FIND CLASSIC LUXURY IN MONTICELLO WINE COUNTRY
Keswick Hall has been synonymous with luxury since it was built in 1912. The Charlottesville resort re-opened in 2021 after a multi-million dollar and nearly 3-year renovation and is once again inviting visitors to revel in the splendor of the historic estate and to enjoy a world-class vacation experience in the heart of Virginia wine country. The mansion’s new exterior of creamy white stucco paired with the terra cotta tile roof beautifully integrates the additions in Italianate style. Perfectly situated in wine country, the Inn is just a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from Washington, D.C., and in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge.
Originally a private residence, Villa Crawford belonged to UVA-alum Bob Crawford, who transformed the property into a country club. In the 1990s Sir Bernard Ashley, best known for his co-founding of Laura Ashley fabrics and his home goods empire, acquired the property and turned it into a boutique hotel resplendent with English antiques and his own fine furnishings. The property was eventually sold to the luxury hotel corporation, Orient-Express and became a Condé Nast Traveler Number One Top Small Resort in the U.S. Today. With the help of new Charlottesville owners, Molly and Robert Hardie, the property has been reimagined and is now welcoming guests to experience the retreat’s iconic hospitality. In partnership with world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Hardies have transformed Keswick Hall into an oasis of serenity in the heart of Virginia wine country.
Luxurious English Manor Resort in Virginia
The Hardies partnered with renowned designers to reinvigorate the property, including the prestigious architecture firm of Hart Howerton, distinguished lighting design firm L’Observatoire International and renowned landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz, whose emphasis on native plants on the property has increased sustainability. Molly Hardie has complemented the thriving life of the outdoors with her landscape and “pollinator art” collection inside the resort, featuring local artists Lara Call Gastinger, Kiki Slaughter, Andrew Shurtleff, Isabelle Abbot, Karen Blair and Cate West Zahl.
Robert and Molly Hardie are both University of Virginia Alumnae, Robert having graduated from Darden School of Business and Molly from the UVa School of Medicine. Both serve on various UVa boards and continue to be an integral part of the Charlottesville community, contributing to the arts and charitable endeavors. Their goal upon renovation was to provide a serene retreat for their guests. Opulent public spaces like the cozy library and a bar with expansive views encourage guests to linger and relax and enjoy the outdoors. Just off the lobby, the Garden Room is designed with delicate, artisan-crafted dried botanicals created by Anne Blackwell and floor-to-ceiling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Step into any of the 80 beautiful guest suites on the property and breathe in the signature scent of the hotel, Dawn Meadow, a bright and refreshing blend of flowers and herbs grown on-site and designed by Molly herself. The calming blue, cream and white hues of the walls and upholstery flow into the light wood and elegant furniture. Bespoke touches include the original local art on the walls, sumptuous bedding and artisan chocolates at turndown from Thierry Atlan, the only Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier in the United States.
Relaxing Spa Getaway with Walking Trails
The grounds now boast new event spaces and a tennis center with European Red Clay surface courts, each illuminated by state-of-the-art lighting so that guests can play during the day or the evening.
Guests at Keswick Hall can also enjoy spending the morning meandering along the network of footpaths on-site and taking in the quiet country sounds, miles removed from the bustle. The sumptuous guest experience is further enhanced by the Spa at Keswick Hall, reopening to guests in 2022. The spa will feature eight luxurious private treatment rooms and red flower products, an organic holistic wellfare company created with the ideals of ritual and relaxation in mind.
Dual-Level Infinity-Edge Swimming Pool at Keswick Hall
The stunning dual-level infinity pool, referred to as the Horizon Pool, offers breathtaking views of the mountains beyond. Cabanas surrounding the Horizon Pool are available to guests for reading and relaxing after a day exploring Virginia’s premier wine country. Refreshments are available poolside and there is no better way to cool off on a hot summer’s day than sipping on a craft cocktail before taking a dip in the pool. With two distinct pools available, guests can choose their temperature preference when swimming laps or sitting on the built-in bench seating.
The Horizon pool overlooks the award-winning Full Cry Golf Course and features a dual-level infinity-edge and another three-foot waterfall that cascades over an eight-foot waterfall wall nearby.
Professionally Designed Golf Course Near Charlottesville
A round of golf at Full Cry is a must for every lover of the sport. The premier golf course designed by the iconic Pete Dye has received countless accolades from major golf magazines. The course boasts stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains for golfers to enjoy while wending their way along the rolling topography of the challenging course. Experts and novices alike will relish in the opportunity to play on the award-winning, thoughtfully designed course.
On the course, guests can enjoy the 18-hole layout that blends modern architecture with the natural beauty of Virginia. Additionally, the course is open to both members of Keswick Club and guests of Keswick Hall.
Exceptional Farm-to-Table Dining
Dinner at Keswick Hall’s Marigold restaurant is quickly becoming a Charlottesville favorite. Renowned French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has once again proven himself an alchemist of sorts through his inception of Marigold, a gastronomic undertaking worthy of the newly reimagined resort. Each dish showcases the chef’s French roots along with his passion for fresh, local ingredients. The culinary team sources locally and from their own Oakdale Farm where the resort produces vegetables, edible flowers and honey.
Marigold provides a rustic chic ambiance perfect for dining with its black and white stonework creating a beautiful background for the divine work of Jean-Georges. Each bite delights the palate and leaves guests eager for the next taste. On a summer’s evening, soak up the views while eating at any of the 70 outdoor seats. Or, on a chilly spring afternoon, sit near the stone fireplace, surrounded by hand-wrought lighting fixtures, and feel the warmth of the experience take over as the food warms the soul.
