Pre-Restoration

In 2005, the Harlins sold their farm to the City of Franklin to be used as a passive park. Two years later, the city opened the 200-acre property to the public. While the rest of Harlinsdale Farm was transformed into a park, the Hayes House remained vacant and mostly untouched. In 2012, the City of Franklin and the State Historic Commission funded repairs to the roof, gutters, and porch, but no additional funding was available to restore the home beyond preventing further decline.

During Renovation

Every step of this project has been guided by a deep respect for the Hayes House’s history and a commitment to sharing that legacy with the community. The Friends envision the home’s rooms as storytellers, capturing more than a century of history. To bring this vision to life, they’ve embraced a thoughtful and imaginative restoration strategy. While the aim is to restore the structure to its nineteenth-century roots, the interior will reflect multiple eras.

Post Renovation

The house tells the story of Harlinsdale’s rich past, from its roots in the early 20th century to its prominence as the birthplace of the Tennessee Walking Horse legend, Midnight Sun. Lovingly restored with era-appropriate details, the Hayes House now features original wood floors, carefully sourced wallpaper, and a one-of-a-kind 1950s kitchen floor, recreated from vintage linoleum uncovered during renovation.

“For over 100 years the Hayes House has been a special part of Franklin’s agricultural history, and now it has been preserved so that our community can come and learn about this historic horse farm at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm,” says Dr. Monty McInturff, founding Board Member at Friends of Franklin Parks and Harlinsdale Committee Chair.

In addition to its role as an education museum, the Hayes House and adjacent event lawn will also serve as a venue for community events, arts festivals, and local fundraisers. Inside, the home will host rotating art exhibits featuring local artists and offer programming that dives into the people and horses that helped shape Harlinsdale’s legacy.