Everyone expresses a connection with the land in his own way. Some raise livestock or grow crops. Many keep the property in the family for generations. Some go a step farther, opening up their life and sharing a piece of it with others—people who pay good money.
Jim Blackburn owns 500 acres of family land in a lush, rural spot just outside Cornersville, Tenn. He was looking for a way to generate income and maintain his land's rural appeal. Friends and neighbors gave him the idea of starting a bed and breakfast.
Blackburn had always wanted a little cabin. So when he found one for sale just 18 miles down the road, he had it moved onto his land, refurbished it and started renting it out. Clock Creek Cabin, built in the 1890s, opened to overnighters in 1995, after a year of restoration.
A second cabin, Spring House Cabin, was added four years later. This second rental was built with materials from pieces of three older homes. In this case Blackburn says he couldn't find one cabin in good enough shape to move and restore.
Not the typical bed and breakfast, Blackburn's idea was to rent a fully furnished cabin where people could enjoy a peaceful and relaxing country getaway with all the amenities. For many, privacy is the main attraction. Away from the city noise, the only sound is the light chirping of birds and the rustle of autumn leaves on a crisp afternoon.
And though you may never actually see the innkeeper, you'll know he's been there. A porch light welcomes you in, and a house key sits on the table. The refrigerator is stocked with breakfast supplies, including ham, biscuits, cereal and coffee.
"When you walk in, you ought to feel like it's something you'd walk into 150 years ago," says Blackburn of his cabins. The extra time and money he spent making sure his cabins were true rustic representations is clear as you drive up to the antique iron gate. Still, the cabins have running water, electricity, heat and air—even satellite TV.
Stepping into Clock Creek Cabin (named for the nearby creek), you'll find a cozy living room with a working stone fireplace and mantel, a fully furnished kitchen and a master bedroom with bath downstairs. The upstairs has a queen and two single beds.
As good a place as this is for visitors, it's been an even better place for Blackburn as a source of extra income. He admits a little surprise at his level of success. Blackburn says almost half of his business is returning customers. Income is increased during hunting season, as hunters who stay in the cabins are charged daily fees to hunt.
Another offering here is Blackburn's horse "hotel." There are 15 stalls for boarding horses with an additional $15 charge per stall per day. There are trails for riding, also a favorite with hikers and bike riders.
One family has been coming here for Christmas for years. They send Santa's presents early, and Blackburn stores them in his barn. He has watched the children grow up and feels he's been a part of their lives, giving them Christmas memories on his old family place.
Blackburn admits that the beauty of the place is something you can overlook when you've lived a lifetime here. But through the eyes of his guests he's gained a new appreciation for this land he grew up on.
"Living here all your life, you don't appreciate what you have. The people who stay here constantly remind me of just how pretty it is."
Dollars and Cents
Lairdland Farm is in Cornersville, Tenn., and is open 365 days a year. Rates Monday through Thursday are $115 per night. Weekend rates are $125 per night with a two-night minimum. For details, check out the web site www.bbonline.com/tn/lairdland. You can also call Jim Blackburn at 1-888-231-8631.