Ashley Judd’s historic farmhouse sits on 5 peaceful acres in Tennessee, blending 1800s charm with modern comfort. Built in 1810, this four-bedroom retreat combines preserved architectural heritage with thoughtful renovations, creating a space that honors its past while embracing contemporary comfort.
Located in the idyllic community of Leiper’s Fork near Franklin, Tennessee, the property forms part of the expansive 1,000-acre Judd family land where three generations of Judds have created their sanctuary away from Hollywood.
Where Is Ashley Judd’s House?
Ashley Judd’s home is in Leiper’s Fork, a quiet village 30 miles south of Nashville. This charming rural community offers the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility, with Franklin’s amenities just minutes away. The property enjoys remarkable seclusion while being part of the larger Judd family compound, where Ashley’s sister Wynonna and late mother Naomi also built homes on adjoining land.
The home’s spot near Natchez Trace Parkway offers wide-open views of nature. Residents often catch glimpses of the beautiful home while driving along the parkway, which serves as a natural divider between the various Judd properties. The family chose this location in 1989, drawn to its natural beauty and the opportunity to create their peaceful valley away from the spotlight.
Franklin, TN, adds to the home’s charm with its preserved history and small-town feel. The town serves as Williamson County’s cultural center, known for preserving its heritage buildings, hosting community celebrations, and maintaining connections to its rich past, including Civil War history at sites like the Battle of Franklin and the Carter House.
Historic Details That Stand Out
Ashley Judd’s home shows off early 1800s craftsmanship. Constructed in 1810 (some sources cite 1819), the farmhouse represents classic American architectural traditions from the Federal period. The brick facade creates an immediate sense of history and permanence, complemented by a wide front porch that wraps around portions of the home.
Original structural elements preserved throughout the home include hand-hewn wooden beams, a stone foundation, and portions of the historic flooring. These original features give the home a character that modern builds can’t copy. The property’s history spans over two centuries, witnessing the evolution of the region from frontier farmland to an enclave for artists, musicians, and those seeking rural tranquility.
The home’s historic significance extends beyond its age. As part of the preserved architectural landscape of Leiper’s Fork, it contributes to the area’s distinctive character and commitment to historical conservation. The Judd family’s stewardship of this property reflects their appreciation for authentic American craftsmanship and architectural traditions.
The Ashley Judd house offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comforts:
- Four Bedrooms & Three Bathrooms – The 3,307-square-foot residence provides ample space, with the master suite featuring luxury touches including a clawfoot bathtub and a dedicated makeup station.
- Guesthouse & Private Patio – The property includes a separate guesthouse perfect for visitors, along with multiple outdoor entertaining areas, including a private stone patio that extends the living space outdoors.
- Exposed Beams & Coffered Ceilings – Original architectural elements mix with carefully crafted additions like coffered ceilings, creating visual interest throughout the interior spaces.
- Porches & Sunroom – Several porches and a long sunroom stretch across the back of the house, blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living—a signature element of Southern architecture.
- Fully Furnished Period Décor – The home comes completely furnished in Judd’s tasteful style, combining antiques with comfortable modern pieces that complement the historic setting.
How Ashley Judd Decorated Her Home?
The interior of Ashley Judd’s historic home showcases her sophisticated yet approachable design sensibilities. The décor mixes shabby chic with farmhouse touches from French, Swedish, and American styles. This carefully curated style creates spaces that feel simultaneously elegant and comfortable, luxurious without pretension.
Soft whites, blues, and neutrals fill the rooms, creating a calm feel, with creamy whites, soft blues, and gentle neutrals creating a soothing backdrop for daily life. The living room centers around a fireplace with built-in shelving, combining practicality with visual appeal. Throughout the home, thoughtfully selected furniture pieces—many with distressed finishes or subtle patinas—enhance the farmhouse atmosphere while providing modern comfort.
The large, airy kitchen serves as the heart of the home, designed for both everyday use and entertaining. A sun porch running along the back of the residence “brings the outdoors inside,” creating a light-filled transitional space perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The spacious library offers a retreat for quiet reflection, with walls of books creating both visual interest and intellectual stimulation.
Tour the Outdoor Areas
The five-acre grounds surrounding the Ashley Judd house provide a stunning natural setting that enhances the property’s appeal. Mature trees frame sweeping views of unspoiled woods and valleys, creating picture-perfect vistas from every window. Stone walkways meander through the landscape, connecting various outdoor living areas while complementing the home’s historic character.
A stone fire pit creates a natural gathering spot for evening conversations under the stars, while an outdoor fireplace extends the season for outdoor enjoyment well into cooler months. The property also features an outdoor oven, perfect for alfresco cooking and entertaining. The second-story balcony deck overlooks the backyard, offering elevated views of the surrounding countryside.
The grounds maintain a perfect balance between manicured areas near the house and more natural landscapes further from the residence. This thoughtful approach to the property’s design creates multiple outdoor “rooms” for different activities while honoring the rural setting. Guests say the home feels both open and cozy, close to nature yet private.
Renovation History and Rental Info
While preserving its historic integrity, the Ashley Judd house has undergone careful renovations to enhance functionality and comfort. The home has been “carefully updated without losing any of the historic charm that makes it special,” balancing preservation with modern conveniences. The updates keep the home’s old charm while adding modern comforts.
In 2023, the home was listed for rent at $9,200 a month, later rising to $10,000. This pricing reflects both the property’s unique character and the premium real estate market in the Franklin/Leiper’s Fork area. The rental listing coincided with changes throughout the Judd family properties following Naomi Judd’s passing in 2022.
Offered as a fully furnished rental, the home provides a turnkey opportunity for tenants seeking a luxury country retreat with historic significance. The rental offering includes both the main house and guesthouse, with marketing emphasizing the property’s privacy and distinctive character. Compared to similar properties in the area, the Ashley Judd house represents the premium segment of the local real estate market, with its historic status and celebrity connection adding to its appeal.
Why People Love This Home?
The Ashley Judd house holds special appeal for those fascinated by celebrity homes, historic architecture, and Southern design traditions. Architecture enthusiasts appreciate the preservation of original elements alongside sympathetic additions that enhance rather than detract from the home’s character. Interior design fans find inspiration in the successful blend of periods and styles that create a cohesive, inviting atmosphere.
The property’s setting in Leiper’s Fork connects it to a community known for attracting artists, musicians, and creative professionals seeking authenticity and natural beauty. This context adds cultural significance to the architectural and design elements. The Judd family connection provides an additional layer of interest, offering glimpses into how a high-profile family created a private sanctuary away from public attention.
The home shows how country living can be both stylish and down-to-earth—elegant without being ostentatious, historic without being precious. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can create spaces that honor the past while supporting contemporary lifestyles, a balance many homeowners hope to achieve in their properties.
Conclusion
Ashley Judd’s home blends history with personal style, showing how old homes can still feel fresh. From its 1810 origins through careful renovations to its current status as a premium rental property, the home tells a story of American architectural evolution and the enduring appeal of authentic country living.
For those interested in seeing the property, the listing with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty provides the most current information about rental availability and terms. While respecting the privacy of both the property and its famous owner, the listing offers a glimpse into this remarkable Tennessee retreat that combines historic significance with contemporary luxury.
The farmhouse remains one of the most distinctive properties in the Franklin/Leiper’s Fork area, embodying the region’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while creating spaces for modern living. As part of the larger story of the Judd family compound, it represents both personal history and broader cultural traditions that continue to define this unique corner of Tennessee.
