History
THE HISTORY OF THE FONTANEL
COUNTRY BEFORE COUNTRY WAS COOL
The historic mansion and estate, was the former home of country music legend Barbara Mandrell, and is truly a one of a kind experience. Complete with a covered pool that doubles as a dance floor, and multiple outdoor pondscapes for an ethereal feel.
The luxurious estate was built by Barbara Mandrell in 1988, and it has a rich history of hosting numerous celebrities and events through the years.
The mansion is 30,000 square feet and was at one time the largest log home in the nation. It took 42 truck loads of logs and 5 truck loads of 2×6 tongue and groove lumber for the ceilings to complete the home. The logs were cut and assembled in Montana, then they were marked, disassembled and shipped to Nashville. There is an incredible angled glass skylight roof over the main rooms, including the indoor pool, and boasts six bedrooms, thirteen bathrooms, two kitchens, five fireplaces, and a gated driveway. There is also an indoor shooting range, a helipad, and vast entertainment spaces. Beyond the mansion, nature lovers can explore the estate’s Trails and Conservation Greenway.
After their three kids had grown up, Barbara and Ken decided to sell the home and downsize. Since Mandrell first sold it, the property just outside of Nashville has worn many different hats, including that of a concert venue and home to various businesses. The home was purchased in 2002 by two music executives who manage such recording artists as Alabama, Big and Rich, and Gretchen Wilson. They purchased the house to use as a location for parties, TV productions, video shoots, concerts, and special events.
Today, the Fontanel Mansion continues this tradition of iconic elegance, with its beautifully maintained grounds, stylish interiors, and storied past. As a premier wedding destination, the estate offers couples the opportunity to tie the knot in a setting steeped in history and imbued with the spirit of Tennessee’s most celebrated cultural legacies. From its origins as a private family home to its current role as a beloved landmark, the Fontanel Mansion remains a testament to the timeless allure of country music history.
About Barbara Mandrell
COUNTRY MUSIC ICON AND FONTANEL MANSION'S CHAMPION
Barbara Mandrell is a true legend in country music history. Born in 1948 in Houston, Texas, Mandrell’s remarkable musical talents were evident from a young age. By the age of 11, she was already a skilled multi-instrumentalist, performing on the steel guitar, saxophone, and piano. Her prodigious abilities soon caught the attention of the country music industry, and Mandrell began making regular appearances on various television variety shows in the 1960s.
Mandrell’s big break came in 1969 when she signed with Columbia Records and released her debut single, “Once a Day.” The song was an immediate hit, reaching the top of the Billboard country music charts and establishing Mandrell as a rising star. Over the next two decades, she would go on to become one of the most celebrated and awarded artists in country music, amassing a string of chart-topping hits and prestigious accolades.
In 1984, Mandrell’s life and career took an unexpected turn when she built the historic Fontanel Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee.
She infused the estate with her own vibrant personality, imbuing it with the warmth and hospitality that had become her trademark.
Barbara Mandrell's Music
Barbara Mandrell is renowned for her incredible catalog of hit songs that helped solidify her status as one of the most iconic country music artists of her era. Here are some of her most famous and beloved tunes:
- “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” (1978) – This upbeat, uptempo track was Mandrell’s first #1 hit on the Billboard country music charts, cementing her place as a rising star in the genre.
- “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right)” (1979) – A cover of the soul classic, Mandrell’s rendition became a #1 country hit and earned her a Grammy nomination.
- “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (1981) – This autobiographical anthem, which celebrates Mandrell’s lifelong commitment to country music, became one of her signature songs.
- “The Best of Strangers” (1981) – A lush, emotive ballad that showcased Mandrell’s remarkable vocal range and interpretive skills.
- “Years” (1982) – This poignant, introspective track about the passage of time became a fan favorite and a staple of Mandrell’s live performances.
- “You’re Not Easy to Forget” (1983) – An infectious, uptempo number that highlighted Mandrell’s versatility and her ability to seamlessly blend country and pop influences.
- “Only a Lonely Heart Knows” (1984) – A heartbreaking country ballad that allowed Mandrell to showcase her incredible emotional depth as a singer.
- “Angels, Roses and Rain” (1985) – A beautifully crafted, quasi-religious track that exemplified Mandrell’s ability to craft deeply evocative, introspective material.
These iconic songs, among many others, have cemented Barbara Mandrell’s legacy as one of the most beloved and influential country music artists of her generation. Her distinctive vocal style, dynamic stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level have made her an enduring icon in the archives of country music history.