Conversations with Gabe & Rachael Howard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe and Rachael Howard.

Hi Gabe and Rachael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Cranford Hollow is a family-owned and operated farm on over 50 of the most beautiful acres in Middle Tennessee. When Gabe and Rachael Howard purchased the first tract of land in 2006 they knew their family would be undertaking an ambitious project where they would rely heavily on each other, their community, and their faith.

Wanting to create a self-sustaining and innovative farm where their family could grow and prosper, they have fully embraced this journey. Whether it be tending to chickens, goats, or bees, working in the orchard, maintaining the property, gardening, etc. The whole family gets involved.

After building their beautiful barn house on the property in 2017, the family began construction of their 6000+ square foot, Amish-built, event barn. The design is modern and clean with a state-of-the-art caterer’s kitchen, elegant chandeliers, and a charming bride suite and grooms’ cabin! The Barn at Cranford Hollow had the privilege of hosting their first wedding in May 2020.

The Howards aspire to create a place that connects their community back to the land, where hard work and God’s blessings meet and nourish the soul. A place where life and love is celebrated!

A little background- Rachael (Barber) Howard is a multi-generational Tennessean. Her mother’s side has been in Middle TN for decades. Her family genes go back well into the 1800s!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been 15 years in the making to be where we are today. There’s always been “The Dream” of having a place that would host bring people, their friends, and family together, and making forever memories. Although we had hoped to have the building completed sooner, we truly believe Cranford Hollow came together in God’s perfect timing.

Even though COVID-19 hit, in a way it was a blessing that we were able to complete projects that may not have been finished as soon as they would have otherwise. Little by little, we added on to the farm, and it is finally available to be enjoyed!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The work here at Cranford Hollow is from sun up to sun down! There is always something to do. We are definitely a family-community farm and business! Daily the schedule consists of: Mornings- feeding/watering our Great Pyrenees pups, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and chickens! As well as cleaning and collecting eggs/honey. We also have a seasonal vegetable garden to tend to. Daily/Evening tours are by appointment only.

Besides tours, there are emails/phone calls to get back to. It’s very important that we stay connected with our community. So, we are open to different events- Birthdays, Farm to Table Dinners, Charity Events, Cooperate Events, Celebrations, Weddings, etc. We truly believe in and enjoy bringing people together in a peaceful nature-filled environment.

Our statement is simple- “Farm, Venue, and Community.” Farm- We are working to be a self-sustainable working farm. Venue – having a barn that is with mixed mediums- from industrial to modern to rustic vibes. This makes the space universal for all event types. Most importantly, it’s a place to come and relax that has the Tennessee Countryside/sunsets to embrace. Community – Doing what can be done to strengthen relationships and support each other within the community.

What are your plans for the future?
We hope to expand our farm- Livestock and produce most certainly. We have utilized all of the space in the venue. So, we hope to have storage for decor, furniture, etc. In the future. A few other ideas are in the works, but aren’t definite- yet!

To look forward – Just seeing people make lasting memories, our boys being part of working the farm- learning to be self-sustainable/hard work, as well as growing and being part of something that is 100% heart and soul is our main goal!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: barnwedding.com
• Instagram: @cranfordhollowtn
• Facebook: @cranfordhollowtn

Image Credits
Tyler Gipe of Gipe Photography