Governors Way, Brentwood

In almost any social circle in greater Nashville and in almost any workplace, if someone is describing another person's lifestyle or status and they say "And he/she lives in the Governor's Club," nothing more need be said. Either the person they are describing is exceptionally well off, or hugely in debt, as there is no other way to gain entre into what is considered to be if not one of the most prestigious neighborhoods around, then certainly one of the most flash. Herein live NFL players, music executives, local entrepreneurs and until recently, Carrie Underwood. From Concord Road passersby can easily gaze upon the opulence and grandiose houses that are so huge they seem to be staging a battle to overtake one another. In this, the front part of the club, it is difficult to find a house for under $2M, but travel back a bit to where some of what they call the "normal" houses are and you may find one being sold by someone in financial duress for just under the $1M mark, but such opportunities are rare, and prices here often and easily approach upwards of $4 to $5 million. There is, of course, the award winning Arnold Palmer golf course and the stunning club house to play on should you not wish to exit your gleaming gates for the duration of the weekend. But there is also something seriously voyeuristic about the entire thing, at least to me. There is no attempt to hide the environs from the main road and it thusly seems as those who reside within are letting out a desperate cry of "Look at me - I have WAY more money than you!" This sense is even more so increased by knowledge that for these prices you could easily be hidden behind your own gate, down a gravel drive and on your own 10+ acres. With horses. Or a tennis court. Or a pool. Or all of the above. So if you need to show off, this is the place for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere as herein everything is about keeping up appearances.