Book This Entire Historic Railroad Hotel

Franklin House isn't your typical overnight stop. This 10,000-square-foot historic railroad boutique hotel sits at the center of Cowan's downtown Depot District — a late 19th-century building that has been viscerally entwined with the town’s rich railroad roots. Since purchasing the hotel in 2020, the current owner/artist bears her own Winchester, Cowan and Sewanee family history. She has added an eclectic flair to “Miss Franklin House”, which now brims with her original art and that of fellow artists. As a working artist with the gift of hospitality at the helm, the intention offered is an authentic, welcoming and comfortable sense of place.



The first floor opens into a gracious lobby anchored by a baby grand piano and a fireplace that earns its keep on cool Tennessee evenings. Two ensuite rooms and a fully furnished private apartment branch off from there, each with modern baths. Up the staircase, the second floor offers seven more ensuite rooms and a sitting room stocked with a Keurig, a minifridge, and a microwave. All nine rooms and the apartment have private ensuite baths. The seven upstairs rooms feature vintage clawfoot tubs with shower attachments and Dead Sea bath salts infused with essential oils.



The Firefly Gala Room — An 1,800-square-foot ballroom with catering kitchen and dedicated restrooms — is available for weddings, reunions, workshops, receptions and private events.



On-site: The Firefly Café accepts reservations made at least one week in advance for parties of eight or more.



The Healing Room wellness space and Legal Hometown Herbs boutique are open by appointment. Continental breakfast is included for hotel guests in the back lobby as is organic coffee and filtered Sewanee mountain spring water.