The Homestead at Hardison Mill is located on a historic property that was added to the National Register in 2017. A lot has changed with the farm over the years, but some things are surprisingly the same.
The Hardison Mill community had a schoolhouse that was established in 1897 as the Hardison Mill Institute. A. C. Williams was the first teacher. Though the institute no longer exists, the parallel of its existence to Rory Feek’s eventual plans is almost hard to believe.
Rory said that Joey would have wanted to homeschool Indiana and when letters, cards, and money started rolling in for Indiana after Joey’s death, he got an idea. He decided to use the money to build a one-room schoolhouse to educate Indiana right there on the farm along with other children from the surrounding community. The Hardison Mill School (private school) was built and has been a blessing to his little girl and many friends.
What about the Homestead Hall? When Joey + Rory came off the road, Rory wanted a man cave. Like any man would! He originally built the big barn for his hot rod and lawn equipment etc. But they soon pushed all the man cave stuff aside and turned it into a place to film a TV show from the farm. He has since used it as a music hall to not only perform in, but to invite others to come perform. We got to see him in concert when we visited and he brought his Indiana on stage to sing with him and it was the sweetest!
It’s not just about music at The Homestead! Rory is passionate about the art of homesteading and has been growing his farm over the years. They even teach farm skills at the schoolhouse!
A huge upcoming event they’re having is The Homestead Festival on June 3rd and 4th at the farm. This is a 2-day homesteading and music event where you can learn more about the art of planting a garden, getting backyard chickens, baking bread, or even just getting to know more about sustainability. They will have food trucks, educational homesteading speakers, and music! Get this – KEVIN COSTNER will be performing with his group Modern West. Temple Grandin and other experts will also be there.
The festival is located in Columbia, Tennessee about an hour south of Nashville. You can find tickets at TheHomesteadFestival.com!
