Meet the Woman Behind Sylvan Park’s New Boarding House
Get to know Erin Tolbert, the woman behind the fabulous new Sylvan Park Boarding House — a cozy bed and breakfast that pays homage to West Nashville history. Image: Lisa Vinsant
When Erin Tolbert first arrived in Nashville as a Vanderbilt student, she probably didn’t imagine her career would take her from emergency medicine to entrepreneurship to historic preservation. But that’s exactly where the journey led. Today, the former nurse practitioner and healthcare founder is the visionary behind Sylvan Park Boarding House, an eight-room boutique retreat breathing new life into one of the neighborhood’s most storied properties.
We caught up with Erin to talk about old houses, new beginnings, and what makes Sylvan Park such a special place to call home.
What was it about this particular historic property that called to you?
My family and I lived in the home [now the Sylvan Park Boarding House] for two years while we renovated our own historic home nearby. We originally saw it come on the market in the neighborhood and thought it would be the perfect place for our family during that season.
Once we moved in, we quickly realized there was something special about the house. The layout was different from a typical single-family home, with lots of individual rooms and unique spaces, and we started researching its history. We discovered that from the 1930s through the 1980s, the home had actually operated as a boarding house.
The more time we spent there, the more we fell in love with the idea of bringing it back to one of its original purposes. It felt like an opportunity to honor the home’s history while creating something new for the neighborhood — a place where people could gather, connect, and experience the charm of Sylvan Park.
Old houses tell stories. What are some of the most interesting things you’ve learned about the property since taking it on?
One of my favorite things is the connection between the house and the commercial building behind it. For generations, this property has been a place where people didn’t just live — they built something.
Several of the former owners operated businesses out of the back building while calling the house their home. The Hutton family, for example, ran a neighborhood grocery store called Hutton’s Bi-Rite in the space behind the house while living on the property in the 1950’s.
The family we purchased the home from continued that tradition as well, first operating a handyman business and later a vegan bakery from the space.
The guest experience is filled with thoughtful details, from luxury linens to courtyard games. What are some of the amenities you’re excited for us to discover?
There are so many little details that I love, but if I had to choose, I would say the beds and the front porch.
The beds were honestly a labor of love. We spent months researching every detail because we wanted guests to have that feeling of climbing into a bed they never want to leave. The perfectly pressed linens, soft down comforters, and plush pillows all work together to create this incredibly restful, cozy experience.
Every time I walk through one of the guest rooms, I still have the same thought: “I just want to crawl into that bed and take a nap.” To me, that’s exactly how a getaway should feel — a little bit indulgent, peaceful, and like you’re being taken care of.
The other thing I love is seeing guests enjoy the front porch and yard. My favorite time to arrive at the Boarding House is on a beautiful Nashville evening, when the hydrangeas are blooming, guests are sitting in the different gathering spaces, enjoying a drink, playing a game, or having a conversation with someone they just met.
There’s something so special about watching the house used the way it was intended — as a place where people slow down, connect, and feel at home.
Sylvan Park is having a moment. What excites you most about the neighborhood right now?
I think Nashville is really realizing what a gem Sylvan Park is. It has always been such a special neighborhood because it has this rare balance — it feels quiet, charming, and residential, but it’s also filled with incredible restaurants, local businesses, parks, and gathering places.
It’s an amazing neighborhood to raise a family, but it’s also one of the best places to stay if you want to experience what Nashville really feels like beyond the typical tourist destinations. You see neighbors walking to dinner, kids riding bikes, people meeting up at the park, and everyone supporting the local spots that make this community so unique.
For restaurants, two of my favorites are answer. and Tantísimo. Answer has been a neighborhood favorite for years, and it’s one of those places that never disappoints. The service is wonderful, the food is always delicious, and you definitely shouldn’t leave without trying one of their homemade ice creams for dessert.
Tantísimo has quickly become another favorite. The second you walk inside, you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere else — almost like you’re on vacation. The margaritas are incredible, and the elevated Latin cuisine is unlike anything else you’ll find in Nashville. It has been such a fun addition to the neighborhood.
For a perfect Sylvan Park morning, I love walking over to the Saturday farmers market, grabbing fresh sourdough bread, produce, and a few local treats. Those simple neighborhood moments are really what make Sylvan Park special.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
My go-to fun fact is that I played rugby in college! People definitely don’t expect that when they meet me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given or received?
One piece of advice that has always resonated with me is, “Professionals stick to the schedule. Amateurs let life get in the way. (James Clear, Atomic Habits)”
I’m naturally a very goal-oriented person, and I love the idea behind this — that the things that matter most to us have to be protected and prioritized. Life is always going to be busy, and there will always be a reason to put off the hard things, but people who accomplish big goals are usually the ones who keep showing up consistently
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Self-care item you can’t live without? Slip eye mask
Favorite recent meal in Nashville? Tantísimo — Margaret cocktail, grilled sweeter days spring onions, red snapper crudo, and Joyce Farms chicken (skip the rice and add a side of tortillas).
What song should every guest add to their Nashville playlist before checking in? Anything by Chris Stapleton — perfect for evenings on the porch!
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Editorial Operations Manager and Lead Content Editor. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.