Liberty Downs: Rich history, bright future

By AMY STUMPFL
For Brentwood Home Page
With its gently rolling hills, gorgeous lake and trees, it’s no surprise that so many families choose to make their home in Liberty Downs. But while the quiet subdivision is widely known for its natural beautify, not everyone realizes that this area was once home to one of Brentwood’s most prominent citizens.

First settled in the late 1700s by Green Hill – a Revolutionary War officer and respected leader in the Methodist movement – the original plantation comprised more than 700 acres and included parts of what would become the Chenoweth, Saratoga Hills and Indian Point subdivisions. Today, the Hill Family Cemetery is maintained as a shrine by the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church.

And while current residents appreciate the community’s unique history, they remain focused on modern location advantages.

“We just loved the big yards, the mature trees and nice green spaces,” says Bob Kolbert, president of the Liberty Downs HOA and a resident for the past five years. “We’re into landscaping and gardening, so we really enjoy this neighborhood.”

Built from the late 1980s, Liberty Downs includes about 120 homes, mostly on one-acre lots. Three homes are currently listed on realtracs.com, priced from $529,900-$690,000.

“It’s just a great location,” he adds. “We’re about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, and yet we’re close to Crockett Park. You can walk about a half-mile down Navaho Drive to connect with that trail system, and then walk over to the park or library.”

Still, Brandi Ferrari notes that residents can find plenty of activities right in their own neighborhood.

“We have a beautiful pond and playground in the common area,” says Ferrari, who heads up the Liberty Downs Women’s Association. “There are benches and picnic tables, and the lake is stocked with fish, so you see a lot of families outside and enjoying that area.”

Ferrari says that the Women’s Association organizes a wide range of social events throughout the year, including everything from a kid’s fishing derby and a summer block party, to Christmas luminaries and an Easter egg hunt.

“We are especially well-known for our chili cook-off in October,” she says. “The fire department always comes out to judge, and we give away prizes. It’s a nice community event. People are very friendly and neighborly, and it’s just a wonderful place to call home.”