How Castle Homes Brought Cheekwood’s “Enchanted Castles” to Life
Cheekwood’s new exhibit brings five enchanting, fairytale-inspired playhouses to life — all designed and built by Nashville’s own Castle Homes. Here’s how this whimsical project came together (and why it’s a must-see this summer!). Image: Facebook / Cheekwood
When Cheekwood Estate & Gardens approached the Castle Homes team with the idea to build a collection of fairytale-inspired playhouses for a special exhibit, the Nashville-based builder eagerly accepted the challenge. Known for crafting high-end custom houses, Castle Homes brought its signature creativity and precision to this imaginative project. Now on display in Cheekwood’s gardens, we’ve got the scoop on how Enchanted Castles came together — plus a few snapshots from a recent visit to see the magic in person.
How the Project Came Together
Nearly two years ago, Jane MacLeod, President and CEO of Cheekwood, approached Alan Looney, President of Castle Homes, with the idea of constructing castle-themed playhouses for a special, family-friendly exhibit. Over the following months, Cheekwood and Castle Homes collaborated on designs, going back and forth until they settled on the five unique structures that now sit in the gardens.
“At Castle Homes, we believe in the power of imagination, craftsmanship, and community. When the opportunity arose to collaborate with Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, one of Nashville’s most beloved cultural landmarks, we saw it as a natural partnership,” says Alan of the project. “Cheekwood’s mission to inspire and engage through art, gardens, and education aligns beautifully with our own commitment to building not just homes, but lasting experiences.
Building the Castles
Concept and design officially began in the fall of 2024, and each structure took about two months to complete. Every playhouse was carefully crafted by a team of experts, offering its own take on enchanted adventure and inspiring imagination around every turn.
The imaginative designs were brought to life through Castle Homes’ collaboration with two distinguished architectural firms, C3 Studio LLC and C. Kevin Coffey Dwellings and Design. Each firm worked independently with the Castle Homes team to develop architectural plans for the castles, contributing unique perspectives that shaped the whimsical forms and thoughtful details seen throughout the exhibit.
A team of more than 60 skilled workers, including carpenters, painters, welders, roofers, and the in-house Castle Homes team, built the structures off-site. Multiple individuals often worked simultaneously on the same playhouse, which resulted in a true team effort.
This collaborative process was especially important because the castles would eventually be moved from the Castle Homes work site to Cheekwood. The team had to engineer each one with disassembly and transportation in mind.
“The castles were not originally designed to be moved, so we had to get creative — engineering each one with disassembly in mind, using lightweight materials and a ‘flat-pack’ strategy for the more angular structures,” explains Alan. “Rounder designs added further complexity, requiring sectional builds and careful planning. The effort was substantial, with increasing manpower and intricate craftsmanship added as we progressed, but ultimately, it all came together in time for installation this spring.”
A Closer Look at the Castles
As you stroll through the Cheekwood grounds, you’ll find the five unique storybook structures scattered about — each different from the next. Here’s a closer look at each of the castles you’ll find throughout the exhibit:
- Dragon’s Den: A charming stone tower that features a swinging bridge and drawbridge. Children are invited to climb the rock wall to reach the dragon’s nest, where they can overlook the blossoming flowers below.
- Flower Fairy Palace: This breathtaking tower shelters mystical winged creatures. It’s a magical spot for curious explorers and dreamers alike, surrounded by greenery, enchanting bells, and flower artwork.
- Crow’s Nest: Children are invited to climb the tower’s stairs that wind upward to a balcony, where kids can look through a spyglass to explore the world below. Nearby swings offer a chance to catch the breeze and feel like you’re flying alongside the birds.
- Wizard’s Watchtower: Mirrored walls and mesmerizing lights play tricks on the eyes in this playhouse. Children are again invited to climb up the structure to take in expansive views of Cheekwood below.
- Formidable Fortress: Watch your feet as you cross through this castle’s moat, as you’ll likely spot a crocodile or two. To escape them, climb the nearby ladder or grab a seat on the royal throne.
One of the primary goals for this project was to encourage child-like wonder, but Alan adds that safety was also kept at the forefront of the design process. “Each castle was thoughtfully designed with safety and playability in mind,” he says. “Ladders and vertical climbs were kept within six-foot intervals, following playground safety guidelines. Creative elements like landings, nets, and railings were added to ensure a safe yet adventurous experience.”
Why Castle Homes?
With deep roots in the Nashville community, Castle Homes was a natural fit for this project that called for creativity and precision. For over 30 years, their team of experts has tackled complex home builds, making them more than qualified to tackle a project where large, detailed structures would be built off-site and transported to Cheekwood.
“The Enchanted Castles exhibit allowed us to combine storytelling, creativity, and expert design in a way that brings joy to families and sparks wonder in children of all ages,” says Alan. “These whimsical playhouses celebrate the magic of childhood while showcasing the artistry and detail that define every Castle Homes build.”
See the Magic Yourself
Enchanted Castles runs now through August 31, 2025, and entry is included with garden admission. You can purchase tickets at the gate or online in advance. To learn more about the exhibit, visit cheekwood.org.
This article is sponsored by Castle Homes.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.