Charming 3 bedroom country home in the Irving College area near McMinnville TN.

Our Tennessee hideaway is special. On about 2 and a half acres, the house is very private and quiet. Our favorite place ever is to simply sit out on our spacious covered front porch and take Tennessee in. We're a bit higher in elevation here along the east side of the Irving College area, just south of McMinnville, and overlook the landscape around us far and wide. We can only see a bit of our neighbors farm, but there are lots of tree farms in the area. This region is in a particular microclimate that is ideal for these businesses, and the area is famous for the trees and shrubs and etc. they grow here. Their products are shipped all over the world.

The property is located in the historic Irving College community, named for the renowned 19th-century Tennessee college founded here in the 1830s. 'Irving' was the popular 19th century author Washington Irving. The area retains its rural character and rich agricultural heritage while remaining just minutes from McMinnville.

Washington Irving (1783–1859) was one of the first American writers to achieve international fame and is often called the "Father of American Literature." Before Irving, American authors were largely overshadowed by British writers. He helped prove that the young United States could produce literature of its own.

Irving's most famous works:

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Headless Horseman.
Rip Van Winkle

These books are available here for your reading.

The Collins River is only about a half mile away from our home. There are huge muskies (muskellunge) in the river and they have a tournament here every year where wide eyed fisher folk get after them with kayaks and other watercraft. We posted a picture of one of these prehistoric looking creatures on the site here. Local and migratory birds and other wildlife are our neighbors and we all get along ok. We have never had any problems. We keep our bird feeders full, particularly the humming bird feeders, and the little guys commonly buzz about. There's no mistaking what that buzz is! Note for the file: don't wear red or orange on the porch if you think you might flip out having to do a stare-down with one of these guys at about 6 inches. They'll think you're a flower. Maybe you'll think that's cool! We always have a bird guide in the bookcase for you to use ... just bring your binoculars!

Our two story home has three bedrooms. The master is downstairs and the other two are upstairs. They are 'Jack and Jill' bedrooms each having its own bathroom, with a shared tub and shower in a room between them. Don't worry, it has doors! Jack wants his privacy, and Jill will not ever have it any other way ... or else! The master bath downstairs is quite spacious with a jacuzzi tub and separate shower. There's also a big walk in closet. The bed room has double windows with great views of the outdoors. The kitchen is large and set up nicely. The double door refrigerator has an ice maker and freezer below. There's a double oven. We'll have some coffee here to get you started. Microwave, dishwasher, cookware, and some utensils and dishes are provided. The main dining room is spacious with a large oak table and 6 chairs. There is a smaller dinette area between the kitchen and laundry room as well. Both dining rooms have bay windows. A washer and dryer are provided in the laundry room along with a large sink there.

Most of the area behind the house is decking ... there's a table and chairs and etc. underneath a slightly elevated covered porch with an outdoor fan, There's a covered BBQ area and then you step down a bit to a large table with six chairs underneath an open pergola. Outdoor lighting brightens the 'deck experience' in the evenings.

Our property is ideally located near some of Tennessee's most beautiful natural attractions, including Rock Island State Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Burgess Falls State Park, Cumberland Caverns, Cummins Falls, and the Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park. Guests enjoy easy access to waterfalls, hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, cave tours, wildlife viewing, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Cumberland Plateau region.

Outdoor attractions in our region:

Rock Island State Park
Waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and scenic overlooks at the confluence of three rivers. About 25 minutes away.
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/rock-island

Fall Creek Falls State Park
Home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, plus hiking, boating, fishing, and spectacular overlooks. About 1 hour away.
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls

Burgess Falls State Park
A scenic trail follows a series of waterfalls ending at the dramatic 136-foot Burgess Falls. About 45 minutes away.
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls

Cumberland Caverns
One of Tennessee's largest cave systems featuring guided tours, underground adventures, and breathtaking formations. Just minutes from McMinnville.
https://cumberlandcaverns.com

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Ancient Native American ceremonial earthworks surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Near Manchester.
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/old-stone-fort

Cummins Falls State Park
One of Tennessee's most famous waterfalls and swimming holes. Reservations may be required for gorge access.
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/cummins-falls

Caney Fork River
Popular for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the year.
https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/where-to-fish/middle-tennessee-r2/caney-fork-river.html

Mileage to nearby attractions

Cumberland Caverns – 13 miles (20 min)
Historic Downtown McMinnville – 11 miles (18 min)
Rock Island State Park – 18 miles (25 min)
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – 27 miles (35 min)
Burgess Falls State Park – 32 miles (45 min)
Fall Creek Falls State Park – 35 miles (50 min)
Savage Gulf State Park – 38 miles (55 min)
Cummins Falls State Park – 42 miles (55 min)
The Caverns Music Venue – 42 miles (55 min)

Major Annual Events Near our Irving College Hideaway

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Distance: Approximately 30 miles (40 minutes)
Location: Manchester, Tennessee
When: June
One of the largest music festivals in North America, Bonnaroo transforms a 700-acre farm outside Manchester into a temporary city of music, camping, art, food, and entertainment. The four-day event attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the country and features major national and international artists spanning rock, country, Americana, folk, hip-hop, electronic music, and more. For several days each June, the region becomes one of the most vibrant music destinations in America.

CaveFest
Distance: Approximately 40 miles (55 minutes)
Location: The Caverns, Pelham, Tennessee
When: October
Held at the world-famous Caverns music venue, CaveFest is a boutique festival focused on Americana, bluegrass, roots, folk, and singer-songwriter music. What makes CaveFest unique is that performances occur both in the outdoor amphitheater and inside the underground cave venue itself. Camping, cave tours, workshops, and family activities make it a favorite fall destination.

Big Mouth Bluegrass Festival
Distance: Approximately 40 miles (55 minutes)
Location: The Caverns, Pelham, Tennessee
When: Summer (dates vary)
A celebration of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music featuring award-winning performers, campground jam sessions, workshops, food vendors, cave tours, and family activities. The festival has quickly become a destination event for bluegrass fans throughout the Southeast.

Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
Distance: Approximately 45 miles (1 hour)
Location: Shelbyville, Tennessee
When: Late August through early September
The premier Tennessee Walking Horse event in the world. For more than 80 years, horse owners, trainers, breeders, and spectators have gathered in Shelbyville for competitions, exhibitions, and celebrations centered around Tennessee's official state horse.

Warren County A&L Fair
Distance: Approximately 12 miles (20 minutes)
Location: McMinnville, Tennessee
When: September
A traditional Tennessee county fair featuring livestock exhibitions, agricultural displays, carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. A great way to experience local culture and agricultural traditions.
Christmas in the Park & Holiday Events
Distance: Approximately 12 miles (20 minutes)
Location: McMinnville, Tennessee
When: November–December

McMinnville is about 8 miles from the place. So here you will have the peace and privacy of the countryside while remaining close to modern conveniences. A Dollar General is located approximately one mile from the property. Downtown McMinnville (15–20 minutes) offers grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, shopping, banking, and medical services.
Medical & Emergency Services

Emergency Room (24/7)

Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital - Emergency
Full-service hospital and emergency department
Approximately 12 miles / 20 minutes from 180 Big Sink Road
Address: 1559 Sparta Street, McMinnville, TN
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Urgent Care

McMinnville Urgent Care Clinic
(931) 473-1115
Address: 1550 Sparta Street, Suite 4, McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-1115

VA Outpatient Clinic
McMinnville VA Clinic
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(931) 474-7700
Address: 1410 Sparta Street, Suite 6, McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 474-7700
Services include primary care, laboratory services, telehealth, and mental health services for veterans.

Now we hope you have a good idea what is waiting for you here in the Middle Tennessee Countryside. We hope you can find the time to 'get on over here'. We'd love to have you.

Randy and Dawn