AS YOU enter Promise Manor’s 16-acre grounds, history takes place right before your eyes. The grand Greek Revival house, which Kayla and Dennis White lovingly restored, reflects memories of the Green, Evans, and Hudgens families who once called it home. The charming brick exterior, built in 1858, carries the weight of time, representing the generations that have passed through these doors. To the community, it’s a historic Lynchburg gem, and for the Whites, it’s a vessel for their faith.
Named after the promise that they belive God bestowed upon their family, Promise Manor signifies service, new beginnings, joyful celebrations, and the opportunity for families to create long-lasting memories. The future is full of endless possibilities, and Promise Manor is ready to embrace them all.
Walk through the double doors, and the interior looks like something out of a story book. Gleaming hardwood floors reflect the warm radiance of antique chandeliers, while framed portraits adorn the walls. Every detail, from the restored fireplaces to the plush velvet armchairs, carries a special link to the past.
The White family’s beliefs and values guide every aspect of their business, whether they’re choosing partners who share their values or creating a warm, inviting space for guests to connect. Couples host wedding ceremonies where the officiant, a close friend of the couple, shares a message of love and commitment. Companies hold corporate retreats and engage in team-building exercises that encourage reflection and setting common goals.
Each year, the farm-to-table dinners honor local farmers and share their bounty. Last year’s event was particularly special because the farmers served all the vegetables that they grew on their farms.
“All the food that fed 80 people was grown on our farm,” Kayla shared. “We also source our meat and cheeses locally. We collaborate with the entire community to make this dinner happen, but more importantly, to bring awareness of how important farming is.”
The atmosphere is intimate during annual farm-to-table events. It’s a chance for guests to slow down, connect with their community, and appreciate the hard work that goes into putting food on their tables.
Guests from all walks of life share memories from moments passed. Kayla serves locally sourced dishes full of seasonal flavors, proudly honoring the farmers who nurtured these ingredients. It’s a meal and a celebration — a celebration of the land, the farmers, and the generations who have passed down the knowledge and traditions that sustain us.
The White family has encountered their fair share of challenges and moments of doubt, but their faith has always guided them.
Kayla shared details about this year’s event.
“We are honoring a farmer who actually just recently passed,” she began. “It’s going to feel really different because he was adored in our community, and his wife’s going to be there, and his daughters are going to be there, and that’s what really matters. They created a legacy. They created a footprint in this world.”
Their Save the Farm initiative raises awareness about the value of local farmers — the backbone of our food system. Through the line of hats and apparel, they spread awareness through encouraging phrases and uplifting farmers’ spirits. Many farmers consider these hats their cherished “Sunday hats,” worn with their best outfits.
Another aspect of their Save the Farm initiatives is their Little Pollinators event during the summer. Led by Kayla’s grandfather and passionate local beekeeper, Mr. Billy Allen, these classes aim to educate the next generation about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.
Drive down the winding lane, past well-tended gardens bursting with gorgeous flowers, and you’ll find The Silos at Promise Manor — not your typical Airbnbs. These silos, the ones the White family envisioned on their vision boards for years on end, now represent their faith in God. The Silos represent their mission to make Him known through their service to the community and are also extensions of the Save the Farm initiative.
“We knew when we purchased that land that we would build two silos,” Kayla shared. “We had no idea what it meant. We just knew God told us to write it and to continue writing it.”
People from all over the world travel to the area to experience the comfort and charm Middle Tennessee brings. Many of them choose to stay at The Silos at Promise Manor because of its unique experience.
“We live in a county that’s fortunate to have a huge industry locally that brings people from all over the world,” Kayla said.
The charming rustic interior gives guests a glimpse into farm life. Step outside, and the natural beauty of lush green grass and farmland immediately embraces you. Visitors often greet the friendly chickens and gather freshly laid eggs before they head back home. As a delightful bonus, the family invites guests to visit their farm and handpick beautiful cut flowers to bring a touch of Tennessee back home with them.
This year, they’re collaborating with Always Endure — a local nonprofit providing a weekend getaway for a family facing a medical crisis — at The Silos.
“Being able to serve without any expectation in return is truly what Promise Manor and The Silos is all about,” Kayla said.
Experience faith, family, and farm-fresh experiences at Promise Manor and The Silos. Join the White family on their mission to celebrate local farmers and create a space for connection. GN
