Discover Troll House Cottage: Nashville’s Enchanting Tea Haven and Gift Boutique
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 04 Dec 2025 19:24
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TL;DR: Troll House Cottage Afternoon Tea is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Nashville
Troll House Cottage is a unique and inviting destination located at 222 McGavock Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. Nestled in the eastside neighborhood known as Hip Donelson, this charming Craftsman bungalow offers a whimsical retreat perfect for meeting up with friends. Launched in 2022 by a creative father-daughter team, the cottage exudes warmth and character, with interior designer Damon Johnston transforming the oldest house in the county into a magical woodland-themed space. Visitors can enjoy an unconventional afternoon tea experience called the “Cottage Tea,” which features freshly made, locally sourced Southern delights like traditional biscuits rather than the classic scone. Chef Victoria Johnston delights guests with homemade sweets perfectly paired with a selection of 12+ loose leaf teas by High Garden. The cottage hosts teatimes from Wednesday through Sunday, providing a cozy setting among four rooms filled with handmade local goods, vintage treasures, boutique clothing, plants, and unique gifts. Whether savoring a delightful tea service at one of the intimate bistro tables or browsing the carefully curated gift offerings, Troll House Cottage serves as a charming gathering spot that celebrates community, creativity, and Southern hospitality.
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What people think of Troll House Cottage, based on reviews
As of recent, Troll House Cottage holds a 4.6-star rating based on 117 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Troll House Cottage for its enchanting atmosphere and exceptional tea experience. Many guests appreciate the cottage’s unique approach to afternoon tea, especially the replacement of traditional scones with Southern-style biscuits, emphasizing freshness and local flavors. Positive reviews highlight the cozy setting, the quality and variety of loose leaf teas, and the delicious homemade pastries made by chef Victoria Johnston. Visitors also commend the welcoming vibe created by the personalized service and the eclectic blend of handcrafted gifts and boutique items available throughout the cottage. The interior design and whimsical charm of the historic bungalow receive frequent admiration, making it a memorable place to gather with friends or family. However, some negative feedback mentions limited seating, as only two rooms accommodate bistro tables for teatime guests, occasionally leading to challenges in securing reservations. A few visitors note the $50 price point for the Cottage Tea as on the higher end, though many feel it is justified by the quality and uniqueness of the experience. Overall, the glowing reviews reflect Troll House Cottage as a delightful destination that uniquely combines tea, local culture, and artisanal charm, making it well worth a visit despite minor limitations.
How to reach Troll House Cottage
222 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
FAQ about Troll House Cottage, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Nashville, Tennessee
If you're considering a unique and enchanting spot to gather your friends, Troll House Cottage in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a captivating destination that blends rustic charm with a whimsical, woodland atmosphere. Nestled on McGavock Parkway in the vibrant Donelson neighborhood, this quaint craftsman-style bungalow, originally built in 1927, has been transformed into a magical retreat perfect for creating memorable group experiences. The cottage offers much more than just a place to meet—it invites visitors into a creative space filled with artistry, history, and warmth. Whether you want to enjoy an unconventional afternoon tea, browse locally made crafts, or simply bask in the cozy, inviting environment, Troll House Cottage delivers a refreshing alternative to typical meet-up spots. Its combination of thoughtfully curated spaces, a playful menu blending Southern tradition with tea culture, and a welcoming vibe ensures that every gathering feels special and intimate. This blend is ideal for groups who appreciate both comfort and creativity, making it a prime setting for reconnecting with friends or celebrating small moments together.
Troll House Cottage primarily shines as a destination for its distinctive afternoon tea experience, but it offers a variety of activities and amenities that make it an ideal venue for group meetups. The cottage hosts what it calls a "Cottage Tea," a creative twist on traditional afternoon tea that replaces scones with fresh Southern biscuits and emphasizes locally sourced, homemade treats. This tea service is available Wednesday through Sunday, inviting guests to savor a selection of over a dozen loose-leaf teas from High Garden alongside chef Victoria Johnston’s delectable pastries — culinary creations that emphasize comfort and locality. Beyond teatime, visitors can explore five uniquely decorated rooms filled with handmade gifts, vintage treasures, boutique clothing, and even plants and pet treats crafted by local artisans. This makes Troll House Cottage more than just a tea room; it's a curated gallery of Nashville’s creative spirit. Groups can leisurely browse these rooms, turning a meetup into an exploratory experience where everyone can find something memorable to take home. The cottage's layout, with two cozy bistro-style table areas, encourages casual conversation and fosters a relaxed vibe perfect for intimate group settings.
Troll House Cottage’s ambiance and offerings make it exceptional for hosting friends or family. The setting—a lovingly restored 1927 craftsman bungalow—provides a homey, inviting atmosphere that feels both special and comfortable. Unlike crowded chain cafes or generic event spaces, this cottage imparts an intimate, personal touch thanks to its handcrafted décor and the warmth imbued by its creators. The dual focus on culinary creativity and local artisanship ensures that groups share not only tasty food and drink but also an appreciation for Nashville’s vibrant cultural scene. The property’s modest size and carefully arranged spaces prevent noise from overwhelming conversation, allowing members to connect easily without distractions. Additionally, Troll House Cottage caters to group dynamics by offering flexible reservations (with 48-hour notice) ensuring your party can settle in without stress. Being located in Donelson—a neighborhood known for its friendly vibe and accessibility—the cottage provides easy access with nearby parking, making the meetup seamless from start to finish. The combined experience of delightful food, charming décor, and welcoming service ensures every gathering is memorable and meaningful.
The tea experience at Troll House Cottage is truly one-of-a-kind owing to its blend of Southern culinary tradition with classic tea culture. The Johnston family, visionaries behind the cottage, have redesigned the idea of afternoon tea by substituting traditional English scones with Southern-style biscuits. This shift reflects both creativity and a local flavor that surprises and delights patrons. The menu boasts fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an array of over 12 loose-leaf teas, offering a rich variety for tea lovers. Coupled with the chef’s homemade pastries, the menu is playful yet highly satisfying. Reservations are encouraged to guarantee seating during teatimes, which run Wednesday through Sunday, making it an excellent weekday or weekend ritual for friends. The ambiance—with its handcrafted vintage finds and artistic décor reflecting woodland whimsy—elevates teatime into an immersive experience, stimulating conversation and relaxing the senses. This inventive approach to tea ensures that groups share a culinary moment that’s both delicious and culturally enriching, setting Troll House Cottage apart from more conventional tea venues.
Troll House Cottage doubles as a boutique space showcasing local artistry, providing an enriching complement to its culinary offerings. Guests can explore four beautifully curated rooms filled with handmade gifts such as crafts, artisan honey, boutique clothing, plants, and even pet treats created by local Nashville makers. This makes the cottage a destination for those who appreciate supporting independent artists and finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts. The interior design thoughtfully integrates these items into the cottage’s aesthetic, creating a walk-through gallery feel. For groups, this translates into a unique shared opportunity to discover and discuss local culture beyond just eating and drinking. It also makes the cottage ideal for celebratory gatherings where exchanging small tokens or gifts adds depth and meaning. Visitors often find themselves lingering to browse and enjoy the wide selection of goods, turning a simple meetup into a fuller cultural outing steeped in Nashville’s creative community.
Troll House Cottage’s location in Donelson offers a strategic balance of peaceful neighborhood charm and proximity to Nashville’s main attractions and airport, making it highly accessible for local groups and visitors alike. Situated at 222 McGavock Parkway, the cottage benefits from ample nearby parking and easy navigation, which is important when hosting larger groups. It operates during convenient hours from Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 4 PM, accommodating a variety of scheduling preferences for brunch, midday meetings, or afternoon teas. The requirement for a 48-hour reservation notice allows groups to plan ahead with confidence, ensuring the cottage can prepare for your arrival without last-minute complications. Staff at the cottage emphasize personalized service, often assisting with special requests and accommodations to enhance the group’s experience. Whether you’re planning a casual friends’ reunion, a family celebration, or a creative meeting space, Troll House Cottage’s practical amenities and welcoming atmosphere combine to provide a hassle-free, enjoyable meetup environment.
Troll House Cottage caters especially well to groups seeking an intimate, culturally rich experience rather than large, noisy gatherings. Small to medium-sized groups of friends, family, or co-workers looking for a relaxed environment to connect over delicious food, tea, and artisanal goods will find this venue ideal. Its cozy rooms and thoughtfully arranged seating foster deep, uninterrupted conversations, which makes it perfect for birthday gatherings, book clubs, creative brainstorming sessions, or casual catch-ups. The cottage’s design and offerings also appeal to groups with an appreciation for aesthetics, handmade crafts, and regional culture — those who want their meetups to be an experiential treat rather than just a meal. Since the space is not rented for large parties but encourages reservations for teatimes and private orders, it creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and calm. Groups looking for a blend of culinary creativity, boutique shopping, and a village-like ambiance in Nashville will find Troll House Cottage a standout option worthy of a return visit.
Beyond onsite experiences, Troll House Cottage provides catering services, extending its delicious and lovingly crafted culinary offerings to private events and group gatherings elsewhere. This is an excellent option for groups who want to enjoy the cottage’s renowned homemade sweets, Southern biscuits, and specialty teas at a preferred location, such as home or an office. The catering team works closely with clients to tailor menus that fit the event’s size, style, and preferences, ensuring a memorable culinary experience regardless of the venue. This flexibility allows groups to benefit from Troll House Cottage’s distinctive food and drink without the constraints of the physical cottage space, perfect for larger gatherings or special occasions. Online ordering is also available, streamlining the process of bringing the cottage’s unique flavors to your event. For groups that value convenience alongside quality, these services expand the reach of Troll House Cottage, making it not only a meetup destination but also a reliable gourmet partner for celebrations and events.
In summary, Troll House Cottage stands out as a remarkable venue for friends and family meetups in Nashville. Its combination of a whimsical cottage atmosphere, inventive Southern-inspired tea service, and support of local artisans offers visitors an experience rich in charm and culture. Whether enjoying a shared afternoon tea, browsing boutique crafts, or arranging catered events, groups find here a memorable setting that feels both intimate and special. The location’s accessibility, ambient seating, and emphasis on homemade culinary delights make it a go-to spot for creating joyful, relaxed social gatherings. For those searching for a place that blends creativity with comfort, Troll House Cottage promises an inviting retreat where friendships deepen and celebrations flourish.