At 90, Willie Nelson’s Tennessee Retreat: A Handcrafted Legacy and the Origin of ‘Shotgun Willie’

Willie Nelson, the legendary country star, recently made an appearance on Dolly Parton’s Christmas special. This icon found inspiration for his famous song ‘Shotgun Willie’ from a fire that once struck his self-built log cabin. Situated on 150 acres of beautiful Tennessee countryside, just a 30-minute drive from Nashville, this three-bedroom retreat was crafted by Nelson himself and was listed for $2.5 million in October 2022.

In September 2022, news emerged that Nelson’s rustic cabin had sold for $2.14 million. Only two families, Nelson’s and the recent owners, have ever lived in this picturesque cabin. The property features stunning greenery, trees, barns, and ponds.

The exterior highlights Nelson’s craftsmanship with log and stone details adorning the stairs, porch base, and chimney. A spacious wooden porch, perfect for relaxing in nature, greets visitors at the top of the stairs. The home is capped with a distinctive red roof.

Inside, the living room radiates warmth with its log-adorned walls, exposed wooden beams, and vaulted ceiling, seamlessly connecting to the kitchen. Nelson’s handcrafted retreat not only witnessed musical creation but also stands as a testament to his lasting legacy in Tennessee’s countryside.

Step inside, and you’re welcomed by a warm and luminous living room connected to a cozy kitchen. The wooden ceiling and exposed beams infuse the cabin with a charming, country ambiance. Classic wood graces the kitchen cabinets, and natural light pours in through numerous windows.

A gold chandelier adds a touch of retro elegance over the kitchen table, while wooden-bladed ceiling fans enhance the home’s cohesive theme. An expansive Persian red rug anchors the living area, complemented by a smaller matching rug near the entryway.

A wooden ladder leads to a loft on the second floor, currently serving as a third bedroom. The cabin also features a well-appointed bathroom. The stone fireplace, exuding 1970s charm, is the room’s focal point.

The second-floor loft, accessed by a wooden ladder, serves as a cozy bedroom. The home includes three spacious bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom.

The cabin boasts distinctive stone details, notably the living room’s stone fireplace. The property includes a wooden barn surrounded by leafy trees, grassy fields, and rolling hills in the distance. An aerial view underscores the vastness of the land, offering a tranquil escape from city life.

A pivotal moment in the cabin’s history occurred in 1970 when a fire broke out. Nelson bravely reentered the burning cabin to save his cherished guitar, Trigger, and a pound of marijuana. This daring act earned him the nickname ‘Shotgun Willie,’ inspiring a hit song and a studio album released in 1973.

The genesis of Willie’s hit track, ‘Shotgun Willie,’ and the eponymous album can be traced back to this fire. This incident fueled his resilience and sparked musical inspiration.

Adjacent to the cabin, the exterior space features a wooden barn embraced by leafy trees, expansive grass fields, and rolling hills. Willie’s former residence spans an impressive 150 acres, conveniently located just 30 minutes from Nashville. As the iconic country star approaches his 90th birthday in April, he is set to appear on the big screen.

A five-part documentary titled ‘Willie Nelson And Family’ is scheduled to premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on January 20. Created by award-winning filmmakers Thom Zimny and Oren Moverman, the documentary explores Willie’s personal and professional journey. Described as the ‘first authorized work exploring the life’ of Nelson, the film features Willie’s own voice as he shares his story, alongside close friends and family who have been part of his remarkable journey