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Some places don’t just exist; they tell a story.
The Highlands is one of them. This grand estate, with its rolling landscapes and timeless elegance, has long stood as a testament to refined living. But when Russ stepped in, he saw more than just its beauty; he saw potential. A place not just to stay but to experience. Not just to visit but to belong.
Russ has always loved the rhythm of the land, the quiet hum of nature, the richness of a life well-lived, rooted in both tradition and possibility. When he found The Highlands, he saw more than an estate; he saw an opportunity to share this way of life with the world. With care and vision, he has reimagined its legacy, blending its storied past with modern hospitality. The grand architecture and sweeping views remain, but now, every detail reflects a new era of luxury: effortless, personal, and refreshingly down-to-earth.
Here, farm-to-table isn’t just a menu choice; it’s a way of life. Elegance isn’t stiff; it’s inviting. And hospitality isn’t a transaction; it’s a tradition. A quiet retreat, a grand celebration, or a moment to pause and appreciate the finer things in life, The Highlands welcomes them with open arms. This isn’t just an estate. It’s a legacy, one that continues to grow with every guest who walks through its doors.
Guided by Grace, Grounded in Purpose
At The Highlands, every experience is grounded in values that reflect our love for timeless elegance, thoughtful hospitality, and nature’s quiet luxury.
Thoughtful Luxury, Naturally Offered
We believe true luxury lies in how we make people feel. Every guest is welcomed with genuine warmth, attentive care, and a sense of belonging—because hospitality is not a service, it’s a feeling.
Surrounded by rolling pastures and Heirloom gardens, our estate celebrates nature as its most treasured amenity. Here, luxury means open skies, fresh air, and experiences that flow with the land, not against it.
No two stays are ever the same. From custom menus to curated event details, we tailor every touchpoint to reflect your preferences, style, and purpose—making each visit feel uniquely your own.
The Highlands blends French-inspired architecture and Southern charm with the comforts of today. Every room, table, and trail reflects a balance of tradition and ease that never goes out of style.
“From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a dream—every detail was perfect, and the welcome was unforgettable.”
— Sophie T.
Russ Sprague grew up on a family farm in northern Colorado, where he learned the quiet strength of hard work, the importance of community, and the art of honoring the land. After settling in Northwest Arkansas with his wife and children, he stumbled upon the untouched grounds that would become The Highlands, land left silent after a tornado had swept through. But to Russ, it didn’t feel forgotten. It felt destined.
Today, The Highlands is the living embodiment of his vision, a place where natural beauty meets thoughtful design, and hospitality is offered with genuine warmth. From elegant weddings and intimate celebrations to fireside farm-to-table dinners, every gathering reflects Russ’s belief that real luxury is rooted in intention and connection.
Russ also co-owns Tulip Creek Farm, a regenerative flower and vegetable farm just down the road. There, alongside his family, friends, and farming partners, he helps cultivate nutrient-rich produce and blooms that nourish both community and celebration, often making their way to the tables at The Highlands. Together, these two spaces are a testament to Russ’s guiding philosophy: care for the land, and it will care for everyone who comes to it.
With a heart for hospitality and a spirit rooted in the land, Danielle brings beauty, grace, and grounded expertise to every moment at The Highlands. Raised in a small Ohio town, she grew up gardening alongside her father, where her love for the land and deep appreciation for thoughtful living first took root. Her early career as a professional dancer took her west, where she met her spouse, started a family, and eventually found home in Northwest Arkansas.
Before joining The Highlands, Danielle served as a trusted event coordinator at the John Q. Hammons hotel, where she built a reputation for precision, calm under pressure, and the kind of hospitality that makes people feel instantly at ease. Today, she brings that same care and intuition to every celebration and gathering on the estate, helping guests feel not just welcome, but truly at home.
Beyond the events, Danielle’s connection to the land runs deep. At Tulip Creek Farm, just down the road, she shares her knowledge of regenerative growing practices and continues to champion clean, nutrient-rich food for the community. She still teaches dance, always moving through life with the same grace she brings to every guest experience.
With Danielle, nothing is overlooked and everything is felt. She doesn’t just plan events, she creates spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and completely at home.
To send an inquiry, email us at
events@highlandsnwa.com