An offer made, an inspection reckoning, and how it’s shaping our Tennessee flip journey.
Before we said yes to the Sixth Street Bungalow, we fell for a very different property an hour south of Nashville—two buildings on a generous lot in Cornersville: a classic little house plus an unfinished church conversion. We toured, we dreamed, we wrote an offer. Then inspection day happened, and we chose to step back.
We’re sharing this one because we want to take you along for the full journey—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Renovations are never as simple as the glossy “after” photos make them seem, and part of our mission is to show the real process behind the projects. The pivots, the surprises, the learning moments. This is where the expertise and creative problem-solving really come in—and honestly, it’s what makes the story worth telling.
What Pulled Us In
Two structures, double the story.
The original house had that sweet Southern cadence; the church next door had such potential and soul (if you could have seen the 10′ tall windows!). We could see a hospitality-forward Airbnb in the church and a gentle restoration for the main house: porch coffee, gravel underfoot, lights strung for long nights. It was the the Southern lifestyle I dream about!
Then Came Inspection Day
We like sharing the real stuff, so here’s what tipped the scales:
- Septic reality check. A new septic system would be required to turn the church into an Airbnb (currently one system was being used for both structures)—permits, trenching, and a chunk of budget before any “pretty.” These are the things to think about when bugeting for a renovation, there are often times due diligence that leads to the not so pretty upgrades to a project. No one like them, but they have to get done!
- “Every surface” scope. The main home needed a full refresh—floors, walls, kitchens, baths, windows, exterior envelope. We did an all-systems overhaul at our Tumalo Ranch and coming off that we decided we were weren’t wanting that level of a gut job as we are starting our TN chapter.
- Two buildings = two projects. Different ages, different systems, different unknowns. As exciting as this prospect was for us, we felt it could be risky as a first swing in a new market.
Location, Lifestyle, and Work
Cornersville is charming but farther out than we want right now. Being new to Tennessee, it matters that we’re closer to town—meeting potential clients, scouting up-and-coming neighborhoods, and keeping a pulse on opportunities. For this season, proximity wins.
The Airbnb Dream (Still Alive)
We’re still called to do a small, design-led short-term rental—something soulful and service-minded. This just wasn’t the starter. We’ll keep looking for the right property so the guest experience—and the numbers—both sing. I know one day I will get to live this dream out to own something where we can create the ultimate southern getaway experience for guests!
Carrying It Forward
We’re grateful we chased it—it sharpened our filters and confirmed what matters to us: keep the soul, mind the math, and choose projects that let us be present in our new community. The Sixth Street Bungalow is the wiser yes, and we can’t wait to show you where it’s headed.
Thanks for riding along for the wins, the pivots, and the honest in-betweens. Onward.
Need a little more direction?
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