Video was done with permission, the property is now under video surveillance. Become a member on my patreon and get perks! www.patreon.com/RangerRickTV
I serviced and inspected the electronic fire alarm in the mansion for several years. Know every inch of it. I haven't been there since 2017 though. When she sold the mansion, some furnishings were left but none of her personal effects. The clothes are not hers. They belong to entertainment groups that occasionally perform there. The most personal thing she left behind was outside next to the side wall in a pet cemetery garden. Several of her pets are buried there with stone markers. You left much of the rooms out, including her bedroom and the rooms that were reserved for her sisters. The last time I was there it was furnished and spotless. Looks very unkept now but I am certain it is not abandoned. I suspect you were given permission to tour. I am retired now so I did enjoy seeing it again. I always thought it was a beautiful home.
Wow, how nice you could be there. I did suspect she would not leave her personal belongings. And I agree the place is not kept up to par, what a shame.
I thought she sold this massive estate,,a very long time ago. She retired from show business and if you aren't earning over two million a year to pay for property taxes, maintenance and upkeep. I recall this house being seen in interview's back in the 1990's. THIS home is really huge,,ahead of it's time. You would expect someone like Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey or Tiger Woods to have purchased this as an investment.
Just yesterday, I caught Lori Ann Cooke (Ralph Emery TNN The Nashville Network) that did a tour with Barbara herself that touched on her near fatal car crash with her 2 older kids. Drunk driver was killed. Her injuries took months into years to recoup. The mansion was built with heavy emphasis on the 3 kids. The youngest child was conceived after the wreck. Her pain meds were stopped due to the pregnancy. Turned into a blessing so she could crawl out of the heavy narcotic fog you have as pain management had changed her into the opposite of her sweet generous self. I hope she, Ken and the children are well. They touched so many lives. Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters was like Gunsmoke, Sonny and Cher...and you just didn't miss te weekly shows. I am 68 years old in February 2024. Thank you for the tour.
Not sure why this popped up but very cool. I sold them some business equipment around 1995-96 and they had me deliver it and set it up. That room with the desks and monitors used to be the office for them. I didn’t get to see much but seeing it in person was pretty neat.
Hey, Ranger Rick some info to help you on this one. Ken and Barbara had this Home Custom designed and built. The Big Tub in Barabara's bathroom was Measered to conform to her back contour and size. Ken added the Shooting Range, it is a 80 foot long range. He was retired Navy, wanted their family to know how to handle guns. They all used that shooting range. The Bar area upstairs was an Ice Cream Parlor for the Kids, they would hangout up there with their friends. The Glass Dining Table was originally under that Amazing Chystal Chandolier in what was the original dining room. There were tables and chairs by those Jukebox selectors by the big window in the Ice Cream Parlor. The log out front laying on the ground with the Bear carving on it was a sculpture originally. The Logs stood upright in the planter by the brick wall. There were three bears, each one representing each of Barbara's children. Off to the right of that brick wall area is a high garage with a tall garage door. Barabara kept her personalized Tour Bus in there. As you approach the home from the drive way facing the huge Atrium where the Pool is. That square paved spot was Ken's helipad. He had a Bell Helecopter and that was where he kept it. Most Amazing Home I have ever seen ! I grew up listening to Barbara's music as far back as the early 1970's. Amazing Singer and Musican ! 😊
@trayline9838 She built this mansion @ the height of her career & income. Eventually, her income declined & expenses increased. Simple math problem; easily fixed. Downsize.
Barbara said in an Interview with Ralph Emery on NASHVILLE NOW. A time would come when she retires and downsizes. When her children are grown she did retire to a smaller home. You know, Entertainers Host events and parties with Friends, Family, and even Organizations. Her home was used for those purposes. I have been a Barbara fan since I was a Teen. Wonderful Memories of attending her Concerts every year. AMAZING Entertainer. I would have Hoped something Better would have become of FONTANEL. Sad to see a Beautiful place like that just left...
Wow, there is a video from around 1999 here on UA-cam of Barbara giving a tour. I remember watching one of her first televised tours back in the late 80s or early 90s on TNN, the Nashville Network of her giving a tour. I was a young kid when I saw it. It left an impression on me. First time I had ever seen a house so big. I think of it from time to time. My parents and I watched the tour together. She talked of her car accident that almost almost killed her. I remember when she was in the accident. I was only 6 yrs old at the time, and i remember my parents talking about her car she and her kids were in when they got hit head on, was a Jaquar. Ever since then, when I see a Jaguar car on the highway I think of Barbara Mandrell. Wow, time has flown by. Thanks for showing what it looks like now, and for the memories. Those clothes are not the Mandrells. Probably from various people who have used the home for various venues. I remember Barbara was a tiny lady. That was another thing I remember from her tour and how she showed how they had the whirlpool tub custom fit to her size. Stay safe out there. Oh..I just saw the original tour I saw on TNN., just as I am writing this. It was 1992, Lori Anne Crook gave the interview and tour.
Stark reminder that a home is just a building, but home is a feeling. A corner where the tree goes, A chair and couch with a T.V and a place for the clicker, an attic and garage filled with worthless junk that to you is priceless. It has ghosts and memories of joy and heartbreak; it is where dreams and nightmares share your sleep. A photograph captures a moment in time, and time never stops it just changes fast and slow, and home just remains a small portion of your soul.
@@debbiec6216 Debbie I am going to big girl talk at you now so please listen, there is no such thing as ghost, dead is dead and it is only the arrogance of man to wish it not so. But take heart because life is limited it is spectacular, so embrace it. Trouble not your mind with childish fantasy.
I don't even know how that can feel like a home not when you need a map to get around and that goes for most of these super rich houses. I would need something way smaller to seem like home.
@@uuuultra Not actually abandoned. It went up for auction in 2022 after being a very successful tourist attraction and event center. It is currently privately owned.
After watching this I looked up video of her giving a tour of the home. So interesting and intriguing to see what it used to look like and how she decorated. It really was beautiful.
I remember the day she was on tv showing off this beautiful mansion and her children who were little at the time she loved that house so much. I don't know if it was entertainment tonight or who was but you need to look up the old video of her showing how the inside of this mansion looked just a few months after she moved in. She had it decorated so beautiful
Can you imagine the expenses she and her husband would have to doll out,,had they not sold it in 2002"?? Especially now with inflation in 2024...best thing they did was sell this property before the Enron , Hurricane Katrina and the Fanny Mae, Freddie Mac debacle in 2008.
Back around the time they had the place designed and built. Barbara was on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery. They talked a little about FONTANEL. Barbara said her Monthly Utility Bills for one month were almost the cost of a year's bills from their previous home near Old Hickory Lake. Imagine Heating and cooling all that square footage. I am sure the Fireplaces helped. She also said in the interview when she reached retirement she and Ken would downsize after the Kids were grown and on their own. Being the Entertainer of the Year Two Years in a row. You need a place to entertain. She even had visits from the U.S. President. @@gigigiseleworld
That sewing machine you showed at the end, was a special kind of sewing machine. It sewed rhinestones, sequences and all that glitters, onto clothing...because most of the time, most everything Barbara wore sparkled.
I just ran across this by mistake and am still watching your video. I believe back in 2014 is when I toured the mansion. It cost $26.00. There was a gift shop that sold her memorabilia and her pretty red, turquoise, orange or gold fancy boots. To which i bought one of each color. There was a restaurant and deli shop. The plans were to build a Holiday Inn Hotel on the property. The bus drove you back about 2 miles from the gift shop. On the right you would pass an arena with bleachers to enjoy concerts. Arriving to the front entrance it's explained how Barbara's husband had all the logs specially transported from Colorado ?? and were hand picked by a well known log cabin contractor. The house is 27,000 square feet. And that special log cabin contractor, built the house. The bears are designed and carved out of the original logs. The dining room table, being fit for a queen was crafted large enough for the entire family then some. Our tour guide was a young man named Jimmy. He was as nice and down to earth as can be. He sang us a song and was telling us, in order to work at the museum, you had to be a singer / musician. I do believe he has recorded a few songs since then. You were allowed the try on Kenny's jacket or pluck the guitar. And even play the piano if you wanted. I forget the famous person who donated that. Ran in to Jamie, Barbara's daughter who was working vigorously cleaning the kitchen. We had our picture taken with her and she was as nice as pie. The museum was being used for a writers retreat. Many of the writer's/singers would go there for piece and quiet to write their music. The area, somewhat of a balcony, that looked down onto the wooden room area with memorabilia in glass cases, was where Barbara would stand to sing her songs to the quests. The in door pool actually had a clear glass cover to act as a dance floor during parties. Barbara's bedroom was set up to have your picture taken while eating CRACKERS IN HER BED ANYTIME. The museum was actually being managed at that time by Kenny Chesney and the Mandrell sisters management company. Barbara and family were not living there. I have sang many of her song's when doing Karaoke and truly felt a particular closeness when touring her home. Barbara is a beautiful person, we wish her and her family well. Personally, I felt violated for the family while watching this video. For those whom have commented negetivity, this museum at one time was a warm beautiful home, hidden in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. It made me want to move there, it was so beautiful. Thank you for your video who ever you are. My suggestion would be, before rambling through persons property's, take some time to familiarize yourself with the history of our prominent celebrities who have brought joys to many homes through the years. Thank you again, Brenda
I remember this mansion was featured on the Travel Channel with other mansions including Gerry Spence’s mansion. I don’t remember the year it aired. Probably aired in the 1990s or early 2000s because the aspect ratio is in 4:3. There’s a clip of the show on UA-cam titled “The Fontanel Featured on The Travel Channel’s “Cabin Fever”
That was not beer taps but a soda / ice cream floats bar where pool table is. All those stainless held things like cherries, nuts, sprinkles, whip cream
Spent half a day touring this mansion! Saw Buck Owen’s famous guitar. It was furnished when our church group toured it. After touring the mansion there was a restaurant as you drive in. Was great food but the mansion is / Was such a cool place to tour!
I would say that he does have permission to do this tour and record it and put it on social media. No way would that mansion be left unlocked unless whoever is responsible for it, forgot to lock it back. Ranger Rick would be in all kinds of trouble doing this, if he did not have permission. As would whoever left the door unlocked. I would expect there would be cameras inside and outside the property as well. This is a well known place around Nashville.
Way too clean, grounds well kept on top of the utilities still on. Definitely not the typical “abandoned” residence. Nice to virtually walk thru none the less. 😉
It was open for tours a few years ago. It was partially furnished at the time and the tour guide played a grand piano for us. There were signed guitars hanging on the walls also.
Nice tour despite all the inaccuracies. Barbara did several tours for TV that you can find here on UA-cam to get more accurate info. FYI the three bears throughout the house represent Barbara & Ken's three children.
Ranger Rick, next time you come across a fancy expensive coat like the fur one, look on the inside seam by the pocket. All the tags are there. Thanks for the tour. I kind of thought the " bar room" was an ice cream bar for the kids. With all the kids that would be there when family and friends came, they would definitely need a fun place to hang out when it was raining. 😊
Excellent tour! I'm a native Nashvillan, and I grew up in the era when Barbara was at her peak of fame along with her sisters. I've forgotten her sisters' names, but I remember all of the Mandrell sisters looked alike. Believe it or not but "Fontanelle" is in an URBAN/SUBURBAN area of Nashville, and if you get on the interstate, you could be in downtown Nashville on Lower Broad in 15 to 20 minutes! I doubt if there are any bears around there now, but maybe some deer and coyotes. My church is about a block up the road from this place, and each week I passed by it I was curious about what the mansion looked like because it is situated far back from the road where it is located, Whites Creek Pike. There are several outbuildings in front of the mansion sitting close to Whites Creek Pike that house restaurants and a wine tasting facility that were very, very popular with tourists before the Covid-19 pandemic. But now they seem to be closed down now except the wine tasting bar. A few years ago there were zoning signs on the property, and the rumor was the owners were going to build a hotel. The zoning signs have been gone for a long time. The surrounding neighborhood consists of mostly middle class 3/4 bedroom houses, although across the road are some two-story large almost mansion type houses. Thanks for the tour! 👍👍😊😊
@@vickiross1025 I was never a country music fan so even though I was aware of Barbara and Louise I never paid any attention. I couldn't tell you any of their songs. I remember Louise because that is my name also. I wasn't even aware there was a 3rd sister.
Irlene was not in the Music Business, but did acting. On the Barbara Mandrel show, she played the "Blond Bimbo Stereotype" and was Comic Relief. She was always my favorite of tbe three and played percussion instruments in the Do-Rite Band portion of the show.
Thanks for the additional info in the comments going out to those who posted it. As usual, I wish that many of the people who tour these magnificent structures would do a little more research on the buildings before going in or before posting. I’ve done historical research on buildings all over Colorado and always researched the buildings and talked to local town historians. I’ve also had amazing apple pie with old ladies who really enjoyed telling stories. You should try it sometime.
She was my favorite woman country singer. When i was growing up in the 70s and 80s. I even have her sisters, Louise Mandrells country music trivia game to this day. The copyright year was 1984.
Just went back and read the article on Barbara’s mansion. She and husband Ken Dudley sold the mansion in 2002. It has been sold 29:05 a few times since. The last buyer bought the mansion in 2019, but covid when hit it’s been empty since.
At the end of the video, you could feel the heartbeat of the home as it is in a deep deep slumber, waiting, waiting for it's family to come once again. Most things in ones life leave us not to be seen or thought of again. It's the times or memories of our lives that make us who we are today and they come alive once more to relive in our hearts and minds on into eternity. Tks for the tour,
Same. Seeing all those huge logs with big slits where cracks were going up and down them. I saw a lot of rot in different places that I think he tried to keep out of view. I watch a lot of renovation shows and seeing how some of the doors didn't close correctly and how some of the wood pieces drawers and doors on them were misaligned - someone clearly didn't take care of that place. It doesn't look like anyone spent any money on keeping it up or updating the fixtures. The place looks creepy to me. The floorplan screams wander at your own risk. I wouldn't have felt safe there at all.
The plans they had to make it into cabins would have worked for adventure camping and outdoors exploring events and whatever but as a 'mansion' home, definitely weird
Umm, this place clearly has not been lived in, really lived in, likely for quite a few years. Things like door seal integrity, cleanliness, etc., happen in abandoned buildings, especially where wood is involved. Keep in mind, the interior of this place more than likely hasn't been "environmentally controlled", if at all, let alone maintained, for a long time so it has slowly been decaying (for lack of a better word). It doesn't take very long for Mother Nature to take over when you allow her to. @@cassiebanks
@@cassiebanksJesus, somebody watches a few HGTV shows and suddenly they’re an expert on home construction. You’ve obviously never been in a log cabin as all those “big slits” (🍑😜🤣) are perfectly normal.
I toured it back around 10 years ago. The wooden bears are representative of her family. Especially her children. So each child had their own carved wooden bear. That motif was in other places in the house too. The room right by front door was a dining room. that chandelier matched the shape of the table. So it wasn't a regular rectangular, but custom made so both ends flared inward so everyone had a better view of the others at the table. Barbara had her bathroom designed for herself but added the urinal for her husband. The personal effects in this video weren't hers. They were added by others. It was a fascinating tour and home.
I remember Barbara being interviewed in her new log mansion, I loved the place, but I was wondering how long she would be able to afford to live there. The cost of maintaining the place would be astronomical.
Money was different and worth more in the 1970's to 90's, so I am certain she and Ken had plenty. It's awesome that she opened it up to so many friends and family to enjoy with her. Barbara was wonderful, as well as her 2 sisters Louise and Irlene. I really miss this era, it was the best!
It doesn’t feel like a home at all - or a log cabin even. It’s like living in a shopping mall or bass pro shop 😕 but it was designed for them, so who cares what I think lol They surely loved it
Well this is not abandoned, no one lives there but there is people owning this mansion and i know you was given a key to make a tour, also i know that there are people there on a regular basis. How ever, this is a really cool mansion and a great tour.. thanks
I was there in 2017 and it was decorated with all the guitars and so many memorables one of the guys there said Kid Rock is spotted there sometimes. Now I know he was the owner at that time. Sad to see it abandoned like this. They had a zip line a lot of people used. Down below the hill of the home there were shops and one sold wines from a winery nearby.
I find it hard to believe that place is abandoned. Someone is paying for the electricity since all the lights work. You did mention some investor has it and it has been rented out for wedding venues. And then I go to see the comments and you pinned yours stating you had permission to video record it. So... it isn't abandoned. It isn't in much use at the time you recorded the premises. I do give you a thumbs up on showing the scale of this facility. Would be great if they did open it up to the public. Turn it into a hotel of sorts or a vacation spot. It's a gorgeous place.
She and Ken didn't 'buy' the mansion, they built it. Ken's business was in logging and building log homes. And Fontanel also means 'new beginnings' which is really why she chose the name Fontanel for the property.
I just watched your video. I was in her years ago at Fan Fair now CMA fest. We was 37:59 invited to a special gathering her with Jihn Rich and Gretchen Wilson. So cool. The bears in the kitchen represented all of her children. One of the poles in kitchen has her children height marked as they grew, kind if sad to leave behind. The bar area, all the neon again each name was Barbara, Ken (spouse) all her children in name. I was chosen to sing on the stage with the guy playing guitar, I sang Loretta Lynn's Coal Minor daughter lol. Her bedroom was awesome. All the lighting to be able to glamor herself. The upstairs was their private area abd entertained in large greatroom. Heliport large circle right outside. Storme that you saw last name Warrmen big country dj. Many famous country and Hollywood stars here. Thank you. Sad to see the destruction, though ! Sandy Pridemore
This would be a great place for a Hotel with horse back riding and hiking trails..a great getaway to relax and have fun. . ..Have an added Spa for anybody..❤❤
Hi Rick, oh wow that was so cool going into Barbara Mandrills house, and to see her personal clothes, shoes and the neon signs I loved those. Thank you for taking us into her Mansion, I bet when she lived there it was really something to see.
At 00:35 seconds, that little log cabin and that long shed is where my grandparents and great grandparents lived from 2003 to 2016. So many memories in that log cabin, the creek a little behind it is where I spent all of my childhood. Went on many walks on the trail with my cousins when they lived there and I remember you could see the mansion through the trees and always being told someone famous lived there. Also remember a time we did a haunted hayride and they took us to the mansion while it was still in use
I was there in 2005 and it was used for a wedding venue. On my Salary, I would go broke paying the Power bill and get exhausted trying to dust. A cool and unique place. If I had some of those porches and outdoor spots, I would never work, I could just sit and watch the Wildlife all day. The persoal touches, I find very interesting more so than gaudy. I find it interesting that while normal folk want "the life of a celebrity, most celebrities want the life of a normal person. " Guess the grass always looks greener on the other side
Wikipedia has an accurate and detailed history of Fontanel Mansion all l the owners since Barbara sold it. Kid Rock lives nearby but never owned it. He did visit and had a fan club party there which is when he signed the log post. Hundreds of famous autographs are on those logs.
The Fixer Upper Mysteries was a 3 episode series that didn't last. The series starred famous musician Jewel as Shannon, a renovator who discovers the forgotten about history of one of her projects, including a hidden diary. 'Framed For Murder' was the first episode.
I’ve never understood why they build these massive homes that they don’t have time to enjoy. This one is beautiful but it definitely needs to be used-for something.
I drive by the entrance to this property all the time. It's not far from I24. Take the Joelton/Springfield exit. Head down 431 to nashville. You won't miss it. A few shops on the front property that are also not being used. It still looks nice from the road.
If Barbara Mandrell sold her home, I think you said it sold several times , then I don't think those clothes were hers. One tag said 11/12, that is fairly good size, and I'm pretty sure Ms Mandrell was much smaller. Nice tour tho. It would make a great resort.
What a beautiful mansion wow i loved how they built it such a sad situation thats its abandoned hope someday they will do something with it to let it have people and kids there again thank you Ranger Rick for the amazing tour have a blessed Sunday to you and your family
This is so I can't find the words. I don't want to be too critical. I happen to believe if you don't like what you are seeing, just keep moving on. I wanted to watch this and I'm glad I did. Just want to offer my opinion. I apologize if I come off as rude. That's not my intention. But after reading the comments, being a fan of Barbara Mandrell and knowing what I know, please do some research on these "abandoned" homes. It's not weird having a gun range in your home, especially if you want to teach your family how to defend themselves. It's where we are now. It's not safe ANYWHERE anymore. I did enjoy this but please do more research beforehand then it would be even more entertaining and interesting for your viewers. Pretty cool that you were able to be there. It's quite a place. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day. God bless you.
Barbara Mandrell was in a serious car accident in 1991. The other driver crossed the center line and hit Mandrell’s car head on. The other driver was killed instantly. Mandrell had a lot of injuries, and had a lengthy recuperation time after the accident. I imagine some of the ramps and perhaps even the elevator may have been installed at that time.
Actually, Barbara and Ken did not want to sue the family. She felt bad the young man died. In the State of Tennessee, it is a Law the requires legal action be taken. Ken and Barbara both stated they did not sue the family. The State did that, Their own insureance eventually paid for the damages. @@pamtanner516
Thank you for this tour! Such a beautiful home! Would love to buy it and turn it into a bed and breakfast! I have so many inspired ideas to make this place a home and retreat for all 😊 maybe I could win the lottery 🙏
The entrance looks like the entrance to a coliseum or civic center. Host says “This is soooo cozy!” Lol. I’m sure it was nicer when it was furnished. Nothing about this structure feels like home. It’s just a big cavernous structure. No it’s not cozy.
That's why it is sort of abandoned as far as no one living in the mansionm. A lot of area's of this 30,000 sq ft mansion aren't in use it's too empty and not homey..
An updated location for the movie, "The Shining", would be great here or some other spooky movie. I would not venture thru here alone. But fasinating all the same.
That is so funny that you mentioned that because when he went into that colored bathroom, I thought geeez, theres gonna be an ugly, wrinkled scary woman in that bathtub from The Shining!!! That hotel does exist in Oregon, its called the Timberline or something. This house reminds me of it. Theres no maze outside, of course. The maze was fake and filled with tons of salt. All done at Pinewood Studios in England, except for the distant views of the hotel.
I worked as a tour guide at Fontanel and took groups through the mansion many times. It was furnished with some of the original furniture that Barbara had in storage and it was on loan. Nothing shown in the video was original to the time Barbara lived there except for the glass-top table in the kitchen. All the clothes etc shown didn’t belong to Barbara but was used for parties and events long after it became a tour destination and then event space. The room that was called a recording studio was actually the family’s gym with workout machines and a tanning bed. It made me incredibly sad to see it neglected now. Barbara’s daughter Jaime Dudney was my boss as a tour guide and knew everything about its history. She was hired by the new owners as manager for the tours. All the guides were musicians and we all sang on our tours. Nothing lasts forever I guess. And as far as I know Kid Rock never owned it. He lived next door on his own property but visited a lot after it became a tour and restaurant. I think the hiking g trails are still open and not sure the zip line biz is still going. It was such a happy place to work.
What the heck!? All the power was on and the furnace was totally running!? You can hear what sounds like the blower and burners running when he opened the door to that furnace room, Crazy! I can’t imagine what it costs to heat the building!
Its not abandoned. He got permission to be there. Looks like work being done around there. Computer systems are too new. I saw an episode of Crisley Knows Best filmed there a few yrs ago. Also a Chase bbq going on featuring Hank Williams, Jr.
@@janetphillips2875 You don't hear about the Crisley's anymore , do you ??? Another scandle about the FAmily aka Wannabes !! Any Reality Shows who all want to be famous , all they are a bunch of Wannabes!!! To make a fast buck $$$$.
At 33 min. And like 26 secs, into this video when he is in the what he calls library room but it's like the grand room or something like that and he goes and says" this ladder moves", as he goes to move it, you can clearly hear somebody yelling off in the distance! That is so freaky! Does anybody else notice it and hear it? I even have to play it back a few times because I thought that's not what I was really hearing but it's very very clear and he just says does anybody hear that? And then he persists to keep moving on but I don't blame him because that would cause him to totally be freaked out the whole time so well done on that sir lol...
Dang it okay never mind it's been proven that it was actually kids outside playing... I almost thought I can call myself a real life ghost hunter or should I say listener LMFAO 😂😆😂😆😂😆... Shut up!
Maybe not abandoned, but it does look pretty rough. He mentioned current owners were planning some kind of glamping resort with cabins around the Property. But a 30k sq. ft. home with no views? Big boo boo for me. Between the Plandemic & building/reno costs it sounds like it's all on hold or they just want to unload it. I do want to watch Barbara's tour to see it in peak form & learn more. I am sure there are a lot of happy memories there. It also looks like it never had a real 'redo' ever😅 Hell I see worn decor, colors, style, design elements that scream 1980s/early 90's if you can believe it. Also, it does look like a choppy design with oversized mega rooms. Boy, log home construction & incredible design techniques have come a long long way as log home fans know. I'm sure the heating/cooling tech for a home that size is nightmarishly outdated & costs a literal fortune just heat/cool & maintain. That indoor gun range tho👍
The three bears represent Ken & Barbara kids Matthew, Jamie & Nathan. In the bar/billiard room the area with the small juke boxes was not a stage area, there were two diner tables (the post went in the holes on the floor, each table having diner booths, the neon signs were the families favorite snacks
I agree ,I was wondering why Barbara would abandon it . I was thinking that she might have went bankrupt or something.I am glad to to hear she just downsized .
Barbara didn't abandon the mansion.. Barbara sold it because their children grew up and moved out (except for their youngest maybe) so they downsized.. If I'm remembering correctly the most recent buyer was the company that bought the mansion to turn it into a hotel or something similar.. That company never started or completed that renovation so now some areas of the massive mansion are used but it's not anyone's home.. 😢..
I just discovered your fantastic channel. I love abandoned mansion adventures, and you hit the mother load. I just subscribed and can't wait to watch more videos!
Definitely late 80's to 90's decor. Especially that white fireplace. That fur is called a Blue Fox fur coat. I have one that was passed down to me that I don't wear. They were pricey back then. Those clothes have got to be for impersonators bc that was exactly how she dressed in the 90's. Probably wedding entertainment. Absolutely LOVE the log mansion, just needs major updating as far as decor goes.
I don't blame Barbara for selling. Way too big and just imagine how much it cost to keep a staff to clean and security and the electric bill was probably several thousands a month.
Interesting to see this unique architecture, even if some of the facts sketchy. Go find the 1999 HGTV interview of her showing and explaining a number of the different parts of the home with her decorating at the time, and getting to see it’s full glory as they were using it.
Way to go . The property had probably been winterized and by turning on the faucet, the winterization process for that room could have been depleted. It's a beautiful house, but far too big
I remember seeing this beautiful house in People magazine.. Hubby Ken was a Navy pilot, kids I think were Matthew, Jamie and Nathaniel. I never forgot how cool this house was; first time I realized what staggering wealth looked like.
So, Barbara and her husband put the home and acreage on the market for like $15m. Didn’t sell after reducing the price. Finally sold at auction for like $2m. Group that bought included group Alabama’s management among others. They eventually sold to an investment based in Chicago I believe.
Hey Ranger Rick - so how are you able to go into such places legally? Are you insinuating that if a door access point is unlocked then you can freely explore? Thank you for explaining
Video was done with permission, the property is now under video surveillance.
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@@loraleighdoxin thank you. I’ve been to that house over 100 times . Just saying
@@pennyholt7656as a guest?
No I was the catering CEO for years
Scroll on then
I've spilled o few seeds thinking about those sexy Mandrel sisters back when I was young 🎉🎉🎉❤
I serviced and inspected the electronic fire alarm in the mansion for several years. Know every inch of it. I haven't been there since 2017 though. When she sold the mansion, some furnishings were left but none of her personal effects. The clothes are not hers. They belong to entertainment groups that occasionally perform there. The most personal thing she left behind was outside next to the side wall in a pet cemetery garden. Several of her pets are buried there with stone markers. You left much of the rooms out, including her bedroom and the rooms that were reserved for her sisters. The last time I was there it was furnished and spotless. Looks very unkept now but I am certain it is not abandoned. I suspect you were given permission to tour. I am retired now so I did enjoy seeing it again. I always thought it was a beautiful home.
Wow, how nice you could be there. I did suspect she would not leave her personal belongings. And I agree the place is not kept up to par, what a shame.
Misleading!!!! She did not abandon it.
It says she sold it, and has been sold a few times since.
Yes, she did sell it for sure. It changed hands with Entertainment venues a few times. I hope someone saves this House, it is just amazing.
I thought she sold this massive estate,,a very long time ago. She retired from show business and if you aren't earning over two million a year to pay for property taxes, maintenance and upkeep. I recall this house being seen in interview's back in the 1990's. THIS home is really huge,,ahead of it's time. You would expect someone like Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey or Tiger Woods to have purchased this as an investment.
Just yesterday, I caught Lori Ann Cooke (Ralph Emery TNN The Nashville Network) that did a tour with Barbara herself that touched on her near fatal car crash with her 2 older kids. Drunk driver was killed. Her injuries took months into years to recoup. The mansion was built with heavy emphasis on the 3 kids. The youngest child was conceived after the wreck. Her pain meds were stopped due to the pregnancy. Turned into a blessing so she could crawl out of the heavy narcotic fog you have as pain management had changed her into the opposite of her sweet generous self. I hope she, Ken and the children are well. They touched so many lives. Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters was like Gunsmoke, Sonny and Cher...and you just didn't miss te weekly shows. I am 68 years old in February 2024. Thank you for the tour.
I remember that
Ohhhhh I want to watch it
Thanks for the info ❤
I didn't know anything about that 😢
I'm 51. I remember watching the show with my parents. We all enjoyed it! Wow, bringing back memories . Those years were so much better than today 😩🥲
I remember watching Barbara & Louise many times on their shows. So much talent! I had a huge crush on Louise. Thanks for sharing.😊
I wanted ALL of em at the same time 🎉🎉🎉
And erlene
Not sure why this popped up but very cool.
I sold them some business equipment around 1995-96 and they had me deliver it and set it up.
That room with the desks and monitors used to be the office for them. I didn’t get to see much but seeing it in person was pretty neat.
Hey, Ranger Rick some info to help you on this one. Ken and Barbara had this Home Custom designed and built. The Big Tub in Barabara's bathroom was Measered to conform to her back contour and size. Ken added the Shooting Range, it is a 80 foot long range. He was retired Navy, wanted their family to know how to handle guns. They all used that shooting range. The Bar area upstairs was an Ice Cream Parlor for the Kids, they would hangout up there with their friends. The Glass Dining Table was originally under that Amazing Chystal Chandolier in what was the original dining room. There were tables and chairs by those Jukebox selectors by the big window in the Ice Cream Parlor. The log out front laying on the ground with the Bear carving on it was a sculpture originally. The Logs stood upright in the planter by the brick wall. There were three bears, each one representing each of Barbara's children. Off to the right of that brick wall area is a high garage with a tall garage door. Barabara kept her personalized Tour Bus in there. As you approach the home from the drive way facing the huge Atrium where the Pool is. That square paved spot was Ken's helipad. He had a Bell Helecopter and that was where he kept it. Most Amazing Home I have ever seen ! I grew up listening to Barbara's music as far back as the early 1970's. Amazing Singer and Musican ! 😊
Thank you so much for filling us in.
@@RangerRickTVIthink it is awesome that your utube viewers have such great knowledge of Barbara cabin home and how they lived in it
Why would Barbara abandon this home
@trayline9838 She built this mansion @ the height of her career & income. Eventually, her income declined & expenses increased.
Simple math problem; easily fixed. Downsize.
Barbara said in an Interview with Ralph Emery on NASHVILLE NOW. A time would come when she retires and downsizes. When her children are grown she did retire to a smaller home. You know, Entertainers Host events and parties with Friends, Family, and even Organizations. Her home was used for those purposes. I have been a Barbara fan since I was a Teen. Wonderful Memories of attending her Concerts every year. AMAZING Entertainer. I would have Hoped something Better would have become of FONTANEL. Sad to see a Beautiful place like that just left...
Wow, there is a video from around 1999 here on UA-cam of Barbara giving a tour. I remember watching one of her first televised tours back in the late 80s or early 90s on TNN, the Nashville Network of her giving a tour. I was a young kid when I saw it. It left an impression on me. First time I had ever seen a house so big. I think of it from time to time. My parents and I watched the tour together. She talked of her car accident that almost almost killed her. I remember when she was in the accident. I was only 6 yrs old at the time, and i remember my parents talking about her car she and her kids were in when they got hit head on, was a Jaquar. Ever since then, when I see a Jaguar car on the highway I think of Barbara Mandrell. Wow, time has flown by. Thanks for showing what it looks like now, and for the memories. Those clothes are not the Mandrells. Probably from various people who have used the home for various venues. I remember Barbara was a tiny lady. That was another thing I remember from her tour and how she showed how they had the whirlpool tub custom fit to her size. Stay safe out there. Oh..I just saw the original tour I saw on TNN., just as I am writing this. It was 1992, Lori Anne Crook gave the interview and tour.
A link would be nice.
Give us the link
Stark reminder that a home is just a building, but home is a feeling. A corner where the tree goes, A chair and couch with a T.V and a place for the clicker, an attic and garage filled with worthless junk that to you is priceless. It has ghosts and memories of joy and heartbreak; it is where dreams and nightmares share your sleep. A photograph captures a moment in time, and time never stops it just changes fast and slow, and home just remains a small portion of your soul.
How poetic…😉
That's a very beautiful way to think of home.
@@debbiec6216 Debbie I am going to big girl talk at you now so please listen, there is no such thing as ghost, dead is dead and it is only the arrogance of man to wish it not so. But take heart because life is limited it is spectacular, so embrace it. Trouble not your mind with childish fantasy.
I don't even know how that can feel like a home not when you need a map to get around and that goes for most of these super rich houses. I would need something way smaller to seem like home.
Beautifully stated, friend!
Thank you for this. I feel like I'm watching with my mom and Grammy who have both passed ❤ they loved her
I saw an interview with Barbara done at this beautiful home. Decorated so wonderfully. Her son was young, 10ish, zip line was for him.I
Zip line was put in after she sold..
I don't know who to believe everybody on UA-cam comments is an expert 😂😂😂
@@uuuultra I am no expert , I just tell the truth and that's the only way to be !!
@@randycrabtree3636 Exactly. It was part of the hiking trails and attractions added after it became a tourist attraction.
Abandoned places like this are so sad. I can imagine the joy that once took place here. Kids could play hide and seek inside and never be found.
It's not abandoned they are lights on
@@uuuultra Not actually abandoned. It went up for auction in 2022 after being a very successful tourist attraction and event center. It is currently privately owned.
My Brad was an Event Planner for Fontainel, I got to tour while he was working. Beautiful Mansion
Love the name❤
I just watched a show the other night that showed the house fully stocked and Barbara still live there. It is a beautiful home.
After watching this I looked up video of her giving a tour of the home. So interesting and intriguing to see what it used to look like and how she decorated. It really was beautiful.
Yes, Barbara has Great Taste. The House and everything she put in it was Beautiful.
I will have to look the video up also. I saw the tour of it years ago and it was not spooky but being empty and stuff it looks spooky.
Yes I agree a beautiful mansion
I remember the day she was on tv showing off this beautiful mansion and her children who were little at the time she loved that house so much. I don't know if it was entertainment tonight or who was but you need to look up the old video of her showing how the inside of this mansion looked just a few months after she moved in. She had it decorated so beautiful
This estate was very famous during her generation of the 1980's-1990's..
I think it's very sad to see that place setting empty. 😢
Indeed. Sure hope the Great property gets rescued.
Not vacant
Can you imagine the expenses she and her husband would have to doll out,,had they not sold it in 2002"?? Especially now with inflation in 2024...best thing they did was sell this property before the Enron , Hurricane Katrina and the Fanny Mae, Freddie Mac debacle in 2008.
Back around the time they had the place designed and built. Barbara was on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery. They talked a little about FONTANEL. Barbara said her Monthly Utility Bills for one month were almost the cost of a year's bills from their previous home near Old Hickory Lake. Imagine Heating and cooling all that square footage. I am sure the Fireplaces helped. She also said in the interview when she reached retirement she and Ken would downsize after the Kids were grown and on their own. Being the Entertainer of the Year Two Years in a row. You need a place to entertain. She even had visits from the U.S. President. @@gigigiseleworld
Why aren’t they living in it… did they sell it?
That sewing machine you showed at the end, was a special kind of sewing machine. It sewed rhinestones, sequences and all that glitters, onto clothing...because most of the time, most everything Barbara wore sparkled.
I think it's called a "surger" if you're into sewing.
I just ran across this by mistake and am still watching your video.
I believe back in 2014 is when I toured the mansion.
It cost $26.00. There was a gift shop that sold her memorabilia and her pretty red, turquoise, orange or gold fancy boots. To which i bought one of each color.
There was a restaurant and deli shop. The plans were to build a Holiday Inn Hotel on the property.
The bus drove you back about 2 miles from the gift shop.
On the right you would pass an arena with bleachers to enjoy concerts.
Arriving to the front entrance it's explained how Barbara's husband had all the logs specially transported from Colorado ?? and were hand picked by a well known log cabin contractor.
The house is 27,000 square feet. And that special log cabin contractor, built the house.
The bears are designed and carved out of the original logs. The dining room table, being fit for a queen was crafted large enough for the entire family then some. Our tour guide was a young man named Jimmy. He was as nice and down to earth as can be. He sang us a song and was telling us, in order to work at the museum, you had to be a singer / musician.
I do believe he has recorded a few songs since then. You were allowed the try on Kenny's jacket or pluck the guitar. And even play the piano if you wanted.
I forget the famous person who donated that.
Ran in to Jamie, Barbara's daughter who was working vigorously cleaning the kitchen.
We had our picture taken with her and she was as nice as pie.
The museum was being used for a writers retreat. Many of the writer's/singers would go there for piece and quiet to write their music.
The area, somewhat of a balcony, that looked down onto the wooden room area with memorabilia in glass cases, was where Barbara would stand to sing her songs to the quests.
The in door pool actually had a clear glass cover to act as a dance floor during parties.
Barbara's bedroom was set up to have your picture taken while eating CRACKERS IN HER BED ANYTIME.
The museum was actually being managed at that time by Kenny Chesney and the Mandrell sisters management company.
Barbara and family were not living there.
I have sang many of her song's when doing Karaoke and truly felt a particular closeness
when touring her home. Barbara is a beautiful person, we wish her and her family well.
Personally, I felt violated for the family while watching this video. For those whom have commented negetivity, this museum at one time was a warm beautiful home, hidden in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. It made me want to move there, it was so beautiful.
Thank you for your video who ever you are.
My suggestion would be, before rambling through persons property's, take some time to familiarize yourself with the history of our prominent celebrities who have brought joys to many homes through the years.
Thank you again,
Brenda
Wow thank you very much Brenda for filling us all in. I appreciate your input.
Oh and thanks for your sub !
I remember this mansion was featured on the Travel Channel with other mansions including Gerry Spence’s mansion. I don’t remember the year it aired. Probably aired in the 1990s or early 2000s because the aspect ratio is in 4:3. There’s a clip of the show on UA-cam titled “The Fontanel Featured on The Travel Channel’s “Cabin Fever”
Thanks for the information.
That was not beer taps but a soda / ice cream floats bar where pool table is. All those stainless held things like cherries, nuts, sprinkles, whip cream
Yes, I instantly recognized that to be an ice cream bar. Also, the neon sign said Barabaras Big Bad Banana Boat....not BLG .....🙄🙄
@@janetphillips2875this guy’s a idiot.
@@janetphillips2875makes sense
@@janetphillips2875❤ Yes, Thank You - I was going to post this as well. I got so annoyed hearing him say blg🙄🥴
WHEN a House or building has working Lights & water....someone is paying for that to be working (aka) *Not an Abandoned Home!!!!!
Spent half a day touring this mansion! Saw Buck Owen’s famous guitar. It was furnished when our church group toured it. After touring the mansion there was a restaurant as you drive in. Was great food but the mansion is / Was such a cool place to tour!
I would say that he does have permission to do this tour and record it and put it on social media. No way would that mansion be left unlocked unless whoever is responsible for it, forgot to lock it back. Ranger Rick would be in all kinds of trouble doing this, if he did not have permission. As would whoever left the door unlocked. I would expect there would be cameras inside and outside the property as well. This is a well known place around Nashville.
Way too clean, grounds well kept on top of the utilities still on. Definitely not the typical “abandoned” residence. Nice to virtually walk thru none the less. 😉
Camera work is tops. Barf.
I don't think so. There's another youtuber from a year ago who was able to get in the house also. But alot of the doors inside were locked.
Not to mention all the security cameras etc that you can see on the property
Notice how he talks quietly like someone outside might hear him, like he's afraid that someone might catch him in there.
It was open for tours a few years ago. It was partially furnished at the time and the tour guide played a grand piano for us. There were signed guitars hanging on the walls also.
Nice tour despite all the inaccuracies. Barbara did several tours for TV that you can find here on UA-cam to get more accurate info. FYI the three bears throughout the house represent Barbara & Ken's three children.
Yes, and why is that one just laid over in tge driveway??? Those things cost big money to have carved.
Ranger Rick, next time you come across a fancy expensive coat like the fur one, look on the inside seam by the pocket. All the tags are there. Thanks for the tour. I kind of thought the " bar room" was an ice cream bar for the kids.
With all the kids that would be there when family and friends came, they would definitely need a fun place to hang out when it was raining. 😊
Deal!
Excellent tour! I'm a native Nashvillan, and I grew up in the era when Barbara was at her peak of fame along with her sisters. I've forgotten her sisters' names, but I remember all of the Mandrell sisters looked alike. Believe it or not but "Fontanelle" is in an URBAN/SUBURBAN area of Nashville, and if you get on the interstate, you could be in downtown Nashville on Lower Broad in 15 to 20 minutes! I doubt if there are any bears around there now, but maybe some deer and coyotes. My church is about a block up the road from this place, and each week I passed by it I was curious about what the mansion looked like because it is situated far back from the road where it is located, Whites Creek Pike. There are several outbuildings in front of the mansion sitting close to Whites Creek Pike that house restaurants and a wine tasting facility that were very, very popular with tourists before the Covid-19 pandemic. But now they seem to be closed down now except the wine tasting bar. A few years ago there were zoning signs on the property, and the rumor was the owners were going to build a hotel. The zoning signs have been gone for a long time. The surrounding neighborhood consists of mostly middle class 3/4 bedroom houses, although across the road are some two-story large almost mansion type houses. Thanks for the tour! 👍👍😊😊
Louise & Irlene.
I too am a native Nashvillian it was called Fontenal
@@cwilson6990 Strange name.
@@vickiross1025 I was never a country music fan so even though I was aware of Barbara and Louise I never paid any attention. I couldn't tell you any of their songs. I remember Louise because that is my name also. I wasn't even aware there was a 3rd sister.
Irlene was not in the Music Business, but did acting. On the Barbara Mandrel show, she played the "Blond Bimbo Stereotype" and was Comic Relief. She was always my favorite of tbe three and played percussion instruments in the Do-Rite Band portion of the show.
A gun range would not be random for a lot of southerners. A gun library and range is #1 on my husbands lottery purchases lol
Thanks for the additional info in the comments going out to those who posted it. As usual, I wish that many of the people who tour these magnificent structures would do a little more research on the buildings before going in or before posting. I’ve done historical research on buildings all over Colorado and always researched the buildings and talked to local town historians. I’ve also had amazing apple pie with old ladies who really enjoyed telling stories. You should try it sometime.
She was my favorite woman country singer. When i was growing up in the 70s and 80s. I even have her sisters, Louise Mandrells country music trivia game to this day. The copyright year was 1984.
That s right up my ally!
My sister is building a log cabin. It is amazing how huge the logs are.
Just went back and read the article on Barbara’s mansion. She and husband Ken Dudley sold the mansion in 2002. It has been sold 29:05 a few times since. The last buyer bought the mansion in 2019, but covid when hit it’s been empty since.
This makes sense, COVID kind of Stopped many things.
This needs to be sold as a bed and breakfast motel
@@arizonaalchemy7572covid was a government scare tactic
At the end of the video, you could feel the heartbeat of the home as it is in a deep deep slumber, waiting, waiting for it's family to come once again. Most things in ones life leave us not to be seen or thought of again. It's the times or memories of our lives that make us who we are today and they come alive once more to relive in our hearts and minds on into eternity. Tks for the tour,
My dad was a huge Barbara Mandrell fan and he named me after her😊
Great, and a awesome singer
@lisaparsons4124 Yes, she is!!
But your name says Shellie.
@@Sacred_Fire Shellie is my first name.
@@shellieolson4785Shellie Barbara hmm 🤔
Living in Nashville, we never took the opportunity to tour when tours were available. Thank you for posting this. It was great.
The 3 Bears Represented her 3 Kids,The Ones Outside Too,Awesome Home
Oh wow I forgot about her. I can't wait to see this! Thank you ahead of time
Thanks for letting us tag along!
The mansion is very beautiful.I remember Barbara Mandrel in the 90sA awesome singer.Thanks for the video from Morrow Ga.
That house is bizarre looking I do not get the layout at all Not my cup of tea
Same. Seeing all those huge logs with big slits where cracks were going up and down them. I saw a lot of rot in different places that I think he tried to keep out of view. I watch a lot of renovation shows and seeing how some of the doors didn't close correctly and how some of the wood pieces drawers and doors on them were misaligned - someone clearly didn't take care of that place. It doesn't look like anyone spent any money on keeping it up or updating the fixtures. The place looks creepy to me. The floorplan screams wander at your own risk. I wouldn't have felt safe there at all.
The plans they had to make it into cabins would have worked for adventure camping and outdoors exploring events and whatever but as a 'mansion' home, definitely weird
Umm, this place clearly has not been lived in, really lived in, likely for quite a few years. Things like door seal integrity, cleanliness, etc., happen in abandoned buildings, especially where wood is involved. Keep in mind, the interior of this place more than likely hasn't been "environmentally controlled", if at all, let alone maintained, for a long time so it has slowly been decaying (for lack of a better word). It doesn't take very long for Mother Nature to take over when you allow her to. @@cassiebanks
@@cassiebanksJesus, somebody watches a few HGTV shows and suddenly they’re an expert on home construction. You’ve obviously never been in a log cabin as all those “big slits” (🍑😜🤣) are perfectly normal.
And it does not have to be does it? You won't be living there.
I toured it back around 10 years ago. The wooden bears are representative of her family. Especially her children. So each child had their own carved wooden bear. That motif was in other places in the house too. The room right by front door was a dining room. that chandelier matched the shape of the table. So it wasn't a regular rectangular, but custom made so both ends flared inward so everyone had a better view of the others at the table. Barbara had her bathroom designed for herself but added the urinal for her husband. The personal effects in this video weren't hers. They were added by others. It was a fascinating tour and home.
I remember Barbara being interviewed in her new log mansion, I loved the place, but I was wondering how long she would be able to afford to live there. The cost of maintaining the place would be astronomical.
Barbara was very wealthy and so is her husband still....they didn't sell cuz of $$ it was just too big and kids leaving etc...
She wasnt broke like most of us
No one needs a place to live in that large.
@@katielove9932 It was a private "get away" and family and friends retreat kind of place.
Money was different and worth more in the 1970's to 90's, so I am certain she and Ken had plenty. It's awesome that she opened it up to so many friends and family to enjoy with her. Barbara was wonderful, as well as her 2 sisters Louise and Irlene. I really miss this era, it was the best!
The bright lights in the bathroom are awesome for applying makeup
Yeah...as a woman I was shouting "It's a woman's bathroom area! Of course there's tremendous lighting!" 🙄
I am not sure why, but this house CREEPS me out. :/
Me too
Nothing cozy about it.
It doesn’t feel like a home at all - or a log cabin even. It’s like living in a shopping mall or bass pro shop 😕 but it was designed for them, so who cares what I think lol They surely loved it
It is creepy, and does not have a homey feel at all.
I wouldn't be interested in touring it at all, creepy.
Well this is not abandoned, no one lives there but there is people owning this mansion and i know you was given a key to make a tour, also i know that there are people there on a regular basis. How ever, this is a really cool mansion and a great tour.. thanks
I was there in 2017 and it was decorated with all the guitars and so many memorables one of the guys there said Kid Rock is spotted there sometimes. Now I know he was the owner at that time. Sad to see it abandoned like this. They had a zip line a lot of people used. Down below the hill of the home there were shops and one sold wines from a winery nearby.
I find it hard to believe that place is abandoned. Someone is paying for the electricity since all the lights work. You did mention some investor has it and it has been rented out for wedding venues. And then I go to see the comments and you pinned yours stating you had permission to video record it. So... it isn't abandoned. It isn't in much use at the time you recorded the premises.
I do give you a thumbs up on showing the scale of this facility. Would be great if they did open it up to the public. Turn it into a hotel of sorts or a vacation spot. It's a gorgeous place.
She and Ken didn't 'buy' the mansion, they built it. Ken's business was in logging and building log homes. And Fontanel also means 'new beginnings' which is really why she chose the name Fontanel for the property.
It refers to the soft spot on a baby’s head because she wanted a soft place to go.
I just watched your video. I was in her years ago at Fan Fair now CMA fest. We was 37:59 invited to a special gathering her with Jihn Rich and Gretchen Wilson. So cool. The bears in the kitchen represented all of her children. One of the poles in kitchen has her children height marked as they grew, kind if sad to leave behind. The bar area, all the neon again each name was Barbara, Ken (spouse) all her children in name. I was chosen to sing on the stage with the guy playing guitar, I sang Loretta Lynn's Coal Minor daughter lol. Her bedroom was awesome. All the lighting to be able to glamor herself. The upstairs was their private area abd entertained in large greatroom. Heliport large circle right outside. Storme that you saw last name Warrmen big country dj. Many famous country and Hollywood stars here. Thank you. Sad to see the destruction, though !
Sandy Pridemore
This would be a great place for a Hotel with horse back riding and hiking trails..a great getaway to relax and have fun. . ..Have an added Spa for anybody..❤❤
It really is!
One of the previous developers had plans to turn the place into a resort, but, those plans fell through.... 🤷🏻♀
I have always been a huge Barbara Mandrell fan. Her sisters too!! How amazing to see this former home!! Ty!!
Hi Rick, oh wow that was so cool going into Barbara Mandrills house, and to see her personal clothes, shoes and the neon signs I loved those. Thank you for taking us into her Mansion, I bet when she lived there it was really something to see.
Barbara’s house is just WAY too huge.
What makes you think them are Barbara Mandrills cloths?
The house has switch hands a couple of times and has been rented out
Those are not Barbara's clothes and personal items. This home hosted Venues and events after Barbara and her family moved out.
Glad you enjoyed it
@RangerRickTV you know nothing about the place..
Cozy?!!! That’s a stretch. Lol That entire house is HIDEOUS! Love you Barbara! ❤
I don't feel the cozy, but it's quite a mansion.
At 00:35 seconds, that little log cabin and that long shed is where my grandparents and great grandparents lived from 2003 to 2016. So many memories in that log cabin, the creek a little behind it is where I spent all of my childhood. Went on many walks on the trail with my cousins when they lived there and I remember you could see the mansion through the trees and always being told someone famous lived there. Also remember a time we did a haunted hayride and they took us to the mansion while it was still in use
I was there in 2005 and it was used for a wedding venue. On my Salary, I would go broke paying the Power bill and get exhausted trying to dust. A cool and unique place. If I had some of those porches and outdoor spots, I would never work, I could just sit and watch the Wildlife all day. The persoal touches, I find very interesting more so than gaudy. I find it interesting that while normal folk want "the life of a celebrity, most celebrities want the life of a normal person. " Guess the grass always looks greener on the other side
Wikipedia has an accurate and detailed history of Fontanel Mansion all l the owners since Barbara sold it. Kid Rock lives nearby but never owned it. He did visit and had a fan club party there which is when he signed the log post. Hundreds of famous autographs are on those logs.
The Fixer Upper Mysteries was a 3 episode series that didn't last. The series starred famous musician Jewel as Shannon, a renovator who discovers the forgotten about history of one of her projects, including a hidden diary. 'Framed For Murder' was the first episode.
Celebrities go way over the top when building a house. I couldn't imagine living in a 30,000 square foot home.
That’s not a home. It’s just a massive structure
I’ve never understood why they build these massive homes that they don’t have time to enjoy. This one is beautiful but it definitely needs to be used-for something.
Yes I suppose they go overboard because they can
@@ArleneElvin-sy7qi They get their hands on a little money & spend, like drunken sailors.....
Not very homey. More like an old mountain retreat hotel type of a place.
I drive by the entrance to this property all the time. It's not far from I24. Take the Joelton/Springfield exit. Head down 431 to nashville. You won't miss it. A few shops on the front property that are also not being used. It still looks nice from the road.
Barbara hadn’t lived in this house for years ! She sold it , so anything that is left was not hers.
Exactly! All that stuff is leftover from productions the did there after she sold it
I used to be a huge fan of Barbara Mandrell. Enjoyed this video
If Barbara Mandrell sold her home, I think you said it sold several times , then I don't think those clothes were hers. One tag said 11/12, that is fairly good size, and I'm pretty sure Ms Mandrell was much smaller. Nice tour tho. It would make a great resort.
Yes he keeps saying she left behind but he also said she sold it to someone. Which is it?
Yeah, Barbara Mandrell is tiny, maybe a size 6. And they sold the house in 2002. It's been sold a few times since.
The clothes belong to people hired who came to entertain guests. They held events and venues there.
makes it seem like he's making it up as he went alone@@diannaf.2919
I going with the gun range was possibly installed by kid Rock.
What a beautiful mansion wow i loved how they built it such a sad situation thats its abandoned hope someday they will do something with it to let it have people and kids there again thank you Ranger Rick for the amazing tour have a blessed Sunday to you and your family
This is so I can't find the words. I don't want to be too critical. I happen to believe if you don't like what you are seeing, just keep moving on. I wanted to watch this and I'm glad I did. Just want to offer my opinion. I apologize if I come off as rude. That's not my intention. But after reading the comments, being a fan of Barbara Mandrell and knowing what I know, please do some research on these "abandoned" homes. It's not weird having a gun range in your home, especially if you want to teach your family how to defend themselves. It's where we are now. It's not safe ANYWHERE anymore. I did enjoy this but please do more research beforehand then it would be even more entertaining and interesting for your viewers. Pretty cool that you were able to be there. It's quite a place. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day. God bless you.
I remember when she first built this house and she gave a tour of it. Its sad she left it now,must be hard to leave all those memeries behind
Barbara Mandrell was in a serious car accident in 1991. The other driver crossed the center line and hit Mandrell’s car head on. The other driver was killed instantly. Mandrell had a lot of injuries, and had a lengthy recuperation time after the accident. I imagine some of the ramps and perhaps even the elevator may have been installed at that time.
Yes she was and did receive much injuries . Wasn't the other driver drinking or was he drunk. ?
@@TXplayneJayne I’m not sure. He was a college student. Afterwards Mandrell tried to sue his estate/family for like 10 million.
The elevator could be required by codes.
@@bettygoss9241 could be! Especially since it was being used for wedding venues
Actually, Barbara and Ken did not want to sue the family. She felt bad the young man died. In the State of Tennessee, it is a Law the requires legal action be taken. Ken and Barbara both stated they did not sue the family. The State did that, Their own insureance eventually paid for the damages. @@pamtanner516
Thank you for this tour! Such a beautiful home! Would love to buy it and turn it into a bed and breakfast! I have so many inspired ideas to make this place a home and retreat for all 😊 maybe I could win the lottery 🙏
The entrance looks like the entrance to a coliseum or civic center. Host says “This is soooo cozy!” Lol. I’m sure it was nicer when it was furnished. Nothing about this structure feels like home. It’s just a big cavernous structure. No it’s not cozy.
That's why it is sort of abandoned as far as no one living in the mansionm. A lot of area's of this 30,000 sq ft mansion aren't in use it's too empty and not homey..
This place looks and feels like a cozy place
I never thought of that much square footage as cozy.
An updated location for the movie, "The Shining", would be great here or some other spooky movie. I would not venture thru here alone. But fasinating all the same.
That is so funny that you mentioned that because when he went into that colored bathroom, I thought geeez, theres gonna be an ugly, wrinkled scary woman in that bathtub from The Shining!!! That hotel does exist in Oregon, its called the Timberline or something. This house reminds me of it. Theres no maze outside, of course. The maze was fake and filled with tons of salt. All done at Pinewood Studios in England, except for the distant views of the hotel.
@@janetphillips2875 There's a hotel ( maybe in the Northwest or Colorado , where they show a hotel . I never watched the shining . Not my cup of tea.
What a gorgeous bathroom Barbara had and a beautiful log mansion!! Just, WOW!! 😲😲
I worked as a tour guide at Fontanel and took groups through the mansion many times. It was furnished with some of the original furniture that Barbara had in storage and it was on loan. Nothing shown in the video was original to the time Barbara lived there except for the glass-top table in the kitchen. All the clothes etc shown didn’t belong to Barbara but was used for parties and events long after it became a tour destination and then event space. The room that was called a recording studio was actually the family’s gym with workout machines and a tanning bed. It made me incredibly sad to see it neglected now. Barbara’s daughter Jaime Dudney was my boss as a tour guide and knew everything about its history. She was hired by the new owners as manager for the tours. All the guides were musicians and we all sang on our tours. Nothing lasts forever I guess. And as far as I know Kid Rock never owned it. He lived next door on his own property but visited a lot after it became a tour and restaurant. I think the hiking g trails are still open and not sure the zip line biz is still going. It was such a happy place to work.
In my day, we musicians worked at Opryland. It was such a unique venue and so much fun!
I was a tour guide, too.
Do you remember Stephanie?
Some of the best days of my life.
Toured this mansion a while back
Very stunning
Sorry to see it abandon
It would take hundreds of thousands of dollars just to keep the place going and not falling into ruin. Great place though.
What the heck!? All the power was on and the furnace was totally running!? You can hear what sounds like the blower and burners running when he opened the door to that furnace room, Crazy! I can’t imagine what it costs to heat the building!
Its not abandoned. He got permission to be there. Looks like work being done around there. Computer systems are too new. I saw an episode of Crisley Knows Best filmed there a few yrs ago. Also a Chase bbq going on featuring Hank Williams, Jr.
@@janetphillips2875 thanks for the info!
@@janetphillips2875Wow thanks for that information..
@@janetphillips2875 You don't hear about the Crisley's anymore , do you ??? Another scandle about the FAmily aka Wannabes !! Any Reality Shows who all want to be famous , all they are a bunch of Wannabes!!! To make a fast buck $$$$.
Right?
I worked here as a singing tour guide and I thought about energy costs a lot .
Fun fact:There are 13 bathrooms!
There's a documentary on UA-cam from the 1990's on UA-cam. It shows what this house looked like when Barbara Mandrel and her family lived there.
At 33 min. And like 26 secs, into this video when he is in the what he calls library room but it's like the grand room or something like that and he goes and says" this ladder moves", as he goes to move it, you can clearly hear somebody yelling off in the distance! That is so freaky! Does anybody else notice it and hear it? I even have to play it back a few times because I thought that's not what I was really hearing but it's very very clear and he just says does anybody hear that? And then he persists to keep moving on but I don't blame him because that would cause him to totally be freaked out the whole time so well done on that sir lol...
Dang it okay never mind it's been proven that it was actually kids outside playing... I almost thought I can call myself a real life ghost hunter or should I say listener LMFAO 😂😆😂😆😂😆... Shut up!
Abandoned is a bit of a stretch there buddy.
Maybe not abandoned, but it does look pretty rough. He mentioned current owners were planning some kind of glamping resort with cabins around the Property. But a 30k sq. ft. home with no views? Big boo boo for me. Between the Plandemic & building/reno costs it sounds like it's all on hold or they just want to unload it. I do want to watch Barbara's tour to see it in peak form & learn more. I am sure there are a lot of happy memories there. It also looks like it never had a real 'redo' ever😅 Hell I see worn decor, colors, style, design elements that scream 1980s/early 90's if you can believe it. Also, it does look like a choppy design with oversized mega rooms. Boy, log home construction & incredible design techniques have come a long long way as log home fans know. I'm sure the heating/cooling tech for a home that size is nightmarishly outdated & costs a literal fortune just heat/cool & maintain. That indoor gun range tho👍
The three bears represent Ken & Barbara kids Matthew, Jamie & Nathan. In the bar/billiard room the area with the small juke boxes was not a stage area, there were two diner tables (the post went in the holes on the floor, each table having diner booths, the neon signs were the families favorite snacks
How is it Barbara Mandrell's abandoned mansion if her and her husband decided to sell ????????
I agree ,I was wondering why Barbara would abandon it . I was thinking that she might have went bankrupt or something.I am glad to to hear she just downsized .
Barbara didn't abandon the mansion.. Barbara sold it because their children grew up and moved out (except for their youngest maybe) so they downsized.. If I'm remembering correctly the most recent buyer was the company that bought the mansion to turn it into a hotel or something similar.. That company never started or completed that renovation so now some areas of the massive mansion are used but it's not anyone's home.. 😢..
I just discovered your fantastic channel. I love abandoned mansion adventures, and you hit the mother load. I just subscribed and can't wait to watch more videos!
Heyyy !
The mansion was built in Tennessee by a country music singer. It shouldn't be surprising that there is a target range in it.
Yeah and there's nothing wrong with having one ..
I was like well he's definitely not from around here nor does he hunt😂
Right, the over the top reaction to the gun range is kind of silly.
Definitely late 80's to 90's decor. Especially that white fireplace. That fur is called a Blue Fox fur coat. I have one that was passed down to me that I don't wear. They were pricey back then. Those clothes have got to be for impersonators bc that was exactly how she dressed in the 90's. Probably wedding entertainment. Absolutely LOVE the log mansion, just needs major updating as far as decor goes.
I don't blame Barbara for selling. Way too big and just imagine how much it cost to keep a staff to clean and security and the electric bill was probably several thousands a month.
After her accident, she couldn’t afford her extravagant lifestyle anymore. She sold it over 20 years ago.
@@susanjelleberg4485 she still doesn't know who she is either.
The back rooms and under ground stuff is what we want to see. Dr Gus Greenfield approved. Grab that tambourine!
Interesting to see this unique architecture, even if some of the facts sketchy. Go find the 1999 HGTV interview of her showing and explaining a number of the different parts of the home with her decorating at the time, and getting to see it’s full glory as they were using it.
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing this with us. Very sad 😢😢
Such a shame that gorgeous property is abandoned. It could be used for so many things!
Wonder if the handicap ramp and elevators were added after her bad car accident? The neon lights are my favorite.
Hopefully this place will be back in order and a destination one day 🙌💯
Way to go . The property had probably been winterized and by turning on the faucet, the winterization process for that room could have been depleted.
It's a beautiful house, but far too big
0:26 Selling a home is entirely different from abandoning it. Tsk tsk tsk.
I remember seeing this beautiful house in People magazine.. Hubby Ken was a Navy pilot, kids I think were Matthew, Jamie and Nathaniel. I never forgot how cool this house was; first time I realized what staggering wealth looked like.
Very Unique. Thanks for exploring.
Glad you enjoyed it
So, Barbara and her husband put the home and acreage on the market for like $15m. Didn’t sell after reducing the price. Finally sold at auction for like $2m. Group that bought included group Alabama’s management among others. They eventually sold to an investment based in Chicago I believe.
Thankyou Rick for an amazing explore of this beautiful Log Cabin, you did a great job, love your video tours ❤
I've heard the same noise
Don't know what it is thouth. I love the house......... I use to listen to her music. Love it.
Hey Ranger Rick - so how are you able to go into such places legally? Are you insinuating that if a door access point is unlocked then you can freely explore? Thank you for explaining
It's okay he's respectful and doesn't steal from the property.. n
Great video. It would be nice if she would buy it back and restore it to its former glory.
Several years ago it eas owned by music producers and they did public tours. My wife and I went. It was great! What in the world happened?
Same! I believe we were there in Aug 2019. The narrative here says it was abandoned in 2018 but that doesn't match the calendar timeline of our tour.