest yields on a range of crops. Working to reverse the trend of bee decline, Pollination Program Manager Jay Williams and his team share their love and knowledge of these invaluable creatures with guests, providing a look inside a honeybee hive and revealing the essential role honeybees play on the farm.
 

Mary Amelia

There are four different dining options on the property, one being the signature restaurant, Mary Amelia. Celebrating the Farm’s bounty, Mary Amelia is inextricably linked to the land at Southall. Open exclusively for dinner, it is an expression of time and place, with each meal depending on the season and the ingredients available for harvest. Each course is a mix of heritage, innovation and artistry that captivates the senses. 
 
The dining experience and culinary education program is led by Senior Vice President of Culinary and Agriculture, Tyler Brown. Tyler has led The Rambling, a multi-course alfresco dinner. This unique dining experience is prepared over an open fire at The Conservatory Terrace beside the gardens and greenhouses. General Manager Shane Pappas says, “Through that dinner service, we were able to share our hospitality and the literal fruits of our labor as we incorporated fresh produce from our farm.” The Rambling offers an extraordinary meal in the company of old and new friends.
 

Rooted in the Healing Power of Nature

The Spa at Southall is a well-being oasis that encourages an energy balance to awaken guests’ divine nature and strengthen spirits. The Spa will further immerse guests within the natural elements, solidifying it as a revolutionary destination spa and leader in the wellness space.
 
Totaling 15,000 square feet, including eight individual treatment rooms and two suites for couples, guests can immerse themselves in the steam room, sauna and spacious outdoor mineral pool overlooking the resort’s private lake. The Spa also utilizes unique products designed by Naturopathica, specifically for Southall, drawing on holistic healing practices and naturopathic principles to create potent herbal skincare, restorative spa treatments and curative tinctures that heal from within. 
 
Want to enjoy this intentional oasis nestled between Franklin and Leiper’s Fork? Reservations to stay on the property are available now. All amenities, including The Spa and Mary Amelia dining reservations, will be available to the community soon. Also, stay up to date on Southall’s progress via their social media platforms and website. 
 
1994 Carters Creek Pike  |  Franklin TN 37064
615.282.2000  |  southalltn.com 
 

Paul Mishkin 

Founder
“Southall started as a dream to create a place for people to stay and experience all a farm has to offer, and it’s become more than I could have imagined. Southall will be a truly immersive experience, and I look forward to welcoming our Franklin neighbors and guests to this remarkable destination to see what we’ve grown.”

Shane Pappas

General Manager
“Our guests should expect a unique, curated experience that they can only have here. Whether they want to indulge in our culinary offerings and spa treatments, or if they want to get their hands dirty on the farm while they learn about our sustainability practice, there is something for everyone. Regardless of their reason for coming to Southall, guests can truly disconnect from everyday life and immerse themselves in the experience.”

David Mishkin

Executive Property Manager
“In the early years of Southall, much of the efforts were on trail layout and construction, specifically focusing on the cleanup and safety of the woods. Many of the activities are family-friendly, with various degrees of difficulty. I hope everyone who tries our adventures enjoys the exhilaration and feels more alive afterward!”

Andrew Klamar

Executive Chef
“This project has been years in the making, with each detail carefully curated. I am excited for guests to see the culmination of their experience at Southall with farm-to-table meals at Mary Amelia through daily menus.”

Jay Williams

Pollination Program Manager
“As Southall’s pollination expert, I work to establish and grow new hives in hopes to reverse the trend of bee decline. Our honey has won coveted awards for its complexity of flavor and is used throughout Southall in The Spa, dining experiences and more.”