Feature

One Community's Creative Determination

By CATHERINE ANDERSON

Even though some say it's over, it certainly feels to many like an economic recession remains in place. One method that many use to cope is through creative thought and action. One place that displays that type of thinking is the historic community of Leiper's Fork, where new businesses continue to pop up and settle in.

When Jerry Oss of Jerome History Houses had more than one serious buyer who couldn't make the deal happen on a beautiful home he created, he got busy and turned it into an inn that offers visitors to the area all the amenities a couple or group would desire. And traffic through it—located on one of the sweetest spots in the village—has been lively since the shingle on the Leiper's Fork Inn was hung.

The first retail stop from the Inn's front door is Brigadoon Antiques which opened in an elegant historic home in September. It's owners Christopher and Lori Murrey recently added another dealer within—Highgrove Antiques—which retains its main store on Highway 100 in Nashville.

Down the street the big, old Victorian known as The Old Natchez House has had a year of rapid evolvement and as of early fall, when silversmith Laurel Nash stepped in to help lead the artist co-operative with pen and ink artist Bob Jones, it brings in more high quality offerings along with a feeling of solidity. Additionally, the contents within the painted lady of a house add contrast to the other galleries and shops in the town, with a definite bent toward equine interests.

One of the most interesting additions is on the horizon. Clothing designer Jeff Garner is moving his Prophetik Studio and its showroom to the beautiful grey barn that sets high, like an outpost to the little town's restaurant and shop area on Old Hillsboro Road. Named the 2009 Men’s Eco Designer of the Year for the UK at London’s Fashion Week, the Williamson County native and man of the world, adds his own proclivities for creative thought to this colorful and most determined mix.

Top: Cheryl and Jerry Oss on the front porch of the Leipers Fork Inn.

Bottom: Jeff Garner and friend inside the barn that will be transformed into Prophetik Studio and its showroom.