There’s a Hidden Hobbit House in Tennessee—and You Can Sleep There

Imagine waking up inside a cozy hillside home straight out of Middle-earth, surrounded by Tennessee’s rolling countryside. Forest Gully Farms in Santa Fe offers exactly that—real Hobbit-style earth homes where you can sleep, explore, and escape the everyday hustle. This magical farm hideaway combines fantasy charm with real-world comfort, complete with chickens to visit, gardens to wander, and waterfalls to discover.

Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings superfan or just craving a unique getaway, this place delivers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Welcome to Forest Gully Farms: Tennessee’s Real-Life Hobbit Hideaway

Tucked into the hills of Santa Fe, Tennessee, Forest Gully Farms brings fantasy to life with actual Hobbit-inspired homes you can book for the night. Owners Jon and Mandy have created a one-of-a-kind glamping experience that feels like stepping into a storybook. The property sits on beautiful Appalachian foothills, about an hour from Nashville, making it close enough for a weekend trip but far enough to feel like another world.

The earth homes are built right into the hillside, complete with round doors and grass-covered roofs that blend into the landscape. Inside, you’ll find surprisingly cozy quarters with real beds, air conditioning, and all the charm you’d hope for. It’s not a fancy hotel—it’s something better.

With chickens to visit, vegetables to pick, and trails to hike, Forest Gully Farms offers a true escape into nature with a magical twist that keeps visitors coming back.

Where Is Forest Gully Farms—and Why It Feels So Secret

Forest Gully Farms hides away at 6016 Fly Hollow Road in Santa Fe, Tennessee, a tiny community nestled in the state’s middle region. The drive takes you down winding country roads where cell service gets spotty and civilization fades into the forest. That remoteness is part of the magic—you really feel like you’ve discovered something special.

Santa Fe itself barely shows up on most maps, which adds to the adventure. You’re roughly an hour from Nashville, making it accessible for a quick getaway without the crowds of more popular tourist spots. The surrounding area is classic Tennessee countryside: rolling hills, thick woods, and farms dotting the landscape.

Finding the place might require some attention to directions since GPS can get confused in rural areas. But once you arrive, you’ll understand why the seclusion matters. The property feels like a hidden pocket of peace, far from highway noise and city lights.

Stars shine brighter here, and the only sounds at night are frogs, crickets, and maybe a friendly chicken settling down for the evening.

Inside the Hobbit House: What It’s Like to Stay at Forest Gully Farms

Step through those round doors and you’ll find spaces that balance whimsy with real comfort. The property features multiple earth homes—separate structures for sleeping and a communal kitchen area. Each bedroom home fits snugly into the hillside with curved walls and earthy tones that make you feel wonderfully tucked away.

Air conditioning units keep things comfortable even in Tennessee’s humid summers, which guests especially appreciate. The kitchen home serves as your gathering space, equipped with what you need for meal prep.

Real bathrooms and showers sit nearby in separate structures—this is glamping, after all, not primitive camping. Everything has that lovingly-created, slightly imperfect charm that reminds youthat real people built this dream by hand.

Everything Included in Your Stay (Yes, It’s as Magical as It Sounds)

Your stay at Forest Gully Farms comes packed with experiences beyond just a bed. The property sleeps up to eight people across the various earth homes, making it perfect for families or friend groups. Rates run around $375 per night, which covers access to the entire property and all its features.

The working farm aspect means you can collect fresh eggs from the friendly hens each morning—kids especially love this hands-on experience. A vegetable garden invites guests to pick what they need for meals, adding a foraging element that connects you to your food.

Two small waterfalls on the property provide beautiful spots to explore via well-maintained hiking paths. The farm dogs, Jedi and Trooper, often accompany guests and add to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you won’t find are TVs—this is about unplugging. The experience emphasizes simplicity, nature, and that rare commodity: genuine peace and quiet away from screens.

What to Do While You’re There: Nature, Animals, and Total Peace

Forest Gully Farms isn’t about packed schedules—it’s about slowing down. The hiking trails wind through the property, leading to those two waterfalls that make perfect destinations for morning walks or afternoon explorations. The paths are kid-friendly, as families with children as young as six have enjoyed them without trouble.

Interacting with the animals provides entertainment that never gets old. The chickens roam freely and have personalities that will surprise you if you’re used to city life. Collecting eggs becomes a daily ritual that guests look forward to, and the farm dogs become perfect companions.

The gardens themselves deserve time—Jon and Mandy have created stunning landscaped areas that guests describe as breathtaking. Walking through the vegetable patches and observing the permaculture design offers lessons in sustainable living if you’re interested. Many visitors simply find a peaceful spot to read, journal, or watch the clouds drift by.

Nighttime brings incredible stargazing since light pollution barely exists out here. The whole point is doing less and experiencing more, whether that’s watching frogs at dusk or listening to the quiet that’s so rare in modern life.

When to Visit Forest Gully Farms for the Best Experience

Forest Gully Farms operates year-round, but each season brings its own flavor to the experience. Spring explodes with wildflowers and baby animals, making it magical for families with children. The gardens come alive with new growth, and temperatures stay comfortable for hiking without summer’s humidity.

Summer offers the fullest experience with everything in bloom and the longest days for exploring. The vegetable gardens produce abundantly, giving you the best selection for farm-to-table meals. Just expect more bugs—reviewers mention frogs and insects as part of the authentic outdoor experience.

Fall brings stunning foliage to the surrounding hills and cooler weather perfect for cozying up in the Hobbit homes. Winter offers the quietest, most peaceful visits with a different kind of beauty, though you’ll want to check on weather conditions for the drive. Weekends book quickly regardless of season, so planning ahead matters.

The owners recommend researching the property thoroughly before booking to ensure the rustic glamping style matches your expectations, especially if you’re used to hotel amenities.

How to Book Your Stay at Forest Gully Farms (And What to Know Before You Go)

Booking your Hobbit adventure starts at forestgullyfarms.com, where you’ll find availability calendars and detailed information about what to expect.

Before you book, understand this is glamping, not a traditional hotel. Reviews mention the rustic aesthetic—some paint looks intentionally distressed, storage might contain random items, and everything has that handmade, lived-in quality. If you need pristine, brand-new accommodations, this might not fit.

But if you want character, authenticity, and a truly unique experience, you’ll love it.

Pack accordingly: bring your own food since you’re far from restaurants, though the kitchen provides basic cooking equipment. The property supplies bedding, but you might want extra towels. Cell service can be unreliable, so download directions beforehand.

Most importantly, come with the right mindset—this is about disconnecting, experiencing nature, and embracing the quirky charm of a family-run farm that’s turned a fantasy into reality.