Most Middle Tennessee homeowners have a covered porch they barely use. In April, bugs and pollen take over. In July, it’s too hot. In November, it’s too cold. After a few seasons of fighting the weather, the furniture sits empty and the space becomes storage. John Freund, owner of Tennessee Shade Co., built his business around fixing exactly that. His team installs custom motorized screen systems that transform underused porches into the rooms families actually live in, year-round.

With nine years of industry experience, Freund brings extensive expertise in custom motorized shade solutions designed to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor living spaces comfortably. Having completed projects on more than 1,000 homes in Middle Tennessee, Freund said, “Most of our customers come to us after years of not really using their outdoor space. They spent real money on that porch, and it’s just sitting there with covers on all the furniture. We come in, design something that fits the house perfectly, and suddenly they’re out there every evening. That’s the whole point.”

Tennessee Shade Co. approaches each project as both a functional solution and an aesthetic opportunity. By integrating their work with existing architecture, matching finishes, and considering design principles, a shade solution is created that enhances a home rather than merely attaches to it. “When it’s done right, you shouldn’t be able to tell we were there at first glance. Then the screens come down, and your porch becomes a completely different space. That’s what we’re going for every time,” Freund said.

Your covered porch should be one of the best rooms in your house. Instead, most families abandon it by Memorial Day. They’re chasing bugs off the table, dragging cushions inside before a storm, giving up when the afternoon sun makes it unbearable. Tennessee Shade Co. helps families take back their porches. Imagine hosting friends on a July evening without a single bug. Thanksgiving dinner extended onto a warm enclosed porch. Kids outside after school instead of on a screen. One button changes all of it.

Freund and his team guide every project from the first conversation to the final install. It starts with a free in-home consultation where Freund and his design team assess the space, walk through the design options, and make sure the solution fits both the home and the way the family actually uses it. “The result,” Freund added, “is a system that disappears into the architecture until you need it.”

Every system is built for Tennessee weather. The screens are water-resistant and engineered to handle heat, humidity, and the kind of storms that roll through with no warning. Mesh options can be customized for airflow, privacy, or shade density depending on which direction the space faces and how the family uses it. “We use products built to last, and we stand behind our work with responsive service long after the install is done,” said Freund.

Tennessee Shade Co. serves the greater Nashville area and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. Consultations are free, and the team comes to you, no showroom visit required.

Your outdoor space is waiting. Schedule a free consultation with Tennessee Shade Co. and find out what it could become. Call or text (615) 492-3139 or visit tennshade.com. Every day is patio weather                            

The post Transforming Porches Into Year-Round Escapes appeared first on Williamson County Living.

I am thrilled to be part of the open house sponsored by Music City Publications, Inc., and, in my new role as lifestyle editor, it has special meaning. As I have pivoted in life, this was the perfect opportunity to pursue my love of interior design for a good cause, helping to raise funds for Folds of Honor. However, I am excited to share that plans are underway to reopen my shop, Amy Montgomery Home, at a new location in Columbia. More to come on that later!

As this journey unfolds over the next 12 months, I will take you through the building process, share design tips, and everything in between. From styling bookshelves and selecting the perfect color palette to designing a functional scullery, each issue will feature helpful tips and inspiration drawn from the building of this home. First, I’d like to set the stage by sharing a brief overview of the house and the details currently in progress, all of which will be on full display at the grand reveal on August 27, 2026.

Walking through this Carbine & Associates home for the first time in Williamson County, with it still echoing with the sounds of progress, I was reminded that we are not simply witnessing a build, but the beginning of a story. A tale that will soon be filled with beauty, intention, and life. This thoughtfully designed two-story modern European farmhouse blends timeless materials built of bricks softened by Hardie board accents, and a floor plan that gracefully balances beauty and livability.

At its heart will be a peaceful first-floor master bedroom with a soaring beamed cathedral ceiling, and a spa-inspired bathroom with a zero-entry shower, complemented by a freestanding soaking tub that invites restorative pauses at the end of the day. A generously appointed walk-in closet and adjacent laundry room will add a layer of luxury and convenience. The first-floor guest suite on the other side of the house will also feature a zero-entry shower, extending the same level of comfort to visitors.

Upstairs, the home will continue to unfold with two additional bedrooms, each with its own full bath and walk-in closet. Bedroom #4 will feature a beautifully integrated Murphy bed from Nashville Murphy Beds, with a charming built-in desk tucked into the roofline beside it.  

The second-floor laundry room will add another layer of convenience, allowing visiting children and grandchildren to tend to their own needs. Altogether, the design anticipates a home filled with life where children return often, grandchildren gather joyfully, and every generation is welcomed.  

Thoughtful entertaining will be woven seamlessly throughout the home, beginning with well-placed powder rooms on both the first and second floors, ensuring that guests are always accommodated with ease and privacy, no matter where the gathering unfolds. When it’s time to host, the dining room will set an inviting tone with a custom handmade table framed by built-in bookcases, creating a sense of warmth and understated sophistication.

With the open-concept layout, the kitchen will be functional and beautiful, complete with a well-appointed scullery that allows for effortless hosting while keeping prep work neatly out of sight. From there, the home will open into a handsome living room, where a two-story stone fireplace will anchor the space. Around the corner, there will be a thoughtfully designed first-floor office that offers both functionality and refinement, with custom-built-ins for organized productivity.  

As you move upstairs, the home will transition into leisure spaces, including a bonus room and a movie room, perfect for relaxed evenings and family gatherings. Adding just a bit of intrigue, a mystery room awaits. It will be an unexpected and delightful feature revealed at the open house in August.

This home’s outdoor finishing touches will reflect a commitment to modern luxury and livability. The outdoor living area will invite year-round enjoyment, anchored by a fireplace and enhanced by a retractable screened porch that will provide comfort in every season. Lastly, the backyard will feature a tranquil pool setting, complete with a dedicated pool bath to ensure those wet bathing suits are left outside.

As this curated residence takes shape, it will stand as a testament to the beauty of intentional living and the excitement of new beginnings where vision, craftsmanship, and community come together. I’m looking forward to sharing the house’s progress and inviting you to join me at the grand reveal this August, where we will applaud the contractors who played a major role in building the house and donate to Folds of Honor to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military and first responders.

Get Your Tickets Here

With more than 30 years of design experience, AMY MONTGOMERY has built a signature style rooted in gracious living and effortless entertaining. As the owner of Amy Montgomery Home in Nashville, she offers a thoughtfully curated collection that reflects her timeless, inviting approach. Her Columbia shop is set to reopen in the coming months. Design services are available by calling (931) 982-4988, and her collectionof entertaining essentials, along with select services and a calendar of events, is available online at amymontgomeryhome.com.

The post The Architecture of a Home Build appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Positioned between Franklin, College Grove, and Murfreesboro, Taliaferro represents a blend of refined living and rural charm, designed for homeowners who want room to breathe while remaining connected to the energy of the greater Nashville area.

A Boutique Community with Room to Live

Unlike many modern subdivisions that prioritize density, Taliaferro focuses on space and thoughtful planning. The neighborhood spans nearly 200 acres of scenic Middle Tennessee countryside and will ultimately include 27 homesites, each designed to provide privacy, views, and flexibility for homeowners.

Homesites range from approximately 1 to more than 3 acres, offering the freedom and openness of country living while avoiding the upkeep associated with large rural estates.

The development was created to deliver what many buyers consider the ideal balance: enough land for outdoor living, recreation, and potential additions like pools or guest houses, but not so much acreage that maintenance becomes overwhelming.

This concept is often described as estate living without the estate maintenance, giving residents the sense of a private retreat while remaining part of a curated community.

Custom Homes by a Trusted Local Builder

Taliaferro features homes built by Carbine & Associates, a well-known Middle Tennessee builder with more than four decades of experience designing and constructing custom homes throughout the region. The company serves as the neighborhood’s exclusive builder, ensuring consistent architectural quality while allowing homeowners significant design flexibility.

Within the community, buyers can choose between fully custom homes and market-ready residences, giving both builders and homeowners options based on their timelines and preferences. Homes in Taliaferro are expected to start around $1.9 million, positioning the community within the luxury segment of the Williamson County market while still offering larger homesites than many similarly priced developments.

Elevated Design with Haus of Black

An exciting element of the Taliaferro community is the level of attention given to interior design and architectural detail. The market homes in the neighborhood are designed by Dillon Arnold, founder and creative director of Haus of Black, a Nashville-based design studio known for its bold, thoughtful approach to residential spaces.

Haus of Black specializes in blending style and functionality through collaboration across drafting, design, and construction, creating interiors that feel both elevated and deeply personal. Arnold’s design philosophy centers on understanding how homeowners live and what brings them joy before translating those insights into spaces that are both beautiful and practical.

For buyers pursuing a fully custom home within Taliaferro, the experience becomes even more collaborative. Custom clients receive included design hours with Dillon Arnold, allowing homeowners to work directly with his team to personalize finishes, layouts, and aesthetic details. This partnership brings a rare level of professional design guidance to the homebuilding process, ensuring that each home not only reflects the community’s architecture but also the personality and lifestyle of the people who live there.

A Design Inspired by the Land

One of the defining features of Taliaferro is its natural setting. The property includes gently rolling terrain, wooded areas, and open fields typical of the region’s countryside. The community layout was intentionally designed around the landscape, with winding roads and homesites placed to capture views of the surrounding hills and farmland.

Large portions of the property remain preserved as open space, allowing the neighborhood to maintain the character of the surrounding land while still offering modern infrastructure and amenities. The result is a community that feels integrated with the landscape rather than imposed upon it.

Freedom to Build the Lifestyle You Want

Another unique aspect of Taliaferro is the level of flexibility homeowners have in designing their property. Because of the generous homesites and thoughtful neighborhood planning, homeowners can incorporate features such as pools, outdoor entertaining spaces, gardens, and accessory structures, allowing each property to reflect its owners’ lifestyle.

For many buyers relocating from more traditional suburban neighborhoods, this flexibility is a major draw. It allows residents to enjoy hobbies such as gardening, outdoor entertaining, or simply having space to spread out—all within a cohesive and carefully designed community.

A Strategic Location in Middle Tennessee

While Taliaferro feels removed from the pace of urban life, it remains conveniently located near some of Middle Tennessee’s most desirable destinations. The community sits within the Eagleville area of Williamson County, a region known for its scenic landscapes, rural character, and highly regarded public schools, including College Grove Elementary, Fred J. Page Middle School, and Fred J. Page High School.

From Taliaferro, residents can reach Franklin or Murfreesboro in roughly 20 minutes, allowing them to enjoy a quiet countryside lifestyle while maintaining access to shopping, dining, and employment centers throughout the region. Nearby communities like College Grove, Arrington, and Nolensville also provide boutique retail, local restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

A Community Designed for the Future

As Middle Tennessee continues to attract new residents, developments like Taliaferro reflect a growing demand for homes that combine luxury, land, and lifestyle. Rather than following the dense suburban model common in many growing regions, the neighborhood embraces a more intentional approach to development. By preserving open space, offering larger homesites, and prioritizing thoughtful architecture and interior design, Taliaferro creates a community that feels timeless rather than temporary.

For buyers seeking privacy, beauty, and access to the best of Williamson County, Taliaferro offers a rare opportunity. It is a place where scenic countryside meets carefully crafted homes—and where residents can enjoy the tranquility of rural living while remaining just a short drive from the cultural and economic energy of Middle Tennessee.

Taliaferro is exclusively listed by Kristen Carbine with Compass and Axel Reed with Luxury Homes International. For additional information, visit taliaferrotn.com or call Kristen at (615) 289-9554 or Axel at (949) 697-3155.

The post Taliaferro: Estate Living in the Heart of Williamson County appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Understanding timelines and having realistic expectations for the process aid homeowners in achieving a successful project. As entertaining as shows like HGTV are to produce, these shows have made it more difficult for contractors and designers due to unrealistic expectations. Many homeowners are led to believe that even the most complicated projects can be completed in a few months and under budget, or that a smaller project like a bathroom renovation can be completed over a weekend.

If you have decided to invest in updating or adding to your current home, it is well worth your while to allow time for both the design and construction processes to ensure the highest quality and outcome. Obviously, timelines should be within reason, but a quick fix usually doesn’t equal a long-lasting product.

The most successful and enjoyable home addition/renovation projects are those where homeowners have an attachment to some existing character of the home or property. Whether it’s architectural or functional, it helps guide the design process.

This was such the case with the renovation and addition of an existing one-bedroom/one-bath cabin. The homeowners loved the existing stone fireplace, and its story of how the original owner had collected stone from the surrounding farm to build it by hand. The focus was to build around it so that it may remain the central point of the home. The cabin was expanded to include three bedrooms, a primary suite, and two bathrooms. The living spaces were doubled in size, and a new wraparound porch was added. The result was a design that provided the program for the owners to better use their home with their growing children and to have a more direct connection with their surrounding farmland.

Another such project, though with fewer programmatic changes, underwent a substantial visual transformation with the addition of a porch. This home was built in the early 1900s and had glimpses of what it once was, but over time and through various ownerships, the charm that once was there had been covered and details stripped away to make way for more modern, simpler materials and uses. It took the right homeowner to see through these layers, understand the house’s true character, and know what it needed to breathe life back into it.

The home had been loved and lived in for some time, and the owner was finally ready to bring to life the design they had been envisioning. First was the foundation. This home, like most homes of its time, was built with little to no crawl space. Many homes were built with the floor joists sitting directly on the earth beneath. With the structure so close to the ground, it increases the likelihood of mold and moisture buildup and limits access to utilities that may need repair or relocation. This house had settled a good deal over the past century, so it was decided to lift the entire house and raise the foundation.

The original wood siding was rotted in many places due to poor water drainage from the hip roof above. Much of the trim around windows and doors was in disrepair. The siding was removed and replaced, along with all the windows, to give the home a new layer of protection and improve its overall energy efficiency.

Last was reimagining the exterior and its relationship to the rest of the property. There was an existing porch, but its size and connection to the interior were limited, thus restricting its use. To fit the homeowner’s lifestyle and desire to have more outdoor space, the porch became the main focus of the design. The addition extended the existing porch around the side of the home, providing more areas to sit and take in the crisp Tennessee air rolling off the hills nearby. A screen porch was added adjacent to the dining room with a vaulted ceiling and a stone wood-burning fireplace.

The result was an addition that looked as though it had always been there. The design accomplished the owner’s goals while preserving the historical charm. Both projects involved homeowners with a clear vision of what they wanted, full architectural design, and knowledgeable contractors who worked as a team to make each home better than it was found. Whether these were fast or cheap will be left to the reader’s imagination, but most importantly to the homeowner’s, the end product fulfilled their vision and was GOOD.

To make your remodel/addition dreams come true, visit tkc-ae.com or call Kristen Newton at (615) 617-7477. For inspiration, follow them on social media @tkc_ae.

KRISTEN NEWTON is a founding principal and architect at TKC Architecture & Interiors in Columbia, Tennessee. Newton’s experience ranges from custom residential homes to boutique restaurants, hotels, and high-end commercial projects. In addition to her architectural resume, she is experienced in interior design.

The post Home Additions — Creating Spaces You Love appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Constructed in 1912 for J.M. Hodge, the home reflects a period of growth, optimism, and civic pride in Columbia. As a former mayor, Hodge commissioned a residence that reflected both his prominence and the era’s enduring craftsmanship. Designed in the classic American Four-Square style, the home was built with balance, proportion, and longevity in mind. These qualities remain evident more than a century later.

The Four-Square was prized for its generous room sizes, natural light, and thoughtful layout, and those characteristics remain beautifully intact at 902 School Street. Tall ceilings, expansive windows, original pocket doors, and carved fireplace mantels speak to a time when homes were designed for connection, spaces meant to host conversation, family life, and meaningful gatherings.

In 1914, just two years after its construction, the home entered what would become its most enduring chapter when it was purchased by Aileen Figuers, shortly after her marriage to Thomas Norfleet Figuers Jr. Aileen would remain here until her death in 1972, making her the home’s longest-serving steward and firmly anchoring it in Columbia’s personal and social history.

Through marriage, Aileen became connected to one of Maury County’s most historically significant families. Her father-in-law, Thomas Norfleet Figuers, was a decorated Civil War veteran of the 32nd Tennessee Infantry and a recipient of the CSA Cross of Honor. Her mother-in-law, Harriet Pointer Cheairs Figuers, was the niece of Nathaniel Cheairs IV, builder of Rippavilla Plantation, tying the home’s story to a broader regional legacy.

It is easy to imagine evenings spent within these walls, each story passed from one generation to the next, with reflections on family and history shared in rooms designed to gather people together. For nearly sixty years, 902 School Street was not simply a residence, but a place of continuity, memory, and shared life.

That legacy of care continues today. Thoughtful restoration has preserved the home’s original character while elevating it for modern living. Original hardwood floors, restored woodwork, and timeless architectural details remain beautifully intact, complemented by curated upgrades that introduce a quiet sense of luxury throughout. Designer lighting adds warmth and intention, while the fully renovated kitchen serves as both a focal point and gathering place, featuring leathered marble surfaces, professional-grade Viking appliances, and custom selections that feel intentional, elevated, and entirely in keeping with the home’s historic scale. Updated bathrooms provide comfort and understated elegance, enhancing the home without overshadowing its original design.

“It’s so rare to find a house this age with so many of the original details intact,” the seller shared. “When thinking about updates, I wanted to be a good steward of the home while creating a cozy and inviting feel. Wherever possible, the original woodwork was restored, and where updates were needed, they were chosen to match the grandness of the home. Keeping the walls simple allowed the beauty of the house itself to shine.”

The residence offers approximately 5,694 square feet, including five bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a third-floor space that provides flexibility for today’s needs, whether as a home office, creative studio, or additional living area. Situated on a .29-acre lot, it balances the presence of a historic estate with the ease of manageable outdoor living.

As Columbia continues to grow and evolve, homes like 902 School Street serve as anchors and reminders of where the community has been and examples of how historic preservation can coexist beautifully with modern life. Defined by craftsmanship, care, and generations of stories, this is a home that has been thoughtfully carried forward.

The house at 902 School Street had a secured contract at the time of publication, and for the new owners, it’s a rare opportunity to be the next steward of one of Columbia’s most enduring and thoughtfully restored historic homes. For information on available homes in Maury and Williamson Counties, call the Baker Group at (931) 548-2010 or visit bakergrouprealty.com.

MELISSA PACCO is a Principal Broker at Baker Group Realty with more than five years of experience in real estate. Known for her commitment and ability to foster lasting relationships, Pacco has an approachable style, strong communication skills, and deep care for people. She is also very dedicated to mentoring agents, driving innovation, and continuing the boutique-level service that sets the Baker Group apart.

The post A Storied Home on School Street, Ready for Its Next Chapter appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Set along the sweeping bends of Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, Island Bend Farms is a rare and remarkable 1,100±-acre legacy property in southwestern Middle Tennessee that redefines what it means to own land with purpose, scale, and possibility. With more than four miles of river frontage, a private FAA-charted airfield, 114±-acre private island, and a diverse mix of pasture, hardwoods, and water features, this extraordinary farm offers an opportunity seldom seen in today’s market.

At its core, Island Bend Farms is a property of options. Whether envisioned as a private family retreat, an elite outdoorsman’s reserve, a hilltop estate with panoramic river views, or a thoughtfully planned development for marinas, resorts, or riverfront living, the land lends itself effortlessly to multiple futures—each as compelling as the last.

Approximately 1,000± acres of property lie on the mainland, where open pasture and mature hardwoods create a classic Southern landscape. The fertile bottomland has a long agricultural history and is currently improved pasture, producing hay from a blend of ryegrass, fescue, orchard grass, and clover. Roughly 300± acres of open ground support agricultural use, while wooded areas provide privacy, beauty, and abundant wildlife habitat. Adding to the ecological richness, approximately 130± acres are enrolled in a Wetlands Reserve Program easement, offering protected wetlands that attract waterfowl and enhance the property’s natural character.

Water is a defining feature of Island Bend Farms. Two inlets from the Tennessee River weave through the property, forming a private 38±-acre lake and flooded cypress sloughs that feel both wild and serene. The river itself opens the door to boating, fishing, and cruising adventures — supporting travel south to the Gulf of Mexico or north toward the Great Lakes for those pursuing the famed Great Loop.

Accessibility sets this property apart. The private, FAA-charted Island Bend Farms Airport (Identifier: 4TN9) features a freshly graded 3,000±-foot grass runway, with the potential for expansion to 6,000 feet. With Nashville and Memphis nearby, flights are only about 25 minutes away, blending rural seclusion with exceptional connectivity. On the ground, more than 13 miles of improved interior roads make the property easily navigable by truck, ATV, horseback, or utility vehicle.

Elevated wooded hilltops throughout the farm provide ideal building sites for a 5+ bedroom estate, family compound, or boutique resort. These vantage points offer sweeping views of the river and surrounding countryside from one of the highest points in Decatur County. Existing improvements include two half-acre river lots on Scenic Lane, a modern tiny home on stilts overlooking the river and inlet, and a substantial 148′ x 96′ pole barn suited for equipment, storage, or operational needs.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Island Bend Farms is nothing short of exceptional. The land supports year-round recreation, including whitetail deer, turkey, duck, geese, dove, boating, fishing, trail riding, and equestrian use. Deer stands and blinds are already in place, and the mix of open fields, hardwoods, wetlands, and water creates a premier habitat for both game and wildlife viewing.

Despite its privacy and scale, the property is conveniently located near I-40, making travel to Nashville and Memphis by car easy. Nearby attractions include Ross Creek Landing Golf Course, Clifton and Riverstone Marinas, and the Bath Springs Farmers Market—adding lifestyle appeal beyond the gates.

Island Bend Farms may be purchased in its entirety or divided into thoughtfully planned parcels, with options beginning at $4,750 per acre. Available tracts include Conservation, Scenic Lane, Island, Marine, Airfield, Primary, Development, and Residential parcels, allowing buyers to tailor their ownership to their vision.

In a world where truly irreplaceable land is increasingly scarce, Island Bend Farms stands apart. It is not just acreage — it is a legacy, a destination, and an open canvas for those ready to create something extraordinary along one of the South’s most storied waterways.

Island Bends Farm is just an hour and a half away from Columbia and two hours from Franklin and is listed with Baker Group Realty in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. For questions and inquiries about this unique property, reach out to Jacob Haddad (C) 615-390-0229 (C) or Katie Baker 901-351-7235 (C).

KATIE BAKER is a local REALTOR and the owner of Baker Group, Maury County’s boutique brokerage. Baker Group specializes in Fine Properties, Historic Homes, Vacation Homes, and Commercial Real Estate in Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee River. Call (931) 548-2010 to schedule an appointment and follow them on social media @bakergrouprealty.

The post From Runway to Riverbank appeared first on Williamson County Living.