Practically in Nashville’s backyard is a little-known lake oasis: Wildwood Resort and Marina in Granville, Tennessee. It’s situated in a “finger” of the topsy-turvy Cumberland River on what is called the Cordell Hull Lake.
The 1970s marina existed as a humble fishing camp, with a couple cottages and a “snack bar,” when Nashvillians John Deane and wife Natasha happened upon it. Outdoorsy and well-traveled, the couple had a second home in the area and fell in love with its people. So in 2018, embarking on their retirement, they transformed the marina into the Wildwood resort. A passion project for both, the resort is now a beautiful village on the shores of the lake, which includes a waterfront lodge, a lakeside Inn, vintage Airstreams, cabins and tiny homes situated amongst fire pits and beautiful, natural grounds.
They have taken full advantage of the water with views from all of the rooms and the restaurant and easy access to water activities; you can kayak to and from the shoreline on your own or in one of their boats with a detailed guide of where to paddle. Want to stay on the water? Book one of the two harbor cottages–floating, stationary houseboats each with a full kitchen, upper deck, beds for six and commanding views of the water and sunset.
Just want a peaceful walk? They had the original rock seawall converted into a wooden boardwalk, a quarter mile of sheer bliss any time of the day. It winds over the water out to a charming covered seating area perfect for evening wine or morning coffee. Anyone can enjoy this open-year-round path.
But more than the beauty, well-appointed accommodations, 400-count-thread sheets, beamed tiny homes, Adirondack chairs and views is the community they have built. Even though Granville has a tiny population, Wildwood has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. On our visit, a group of 16 friends “posted up” at the large fire pit in the center of the cedar-sided village cabins they rented for the weekend, and an extended family rented the entire Waterfront Lodge. But guests mix with staff and locals effortlessly, everyone ready to make friends and chat about the area. The staff is family and it shows, providing wood for your private fire, giving tours and sharing history and knowledge of the area and resort.
We were there in chilly March, so no water activities, but we’ll be back with our kayaks and to take in the nearby waterfalls. Here was our March weekend.