Listing of the Day
Location: Nashville, Tennessee Price: $18 million
Some of the biggest names in politics and show business have been part of the lavish fundraisers and parties thrown at the Nashville home of Sylvia Roberts. Paul Simon has performed in the 45-foot-long entry hall at a charity event, and Jackson Browne serenaded guests by the swimming pool at a cocktail party. Last year, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler filmed the hilarious Skittles Super Bowl commercial in the same entry hall.
And as everyone in the city knows by now, the home was used on the just-wrapped television series “Nashville” as the model for the mansion of Rayna James, the country music superstar played by Connie Britton. Producers created almost exact replicas of the Roberts’ kitchen and bedroom, even using some of the same fabric for the furniture.
Beyond its celebrity prestige, this six-acre private estate is “awe-inspiring,” and a “modern-day castle” according to listing agent Lynn Teschner of The Agency.
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Ms. Roberts and her ex-husband helped design and build the home with architect Mark Harrison in 1999. The manse is surprisingly warm and homey, thanks to its muted natural look, built with Tennessee dry-stacked limestone, wood and brick. The reclaimed pine floors were made with 16-inch antique wood planks. The Roberts’ chose all of the refinished antique fixtures and sconces.
The Stats
The 20,000-square-foot house has six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, two half baths and a three-car garage. Parking for guests is never a problem: There’s onsite parking to accommodate about 300 automobiles. The sit-down dining area can entertain up to 50 guests.
Amenities
Ms. Roberts describes the amenities as “charming,” “picturesque” and “magical.” There’s a two-stall barn, pond, pool, cabana, billiards room, and home theater. There’s a freestanding floating spiral staircase that wouldn’t be out of place in “Gone With the Wind,” and a 3,500-bottle wine cellar made of brick.
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The impeccable landscaped lawns and gardens are perfect for events like a fundraiser held for President George W. Bush in 2000 and the 2015 kickoff to the Country Music Awards.
Neighborhood Notes
The home is located in the exclusive Belle Meade neighborhood, an affluent city of about 3,000 people and minutes from Downtown Nashville. It’s adjacent to the popular Percy Warner Park, a beautiful mountainous reserve that’s ideal for hiking and biking. The park also has a golf course, horse trails and athletic fields. The home is near the Belle Meade Plantation, a historic mansion turned museum, with an onsite winery that offers frequent tastings. “We’re on a sleepy road in the charming country,” says Ms. Roberts.
Agent: Lynn Teschner, The Agency
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