Franklin, Tennessee: Why Williamson County Is One of Middle Tennessee’s Most Desirable Places to Live, and a Rare Opportunity to Build in The Vale of Avalon

Aerial view of a luxury home in Franklin, Tennessee with overlay where space meets grace

At a Glance

  • Franklin is the county seat of Williamson County, approximately 20 miles south of Nashville, founded in 1799 with a 15-block, nationally recognized historic downtown.
  • Williamson County Schools reports approximately 42,000 students across 52 schools for the 2025-2026 school year; the MLS lists Clovercroft Elementary, Woodland Middle and Ravenwood High for the property.
  • 706 Pendragon Court is a 1.04-acre wooded, cul-de-sac homesite in The Vale of Avalon, a gated luxury community in Franklin’s Cool Springs area, offered at $1,195,900 (MLS #3610345).
  • The lot is vacant residential land in Avalon Section 3 with a $200 per month HOA; architectural approvals, building envelope, utilities and recorded restrictions should be verified before design.
  • At roughly $1.15 million per acre, Brandon C. Knox recommends evaluating the total project cost, from site work and engineering to construction and eventual market value, not price per acre alone.
  • Listing agent Brandon C. Knox of BDG Partners at Compass combines luxury brokerage with land acquisition and development experience across Davidson and Williamson counties.

You Can Build a Dream Home Almost Anywhere. You Can’t Recreate a Setting Like This.

I have spent a significant portion of my real estate career working with buyers, builders, developers and investors throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

And one of the things I have learned is that people rarely make their biggest real estate decisions based on the house alone.

They are buying a lifestyle.

A community.

A location.

A place where they can see themselves living for years.

That is one of the reasons Franklin, Tennessee, and Williamson County continue to be so compelling to me.

Franklin offers something that is increasingly difficult to find.

A historic town with a genuine identity.

A strong local economy.

Beautiful countryside.

Established luxury neighborhoods.

Access to Nashville.

And a broad range of places to live, from historic homes near Main Street to substantial custom estates in gated communities.

That combination is not easy to recreate.

And it brings me to a property I am particularly excited about.

706 Pendragon Court in The Vale of Avalon.

A 1.04-acre wooded homesite in an established gated luxury community, surrounded by substantial estate residences.

It is an opportunity to create a custom home around the land, the setting and your own vision.

But to understand why I think this property deserves attention, we should start with Franklin itself.

Franklin Is Not Simply a Nashville Suburb

Franklin is approximately 20 miles south of Nashville and serves as the county seat of Williamson County.

But I think describing Franklin as just another Nashville suburb misses what makes it special.

Franklin has its own history.

Its own downtown.

Its own cultural identity.

Its own business community.

And a sense of place that developed long before the current growth of Middle Tennessee.

Founded in 1799, Franklin has evolved from a historic county seat into one of the region’s major residential, business and cultural centers.

Its downtown is a nationally recognized historic district, with preserved architecture, locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries and community events.

The city has received recognition for its historic preservation and its commitment to maintaining the character of downtown while accommodating growth.

Source: City of Franklin, About Franklin

For me, that balance between history and progress is one of Franklin’s greatest strengths.

It is not trying to become Nashville.

It has its own identity.

Downtown Franklin Is One of the Region’s Greatest Assets

If you want to understand why people love Franklin, spend an afternoon downtown.

Walk Main Street.

Visit the shops.

Have lunch.

Explore the historic buildings.

Stop by the Franklin Theatre.

Enjoy the restaurants and public gathering spaces.

The City of Franklin identifies downtown as a 15-block historic district with more than 200 years of history.

Its architecture and streetscape help distinguish it from newer suburban commercial developments.

Source: City of Franklin Visitor Information

Franklin also hosts annual community traditions, including Main Street Festival, PumpkinFest and Dickens of a Christmas.

These are the kinds of events that help create a community identity.

And that matters when people are choosing where to live.

A beautiful house is wonderful.

But a beautiful house near a town that people genuinely enjoy is something different.

Franklin’s History Is Part of Its Character

Franklin’s history includes significant chapters of Tennessee and American history.

The Battle of Franklin took place on November 30, 1864, and the city remains home to important Civil War sites, including Carnton and the Carter House.

The city’s history is complex, including the region’s plantation economy and the lasting consequences of slavery and the Civil War.

Preservation efforts have helped maintain important historic places while providing opportunities to understand that history.

Source: City of Franklin, History

I think that historical depth contributes to Franklin’s identity.

The community has roots.

And those roots are visible in the architecture, streets and historic landscapes.

Williamson County Offers More Than One Kind of Lifestyle

Another reason I like Williamson County is the variety.

Franklin and Brentwood offer established residential neighborhoods and major employment centers.

Leiper’s Fork offers a rural village atmosphere and surrounding countryside.

Arrington is known for its scenic landscape and agricultural character.

Nolensville, Thompson’s Station and Spring Hill offer additional residential choices, each with its own setting and development patterns.

That range gives buyers options.

Some want to be near downtown Franklin.

Some want acreage.

Some want a newer neighborhood.

Some want a gated estate community.

Some want a custom home surrounded by trees.

And some want to be close to Nashville while maintaining a more private residential setting.

Williamson County can accommodate many of those preferences, although each location offers different tradeoffs.

I think that variety is one of its biggest advantages.

Schools Are an Important Part of the Williamson County Conversation

For many buyers, the public school system is a significant factor in choosing Williamson County.

The county includes two public school districts: Williamson County Schools and the Franklin Special School District.

Williamson County Schools reports approximately 42,000 students across 52 schools for the 2025–2026 school year and strong academic performance compared with Tennessee averages.

Source: Williamson County Schools

Source: Williamson County Government

Schools are one part of the broader lifestyle and real estate equation, but they are certainly a consideration for many relocating households.

For 706 Pendragon Court, the current MLS identifies:

  • Clovercroft Elementary School
  • Woodland Middle School
  • Ravenwood High School

Buyers should independently verify current attendance boundaries and enrollment eligibility with Williamson County Schools.

Cool Springs Is a Major Part of Franklin’s Everyday Convenience

I think the Cool Springs area deserves its own conversation.

While historic downtown Franklin provides character and charm, Cool Springs provides a different set of conveniences.

Retail.

Restaurants.

Hotels.

Professional offices.

Corporate employment.

Medical services.

And access to Interstate 65.

That matters to buyers who want a luxury residential setting without feeling disconnected from daily necessities.

The City of Franklin describes its growth as a combination of residential, commercial and corporate development, with Cool Springs playing an important role in the modern city.

Source: City of Franklin, Our City

The Vale of Avalon is particularly interesting because it offers a gated residential environment with access to the Cool Springs area.

You can have a wooded homesite and a sense of privacy without moving far into the countryside.

That balance is a meaningful part of the appeal.

The Landscape of Williamson County Matters

One of my favorite things about Williamson County is the land itself.

Rolling hills.

Wooded properties.

Open countryside.

Scenic drives.

Established residential communities.

The landscape changes as you move through the county, from developed commercial centers to quieter roads and larger properties.

Franklin is also near the Natchez Trace Parkway, which provides access to some of Middle Tennessee’s most recognizable scenery.

Source: Visit Franklin

For buyers coming from more densely developed metropolitan areas, that natural setting can be especially appealing.

And for luxury buyers, I think privacy and the relationship between a home and its surroundings are becoming increasingly important.

Not everyone wants the biggest house.

Many want the right house on the right piece of land.

That is a different conversation.

Franklin’s Luxury Real Estate Market Is Not One Market

This is something I think buyers and sellers need to understand.

There is no single Franklin luxury real estate market.

There are multiple markets within the market.

Historic homes near downtown Franklin are different from newer construction in Cool Springs.

A custom estate on acreage is different from a luxury home in a planned neighborhood.

A gated community has a different buyer profile from a property without architectural restrictions.

And a vacant lot presents a completely different set of considerations from a finished residence.

That is why I don’t like making broad statements about value based on a ZIP code or a simple price-per-square-foot comparison.

The real estate around the real estate matters.

The street.

The neighborhood.

The surrounding homes.

The land.

The topography.

The restrictions.

The access.

The privacy.

And the ability to create something that buyers will value.

That is exactly how I approach a property like 706 Pendragon Court.

Introducing 706 Pendragon Court: A Rare Estate Homesite in The Vale of Avalon

706 Pendragon Court
Franklin, Tennessee 37067

Offered at $1,195,900

1.04 Acres | Gated Luxury Community

The Vale of Avalon | Avalon Section 3

MLS #3610345 | Active

706 Pendragon Court offers approximately 1.04 acres of wooded land in The Vale of Avalon, an established gated luxury residential community in Franklin.

The property sits at the end of a cul-de-sac and is surrounded by substantial estate residences.

Its mature trees, natural setting and privacy create an opportunity to design a custom home that responds to the landscape.

What makes this property particularly interesting is that the surrounding neighborhood is already established.

You are not purchasing a lot in a development where the streets are still being constructed and the surrounding homes are unknown.

You can evaluate the existing neighborhood.

The surrounding architecture.

The streets.

The landscaping.

And the overall residential environment.

Then design a home that complements the setting while reflecting your own preferences.

The neighborhood is already established. Your dream home is the part that hasn’t been built yet.

The Vale of Avalon Offers a Different Luxury Experience

Avalon is an established residential development in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, with multiple sections and housing types.

The Vale of Avalon represents a gated luxury-estate setting within that broader community.

The distinction matters.

Buyers evaluating a property in Avalon should understand which section they are purchasing in, which governing documents apply and what architectural requirements may affect a future project.

A gated estate community can offer an appealing sense of arrival, separation and neighborhood identity.

But it also introduces important considerations.

Architectural standards.

Design approvals.

Building restrictions.

Landscaping requirements.

Construction rules.

And ongoing association obligations.

These are not details I would leave until after someone purchases the land.

They are part of the acquisition decision.

A One-Acre Wooded Homesite Is a Different Kind of Opportunity

The lot at 706 Pendragon Court contains approximately 1.04 acres, calculated from the subdivision plat.

The property is wooded, with mature trees and a natural setting.

I like properties where the landscape can become part of the architectural design.

The trees can influence the home’s orientation.

The views can influence window placement.

The topography can influence the floor plan.

The driveway and arrival experience can become part of the overall design.

Outdoor living areas can be positioned to take advantage of privacy and natural surroundings.

But I also want buyers to understand something important.

A wooded acre is not the same thing as a cleared, level acre.

Before developing architectural plans, we need to understand what the land will actually allow.

That is where my experience in land acquisition and development becomes particularly valuable.

The Cul-de-Sac Location Adds to the Appeal

706 Pendragon Court is located at the end of Pendragon Court.

I like cul-de-sac properties because they can create a different sense of arrival and residential setting from a home on a major through street.

The shape of the lot and the reported road frontage should be evaluated through the survey and subdivision plat.

But the general appeal is clear.

A quiet street.

An established luxury community.

A wooded setting.

And an opportunity to design a custom residence rather than adapting an existing home.

That combination is worth exploring.

Why Building in an Established Luxury Neighborhood Can Be So Compelling

There are two very different ways to build a luxury home.

You can purchase a lot in a new development and hope the neighborhood evolves the way you expect.

Or you can find an undeveloped lot in an established community and design a new home within a setting that already exists.

Both approaches have advantages.

But I think the second is particularly interesting.

You can see the neighboring homes.

You can evaluate the community.

You can understand the streetscape.

You can study the architectural standards.

And you can design your home with a clearer understanding of its surroundings.

That is the opportunity at Pendragon Court.

The surrounding estate homes are already there.

The gated community is established.

And the buyer has an opportunity to create something entirely their own.

What Would I Build on 706 Pendragon Court?

That is one of the first questions buyers ask.

And my answer is always the same.

Before we decide what to build, we need to understand exactly what the land will support.

I would begin with a survey.

Then topography.

Then the applicable zoning and building restrictions.

Then the subdivision’s architectural requirements.

Then utility availability.

Then drainage and stormwater considerations.

Then tree preservation.

Then the building envelope.

Only after those questions are answered would I begin making major architectural commitments.

From a design perspective, I think a property like this invites consideration of a custom luxury estate that works with the wooded landscape.

Potential concepts might include:

  • A residence oriented toward the most attractive views
  • Large windows that connect interior spaces to the natural surroundings
  • A substantial outdoor living area
  • A pool or spa, if the site and approvals allow
  • A private primary suite
  • Guest accommodations
  • Flexible entertainment spaces
  • Carefully planned landscaping and lighting
  • A driveway and arrival experience that complement the setting

But those are possibilities, not approved plans.

The actual design needs to be driven by the property.

The Importance of the Building Envelope

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make when purchasing vacant land is assuming that the full acreage is available for construction.

It rarely works that way.

Setbacks reduce the area where buildings can be placed.

Easements may affect site planning.

Topography can limit usable areas.

Trees may influence clearing decisions.

Stormwater requirements can affect grading.

And HOA architectural standards may impose additional limitations.

At Pendragon Court, I would want the buyer’s architect, civil engineer and builder involved early enough to identify these issues before they become expensive surprises.

A beautiful lot is a wonderful starting point.

But a successful project requires understanding what can actually be built.

Why the Existing Luxury Homes Matter

One of the things I appreciate about The Vale of Avalon is that buyers can evaluate the surrounding residential product.

That is important from both a lifestyle and an investment perspective.

When I represent a builder or developer, I spend a lot of time thinking about the eventual buyer.

What will someone want to purchase in this neighborhood?

What architectural styles fit?

What size home makes sense?

What level of finish will buyers expect?

How will the property compare with surrounding homes?

And what happens if the owner eventually decides to sell?

The neighboring estate residences provide useful context for those questions.

They do not guarantee a particular resale value.

But they help inform a responsible development strategy.

Price Per Acre Is Only the Beginning

At $1,195,900 for approximately 1.04 acres, the property is offered at roughly $1.15 million per acre.

That number is useful.

But it is not enough.

I would never recommend that someone purchase a luxury building lot based solely on price per acre.

I want to understand the total investment.

Land acquisition.

Site preparation.

Architecture.

Engineering.

Permits.

Construction.

Landscaping.

Financing.

Carrying costs.

And eventual market value.

A lower-priced lot can become a more expensive project if the site is difficult to develop.

A higher-priced lot can sometimes offer advantages that justify the premium.

The question is not simply whether the dirt is expensive.

The question is whether the total project makes sense.

That is the conversation I want to have with a buyer before they commit.

My Experience Changes How I Look at Luxury Land

I am Brandon C. Knox, Co-Founder and Principal Partner of BDG Partners at Compass.

My work throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee has included luxury residential brokerage, land acquisition, new construction, urban infill, development and real estate investment.

I have spent years working with builders and developers.

Evaluating lots.

Analyzing construction opportunities.

Navigating zoning and development questions.

Representing new homes.

And participating in real estate investment myself.

That experience gives me a different perspective when I walk a property like 706 Pendragon Court.

I don’t simply see an empty lot.

I see the beginning of a project.

And I immediately start asking the questions that determine whether that project can be successful.

I Didn’t Just Learn Nashville. I Learned How Nashville Gets Built.

That includes Williamson County.

There is a tremendous difference between selling a finished luxury home and helping someone acquire land for a future custom residence.

With a finished home, you can walk through the rooms.

You can evaluate the finishes.

You can see the floor plan.

You can inspect the property.

With vacant land, you are making decisions about something that does not exist yet.

You are purchasing potential.

And potential has to be verified.

That is why I believe buyers benefit from working with someone who understands not only luxury real estate, but also land acquisition and the development process.

The Builder Is Not the Customer

I say this often.

The builder is not the customer.

The spreadsheet is not the customer.

The person who eventually signs the contract is the customer.

That is true whether someone is building a speculative luxury home or a custom residence for their own family.

The house has to live well.

The driveway needs to make sense.

The outdoor spaces need to work.

The views should be considered.

The rooms need to function.

And the home needs to feel like it belongs on the property.

That is why I think great architecture begins with understanding the land.

The Vale of Avalon: What Buyers Need to Verify

The current MLS identifies 706 Pendragon Court as a residential lot in Avalon Section 3.

It also identifies a homeowners association fee of $200 per month.

Because this is a gated, deed-restricted residential setting, buyers should review the specific governing documents that apply to this parcel.

That includes any architectural approval process, construction requirements, building setbacks, minimum home-size requirements, tree restrictions, fencing standards and other applicable covenants.

Avalon’s broader community has multiple sections, so documents from another Avalon section should not automatically be assumed to govern this lot.

The appropriate association, title company and municipal authorities should confirm the controlling requirements before a buyer finalizes plans.

Who Should Consider 706 Pendragon Court?

I see several potential buyers for this property.

The buyer who wants a custom luxury estate in Franklin.

The family seeking a gated residential environment.

The executive relocating to Williamson County.

The buyer who wants privacy and mature trees.

The homeowner who values proximity to Cool Springs but prefers a more secluded residential setting.

The buyer who wants to design a home rather than renovate someone else’s.

And the luxury builder evaluating one of the remaining undeveloped opportunities within an established estate community.

Each buyer may approach the land differently.

But the common theme is the opportunity to create something personal in a setting that already has an established identity.

My Final Thoughts: Buy the Land. Build the Vision.

One of the most important lessons I have learned in real estate is that you can change almost everything about a house.

You can change the architecture.

The floor plan.

The kitchen.

The bathrooms.

The finishes.

The landscaping.

But you cannot change where the land is located.

You cannot move the neighborhood.

You cannot manufacture mature trees overnight.

And you cannot recreate an established luxury community simply because you want one.

That is why I think buyers should be especially thoughtful when purchasing land.

Buy the location.

Buy the land.

Buy the privacy.

Buy the setting.

Buy the neighborhood.

Then build the house.

Franklin and Williamson County offer a lifestyle that continues to appeal to buyers for a variety of reasons.

The history.

The community.

The natural beauty.

The convenience.

The established neighborhoods.

And the opportunity to create a home that reflects how you actually want to live.

At 706 Pendragon Court, we have a 1.04-acre wooded homesite in The Vale of Avalon, an established gated luxury community.

The surrounding estate residences are already there.

The trees are already there.

The neighborhood is already established.

Your dream home is the part that hasn’t been built yet.

And for the right buyer, I think that is a pretty compelling opportunity.

If you are considering purchasing land, building a custom residence or investing in luxury real estate in Franklin or Williamson County, I would welcome the opportunity to walk this property with you.

Because my goal is not simply to help someone buy a lot.

My goal is to help them understand what they can create, what it will take to get there and whether the investment makes sense.

Featured Property: 706 Pendragon Court

706 Pendragon Court
Franklin, TN 37067

Asking Price: $1,195,900
Lot Size: 1.04 Acres
MLS: 3610345
Status: Active, per supplied listing
Community: The Vale of Avalon / Avalon Section 3
Property Type: Residential Building Lot
Setting: Wooded, gated luxury community
Location: Cul-de-sac
Existing Buildings: None
HOA: $200 per month, per MLS

MLS-Listed Schools:

Clovercroft Elementary School
Woodland Middle School
Ravenwood High School

All property information should be independently verified. Any proposed construction is subject to applicable zoning, subdivision restrictions, architectural review, permitting, engineering and other required approvals.

Contact Brandon C. Knox

Brandon C. Knox
Co-Founder & Principal Partner
BDG Partners at Compass

Phone: 646-436-9452
Email: [email protected]

BDG Partners

Brandon C. Knox Professional Profile

View 706 Pendragon Court on Zillow

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin, Williamson County and 706 Pendragon Court

Why do people move to Franklin, Tennessee?

Franklin attracts buyers interested in historic downtown amenities, established residential communities, employment opportunities, shopping, dining, outdoor recreation and access to Nashville. Williamson County’s public school options are also an important consideration for many households.

Is Franklin, Tennessee, part of Nashville?

No. Franklin is a separate city in Williamson County, approximately 20 miles south of Nashville.

What makes Williamson County attractive to luxury homebuyers?

Williamson County offers a variety of luxury residential settings, including historic neighborhoods, custom homes, gated communities, wooded properties and larger acreage estates. The county also provides access to employment centers, shopping, schools and outdoor recreation.

Where is The Vale of Avalon?

The Vale of Avalon is a gated luxury residential community within the broader Avalon development in Franklin’s Cool Springs area.

How much is 706 Pendragon Court?

The current asking price is $1,195,900.

How large is the property?

The lot contains approximately 1.04 acres, based on the subdivision plat.

Is there already a house on the property?

No. The property is being offered as vacant residential land.

Is 706 Pendragon Court in a gated community?

Yes. The listing identifies The Vale of Avalon as a gated luxury residential community.

Is the lot wooded?

Yes. The listing describes mature trees, wooded surroundings and a natural setting.

Can I build a custom home on 706 Pendragon Court?

The property is marketed as a residential building lot intended for a custom estate. Final construction plans require verification of the applicable building envelope, municipal requirements, utilities, architectural approvals and recorded restrictions.

Can I build a pool or guesthouse?

Potential improvements must be evaluated against the lot’s actual dimensions, building envelope, zoning, association restrictions and other applicable approvals. Neither a pool nor an accessory residence should be assumed to be permitted without confirmation.

Does the property have an HOA?

Yes. The MLS identifies a homeowners association fee of $200 per month. Buyers should verify the current fee and review the applicable governing documents.

What schools are listed for 706 Pendragon Court?

The MLS identifies Clovercroft Elementary School, Woodland Middle School and Ravenwood High School. School assignments should be independently verified.

What is the MLS number?

MLS #3610345.

Who is the listing agent?

Brandon C. Knox of BDG Partners at Compass.

About the Author

Brandon C. Knox is Co-Founder and Principal Partner of BDG Partners at Compass, specializing in luxury residential real estate, land acquisition, urban infill, new construction and development throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

With 16 years of real estate experience, Brandon has worked with homeowners, luxury buyers, builders, developers and investors across Davidson and Williamson counties.

His approach combines residential brokerage experience with practical knowledge of site selection, land acquisition, construction planning and development economics.

Brandon works throughout Franklin, Brentwood, Oak Hill, Forest Hills, Green Hills, Belle Meade and other established luxury residential markets.

His philosophy is simple:

Know the land. Understand the neighborhood. Protect the client. Make the numbers work.