The Story Behind Castle Gwynn, Home to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival
France, Wales, England – certainly. Nestled high in the Alps overlooking the moors of Scotland – absolutely. But turrets in Tennessee? Not likely, you say?
If that’s your final answer, then you apparently have never driven the scenic stretch of State Route 840 near Arrington and Triune, where a white stone and brick structure rises through the trees on the west side of the road. It looks strikingly like, well … a castle.
And, in fact, it is. It’s Castle Gwynn, a startling replica of a 12th-century Welsh border castle and the private home of Nashville-native Mike Freeman, a portrait photographer, and his wife, Jackie, a retired schoolteacher. It’s also the location of the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival each May. Scroll through the photos below to learn some interesting information about Tennessee’s very own castle:
These photos were originally shot for an article in Tennessee Home & Farm in 2007. Castle Gwynn has since received its second turret.
Castle Gwynn’s owner had been dreaming of building it since high school.
A work in progress since 1970, Castle Gwynn began as a product of Mike Freeman’s imagination in a high school architecture class. A teacher instructed students to sketch their dream house.
“I started drawing the plans for a medieval castle,” recalls Freeman. “In 1980, we broke ground on it.”
For Freeman, the question was never “if” he would build his castle – it was always “how.”
“If you’re willing to work hard, anything’s possible,” he says with the glint of experience in his eye. “People think just because I live in a castle, I’m rich. But for perspective, consider the fact that I work 12- to 18-hour days, and it has taken us 26 years to build the castle so far. I pay for it as I go, and when I run out of money, I stop working.”
Following his high school graduation, Freeman spent 10 years establishing his photography career, doing research and looking for land on which to build his castle.
“After talking about it for 10 years, I either had to build the castle or become the biggest liar in Tennessee,” Freeman says with a chuckle.
Tennessee Home & Farm is a magazine for Tennessee Farm Bureau members. On this website, you’ll find Tennessee events, attractions, farms, recipes, restaurants, gardening tips, artisans and more.
rachel bach
August 5, 2011 at 10:51 pm
We are going to Nashville next weekend (aug.13). i was wondering if people are allowed to come visit the castle?
Blair Thomas
August 9, 2011 at 11:10 am
Rachel,
I can’t be sure without contacting the folks at Castle Gwynn, but I believe they only open the castle for tours during the Tennessee Renaissance Festival every May. You can call to double check. Their phone number: (615) 395-9950.
Hope this helps, thanks for reading!
Blair
Tennessee Home & Farm
Glenda
May 28, 2016 at 11:31 pm
Only in May..you don’t see anything inside the castle other than one floor. I don’t think it is a floor they even use. If you are going to more than just the outside not worth the trip.
Mairiea Williams
November 2, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Do you allow weddings at castle Gwynn
Blair Thomas
November 3, 2011 at 9:14 am
Hi Mairiea,
You’ll have to contact the folks at Castle Gwynn for questions about hosting events and tours. Their phone number: (615) 395-9950.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading!
Blair Thomas
Tennessee Home & Farm
dan klawonn
February 5, 2012 at 12:40 pm
What a beautiful view of your home from 840. We marvel at it everytime we are driving to nashville, like today. We found it on the internet. Maybe we will come to see it firsthand now during the designated times. Very happy to no people still believe in dreams and persue them. Congratulations
Mandy Richey
April 22, 2012 at 7:40 pm
I was told in passing that photographers are allowed to take pictures at the castle such as Senior Pictures. If this is correct , I would love information on when this can be done and do you have specific photographers who are permitted to do so.
Thank you.
Blair Thomas
April 23, 2012 at 8:50 am
Mandy,
To find out information about when the castle is open as well as if pictures and portraits can be taken there, contact the folks at Castle Gwynn. Their phone number: (615) 395-9950.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading!
Blair Thomas
Tennessee Home & Farm
Tammy Sons
July 29, 2015 at 10:33 pm
I was passing by on the interstate and seen this castle while on my way to Franklin today. I came home and looked it up. My, how interesting! And beautiful. If you ever need any perennials or garden plants, stop by or send me an email or call. I would love to contribute to your whimsical castle.
Tammy
http://www.tnnursery.net
julie
April 29, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Do you rent the.castle out for special occasions such as weddings
Blair Thomas
May 1, 2012 at 9:40 am
Julie,
To find out information about renting out Castle Gwynn, you’ll want to contact the castle owners directly at (615) 395-9950.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading!
Blair Thomas
Tennessee Home & Farm
Kay
June 13, 2012 at 9:13 am
I live in Wisconsin and my 12 year old daughter is going on a trip to tn in about a week. She is going because of Taylor swift because of course Taylor is her role model. How good of a chance do you think there is the owner would let her check it out?
Jessy Yancey
June 15, 2012 at 9:28 am
Kay, I’m not sure, but you can contact the owners at (615) 395-9950.
Thanks,
Jessy Yancey
editor, Tennessee Home & Farm
jessica
June 19, 2012 at 1:11 am
i went there before and went inside and tored around
deb s
October 11, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I always wanted to learn how became of the castle. What inspiration
Danny Ramsey
October 22, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I am involved with doing an independent film and am writing to ask if there is a chance we could film there. Your Great room would be ideal.. the scene is a meeting taking place… it is a Si Fi/ Action film and has a strong anti-neo nazi theme. We would most likely need two days on a weekend. We can list you in our credits and put the picture of the castle on our theater poster and dvd cover as well. We are pros coming together to do this project, but on a start up budget. Please let us know if you might be interested in doing this sometime in the next few months. Thank You so much for your consideration! Happy to pass on more information if you are interested! Danny Ramsey
Rachel Bertone
October 22, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Hi Danny,
To find out more information about using the castle for filming, you will need to contact the owners directly at (615) 395-9950. Hope this helps! Thanks for reading!
Rachel Bertone
Editor
Tennessee Home & Farm
Becky
January 27, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Can’t wait to hear the 2013 dates!!
Jessy Yancey
January 29, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Hi Becky, thanks for the reminder. We’ve updated the post with 2013 dates!
Jessy Yancey
editor
Tennessee Home & Farm
Debbie
February 7, 2013 at 6:51 pm
You know we have the same dream Mr. Freeman. Congratulations! And I really admire your determination to make your dreams come true. I was so inspired. I hope one day I can come to see your castle.
Sharon Stuckey-Schreiner
March 24, 2013 at 4:01 pm
I am a the 5th great grand daughter of Samuel Gwinn who was born between 1745-1752 in Augusta, VA, his father Robert Gwinn born in Wales around 1720 and died 1785 in Augusta, VA…I would like to know why you chose the name Gwynn as the name of your castle…Some day my dream is to go to Wales to see my family castle…also would like to see Castle Gwynn..
Dee
August 5, 2013 at 4:43 pm
“Gwynn is the Welsh word for ‘white,’ so Castle Gwynn means ‘White Castle.’
Here’s the answer to your question – it was in the article above the comments.
Jerry Eisley
June 8, 2015 at 12:56 am
dear Sharon,
I am a Descendent of Samuel gwin. I do not recall contacting you but I would like to be in touch. Did you ever find out about why the castle is named Gwynne? There was a Gwynne in goodletsville who was rather famous who started a a holo for girls! There is a town Hal or post office with a mural depicting them.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Dan Hanson
June 15, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Our family will be traveling in your area Saturday, June 22 and were wondering if we are able to view the castle and the grounds. All the information I can gather is, the castle is a private residence and open only during the May Festival to guest. We would of course respect your privacy in not approaching the grounds if it is not possible.
Rachel Bertone
June 18, 2013 at 8:48 am
Hi Dan,
Thanks for your comment! We suggest contacting Castle Gwynn directly for tour information. You can visit their website at http://www.tnrenfest.com/castleGwynnTours.htm. Hope this helps!
Rachel Bertone
Editor
Tennessee Home and Farm
Gwendolyn Brown
June 24, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Hello, my name is Gwen, i past by your place today and showed it to a friend of mine, we are over the road drivers and were on our way to a truck stop in Murfreesboro, Tn.
I wanted to see if i could find any information/ back ground and low and behold i typed in Almaville and a list came up, one being about your castle.
I thought it was neat to find out the name that you chose because that is also what my name variation means as well, more so to add Lady of Vision, or White Lady.
I just wanted to share that with you and let you know that this is the second time ive seen your place as ive traveled by, the first time for my friend.
We both enjoyed seeing it very much.
Cudos to you for your effort and perseverance.
I hope that you are able to continue your endeavors so long as you feel it is unfinished.
Perhaps someday, both i and my friend and stop by and say hello.
Bright Blessings!
Gwendolyn Shepperson Brown
Jessy Yancey
June 26, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Hi Gwen,
Thanks for sharing! To get in touch directly with the owners of Castle Gwynn, please visit http://www.tnrenfest.com. Hope this helps!
Best,
Jessy Yancey
editor
Tennessee Home & Farm
Jill Edwards
July 7, 2013 at 11:14 am
While traveling recently on 840 my girls spotted the castle and fell in love. My little one asked “mommy does a princess live there?” So we got on line to find it. Your story is amazing and your castle is awesome.
lela baker
September 9, 2013 at 2:08 pm
been there and it is AWESOME!
Don McNeal
October 4, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Just drove by the castle on 840.What a great story……..I will check it out next may!
Tiffany marlin
February 1, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Do they allow weddings to take place there?
Jessy Yancey
February 5, 2014 at 10:06 am
Hi Tiffany,
You’ll have to contact the folks at Castle Gwynn for questions about hosting events and tours. Their phone number: (615) 395-9950.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading!
Jessy Yancey
Tennessee Home & Farm
Madget Tidwell
May 7, 2014 at 9:29 pm
Mike, I love visting your castle every year. Someone said you graduated from dickson high school. I graduated from dickson in 1977.
Trent Gill
May 8, 2014 at 5:17 pm
Wow! When I passed your castle on the road I was blown away. My family is originally from Scotland and I have been obsessed with castles from a very young age. You have inspired me to dream for MY own castle ! I am definitely going to come back this way with my Mom and take advantage of your generosity to allow the public a peek. Thank you ! Trent Gill
Len Heriman
May 16, 2015 at 2:37 pm
How exciting to learn of an American version of the family castle. My Mom’s maiden name was Guynn and we have a bit of history of the original castle (pictures, restoration, etc.) in Wales. You have done a fantastic job and I would love to be able to visit your castle some day.
Debby
February 7, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Have been driving by this for years and always wondered about it. What an awesome story! Always follow your dreams. Will try to make it back that way in May for the faire if it’s still going on. Thanks for the story, I will pass it on to my family because we were all curious about it.
Carolyn Farabee
March 29, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Thank you for your info to Castle Gwynn! That sounds so interesting so that trip is in our near further!
Christena
October 1, 2017 at 2:37 pm
This is very good. Jogs my recollection of this version.
Floor
Yvonne
April 17, 2018 at 4:43 pm
Do they allow someone to schedule appointments to take senior portraits? Only on the outside like on the stairs or in the arch openings?
Rachel Bertone
April 18, 2018 at 8:06 am
Hi Yvonne,
Please contact Castle Gwynn directly at http://www.tnrenfest.com/contact07q.htm. They should be able to answer your questions. Hope this helps! Thanks!
Rachel Bertone
editor, TN Home and Farm
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Tammy D Sons
July 22, 2019 at 3:54 pm
We would love to donate this castle some exotic and rare perennial plants for the garden. We donate to any historical/.gov organizations. See our program here
https://www.tnnursery.net/tennessee-wholesale-nursery-we-donate-plants/