The Harpeth Hotel Unveils Its Design Inspirations

Harpeth Hotel

The Harpeth Hotel, a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton™ and Valor Hospitality Partners, unveiled its design inspiration and details of its 119-room property. Set to open in the heart of historic Franklin in September 2019, the hotel tells the story of the state’s history emboldened by the defining moments of the 19th century, while creating an ambiance resembling a warm and welcoming Southern home. Thoughtfully crafted with features and materials that conceptualize the property’s Southern charm, the design celebrates the city’s rich historical heritage, while incorporating refined and modern amenities.

Storytelling Through Design 
The Harpeth illustrates the stories that await you in its design and encourages the curious traveler to create their own story.  The property features 21 unique styles of elegant guestrooms, which all offer the authentic experience of a traditional Southern home.  Upon entering guestrooms, tiled mudrooms feature coat hooks and shelving, while headboards’ herringbone and chevron patterns, the distinctive bedding and curtain fabrics and the expansive bathroom vanities, resemble elements within the 19th century Tennessee house. Finally, rooms feature local artwork that offer insight into the town’s character and history.

1799 Kitchen & Cocktails 
Tennessee has long been synonymous with illustrious whiskey production, a relationship that is not overlooked in the hotel’s lounge and dining areas. The Harpeth’s flagship dining venue, 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails features architectural elements designed to resemble a whiskey barrel, creating an experience rooted in curiosity for diners throughout the restaurant. No feature of the barrel’s design has been overlooked, from the ceiling inside the barrel that resembles the mash created when whiskey is distilled to the carpet within the barrel selected to resemble the bottom of a classic rocks glass. Booth curtains within the whiskey barrel architecture offer a sense of privacy for diners, as well as speak to the 19th century’s belief that you were not consuming whiskey if you were not seen imbibing. Flooring throughout the restaurant is sourced from reclaimed wood, while tables and the face of the centralized bar have a torched finish, a nod to the practice of torching whiskey barrels during the distilling process.

McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions
Not only does 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails pay homage to Tennessee’s whiskey-infused heritage, the restaurant also speaks to the town’s agricultural origin. Notably, the craft cocktail bar features gaping wood slats, mimicking a conventional corn bin from the 19th century. Farm elements are also seen in the property’s café, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions. The café offers the charming atmosphere of a general store with reclaimed tables, farm chairs and tile designs from the early 19th century. Agricultural elements are seen throughout the remainder of the hotel with lobby sconces resembling flame-lit farm lanterns, waxed wood barn door walls and equestrian artwork in the library. 

Event Space
With over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space, The Harpeth will cater to corporate groups, weddings and other social events. The Riverside Ballroom and Maury Boardroom spaces were designed to pay homage to the city’s history of war, Southern lifestyle, and politics. The chevron ceiling design in the ballroom, mirrored in the lobby and library, is a nod to the uniforms of the soldiers who fought in the 1864 Battle of Franklin. In the Riverside Foyer, wall sconces resemble the decorative handmade lace of ballroom dresses in the early 19th century, while the carpeting is inspired by the daffodils in the garden of the historic, Civil War site, Carntonplantation. The Maury Boardroom itself tells the story behind Franklin’s name. The room is named after Abram Maury, the city’s founder and the politician responsible for naming the city after Benjamin Franklin.
“Every feature on the property has been carefully selected to walk guests through the history of our incredible city, while providing the thoughtful touches and comforts of a traditional Southern home,” said Justin Foster, General Manager at The Harpeth. “At every turn, you’ll find something new to uncover and learn about Franklin. The design elements we chose speak to the intricate events and details that the area was built upon and give guests an authentic look into the town’s experience and character.”

The Harpeth is located at 130 2nd Avenue N., providing guests with easy access to explore the unique culture, local dining and shops, art galleries, entertainment venues, the accredited Historic Main Street, while journeying back into history at one of the civil war museums and battlefield. For more information about The Harpeth, visit https://www.harpethhotel.com

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