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Virginia resort completes renovation of Pete Dye-designed course 736 414 Madison Silvers

Virginia resort completes renovation of Pete Dye-designed course

Scot Sherman guided alterations at Keswick Hall’s Full Cry.

view of a large hotel from the golf course

Keswick Hall announced it has completed a renovation of its Pete Dye-designed course, Full Cry. Scot Sherman, ASGCA, guided the work for the Virginia resort.

The work on Full Cry joins hotel and amenities renovation headed by owners Molly and Robert Hardie in conjunction with global design firm Hart Howerton. Robert Hardie also worked closely with Sherman and his team on the improvements to Full Cry, which opened in 2014.

“Pete Dye always liked to tinker and improve his golf course creations, so it’s an honor we’re carrying on his incredible legacy here at Full Cry just as he would have done,” Robert Hardie said. “We are blessed to have one of Pete’s great golf course designs here at Keswick Hall for our members and guests to enjoy for decades to come.”

Using Dye’s vision for Full Cry as a layout for golfers of all abilities to enjoy the game, the course has new options off the tee on several holes, including the par-4 third, which now plays 275 yards from the forward tees and 355 yards from the back. With a wider fairway and a new series of progressively smaller bunkers nearing the green, the hole can be played on multiple levels of difficulty and is the epitome of strategic golf that Dye was long known for creating.

Additionally, a new tee box was added as well as the rebuild of the “Sahara” greenside bunker of the par-3 seventh hole. Playing a forgiving 85 yards from the front tee and a daunting 193 yards from the back, the hole is a splendid example of Dye’s genius for 2visual intimidation. The redesign has made a classic hole even better.

New bunker complexes were additionally fashioned on both the par-4 13th and par-4 14th by adding two course characteristics Dye became world-famous for: pot bunkers and wooden planks forming bunker walls. Some of the best players in Virginia will be testing their games against the renovation as Full Cry will host the Virginia Mid-Amateur Championship Sept. 22-25.

“Scot is an expert on Pete Dye’s incredible lifetime of work, and we’re thrilled to have him help us make Full Cry even more exceptional,” said Keswick Hall club manager and director of golf Rob McNamara. “The work has exceeded our expectations and Full Cry has solidified its standing in the upper echelons of premier places to tee it up.”

Read the article on Golf Course Industry.

Revamped Keswick Hall Makes Fall Debut After Renovation 1024 572 Madison Silvers

Revamped Keswick Hall Makes Fall Debut After Renovation

interior guestroom with transitional design elements and a window that looks out onto a green area

Keswick Hall has reopened following a complete renovation and expansion, which includes fully revamped guestrooms and suites. Originally built in 1912, the Virginia hotel has also upgraded common spaces, added a signature free-standing restaurant, an infinity pool with cabanas and several red clay tennis courts, and has refreshed the resort grounds.

Owners Molly and Robert Hardie tapped architecture firm Hart Howerton, lighting-design firm L’Observatoire International, landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz and local artists for the project.

Expanded to 80 rooms, guest accommodations feature four signature suites, including the two-bedroom Hardie Suite. The Hardie Presidential Suite has a 750-square-foot bedroom, 840 square feet of living space, a kitchenette equipped with Viking appliances and a wet bar, a private entrance and balcony with mountain views. There are filtered spring water hydration stations on each floor, artisanal chocolates by Thierry Atlan at turndown, and tailor-made bath amenities by Red Flower.

Marigold by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened in late August, where guests can enjoy views of the Virginia Mountains. Dishes are sourced from local family-owned farms and suppliers, and also from nearby Oakdale Farm, run by the hotel (which produces many of the vegetables, herbs and edible flowers that are included on the menu). As a pre-dinner treat, guests are encouraged to play a game of boules on the Pétanque court with the restaurant’s signature Ginger Margarita in hand.

Works by local artists adorn the walls of Keswick Hall. Guestrooms feature the work of Andrew Shurtleff depicting the abundant farms and countryside in the area. Several local artists, primarily women, were commissioned to provide artwork that can be found around the grounds, including in Marigold, and include artists Lara Call Gastinger, Kiki Slaughter and Cate West Zahl. Other local artists featured throughout the rest of the hotel are Isabelle Abbot, Karen Blair and Anne Blackwell, who contributed a series of pressed plants gathered from the Keswick Hall grounds.

Located off the lobby, The Counter offers a morning selection of artisanal breakfast items, tea and coffee before transforming into a retail shop. Dawn Meadow amenities from Red Flower are available for purchase as well as the Frette sheets, robes and towels found in the guestrooms. Custom items include jacquard beach towels, apparel and tote bags. Additionally, the hotel has joined hands with Eleni’s Cookies to recreate their signature fox as a take-home treat as well as Thierry Atlan Chocolates.

An 80-foot T-shaped dual-level infinity pool is the focal point of Keswick Hall’s new, heated Horizon Pool with ultraviolet light filtration and cabanas. The upgraded tennis facility offers seven courts, including the first European sub-irrigated red clay courts in the mid-Atlantic region. Tip: Keswick’s tennis pros are available for private tennis lessons, group classes and organized corporate events.

The 18-hole design of Full Cry, designed by Pete Dye, is designed for the enjoyment of novice and expert-level golfers. The golf course will be open to members of Keswick Club and guests of Keswick Hall.

Expected to open in 2022, Keswick Hall’s new spa will have eight treatment rooms and offer services that incorporate Red Flower products, including the signature Dawn Meadow scent of Keswick Hall. As part of the restoration, Molly and Robert Hardie have also created five custom homes at Keswick Estate. Keswick Hall provides easy access to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and the University of Virginia. Additionally, guests can explore the gastronomic bounty of the region with visits to local wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and farms.

Read the article on Luxury Travel Advisor.

Luxury Reimagined at Keswick Hall 680 401 Madison Silvers

Luxury Reimagined at Keswick Hall

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.

keswick hall luxury resort and spa

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.

keswick hall luxury resort and spa

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.

keswick hall luxury resort and spa

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.

marigold keswick hall luxury resort and spa
 Read the full article at Wine and Country.
Hall of Thrills 561 654 Madison Silvers

Hall of Thrills

Keswick Hall featured in the December Issue of Modern Luxury.

Italianate building and port cochere at dusk

Read the article here.

The 12 Hottest Bucket-List Destinations To Visit This Year 741 1024 Madison Silvers

The 12 Hottest Bucket-List Destinations To Visit This Year

Now is the time to travel paths unknown and seek adventures in the hidden corners across the country and close to home. Carpe diem and discover the most fabulous luxury destinations to add to your bucket list.

UPSTATE

NEW YORK

Lake Kora offers a private refuge Rockefeller style LAKE KORA PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE KORA
Lake Kora offers a private refuge Rockefeller style.

Stay

There is no doubt that chilling in upstate New York is hotter than ever. If you haven’t yet found your dream farmlet, fret not as there are a wealth of country retreats. Duchess County’s Troutbeck in Amenia offers the charm of an English manor house made even more charming and cozy thanks to proprietors Anthony and Charlotte Champalimaud, who collaborated with interiors icon Alexandra Champalimaud (Anthony’s mother), incorporating her signature style (think Frette linens, cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs and riverside hammocks aplenty). The newly opened addition of The Barns rounds out the offerings with robust wellness programming (yoga, acupuncture, infrared sauna) that will leave you yearning for a more permanent country life.

Lake Kora’s Tree House bedroom is high camp indeed LAKE KORA PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE KORA
Lake Kora’s Tree House bedroom is high camp indeed.

For those who seek something even more private, the inclusive and exclusive Lake Kora fits the bill with 1,000 private acres on a 500-acre lake you can call all your own. The Gilded Age Adirondack great camp designed in 1898 for titans of yesteryear is reimagined for today’s captains of industry. For those with a truly adventurous spirit, reserve an overnight stay in the secluded Island Cabin, accessible only by boat.

Troutbeck chef Gabe McMackin’s fare celebrates the bounty of local farms TROUTBECK FOOD PHOTO BY MATTHEW MANCUSO/COURTESY OF TROUTBECK
Troutbeck chef Gabe McMackin’s fare celebrates the bounty of local farms.

Eat

At Lake Kora, farm-to-table meals range from candlelit house party-style dinners along with a 20-foot dining table in the Great Hall to picnics on a hike or barbecues on the lawn. Troutbeck’s culinary program spotlights Michelin-starred chef Gabe McMackin’s mastery of celebrating the bounty of local farms while a rotating roster of guest chefs enriches the experience with cooking demonstrations and special meals served under the stars.

At Troutbeck, guests can enjoy fly-fishing, hiking and river rafting. FLY-FISHING PHOTO BY NICOLE FRANZEN/COURTESY OF TROUTBECK
At Troutbeck, guests can enjoy fly-fishing, hiking and river rafting.

Play

Home to a host of legendary trout streams, the areas near Troutbeck and Lake Kora offer some of the best fly-fishing in the nation. Troutbeck also offers falconry and foraging programs for those looking to truly go wild.

CHARLOTTESVILLE

VIRGINIA

Keswick Hall is complemented by a Pete Dye championship golf course with a new clubhouse. PHOTO BY GREG POWERS
Keswick Hall is complemented by a Pete Dye championship golf course with a new clubhouse.

Stay

After an extensive three-year renovation, Keswick Hall reopened near Charlottesville, Va., and the wait was worth it: The 80-suite resort, which dates back to 1912, is stunning. New York City-based architecture firm Hart Howerton reimagined the sprawling property with both lavish and understated touches—it’s an oasis of calm, a place to breathe again among the rolling foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains. Amenities include a new spa (opening this spring), newly installed European clay tennis courts (the first sub-irrigated clay courts in the mid-Atlantic), and a heated horizon pool, which features ultraviolet light filtration and cozy cabanas.

Eat

Before Keswick reopened, locals buzzed about the property’s stand-alone restaurant and bar, Marigold by Jean-Georges. The chatter wasn’t misguided, as the venue— with its rustic exterior and post-and-beam interior—is a visual knockout. The outdoor space is no less charming, with lush flower and herb gardens, a petanque court for boules (think bocce), and a stone fireplace. The culinary team sources locally and from Oakdale Farm, which is run by the resort and produces vegetables, edible flowers, and, starting this spring, its own honey. The kitchen’s standout courses include spice-crusted Faroe Island salmon, roasted Maine lobster, and prime tenderloin. Every dish from Vongerichten’s team is a steady balance of beauty, taste, and restraint, explaining why it’s already an instant classic.

Play

Another crown jewel at Keswick is its Pete Dye championship golf course, which, according to regulars, is playing exceptionally well in its course maturity. A renovated clubhouse, complemented by a pro shop and members lounge, opened this winter. For oenophiles, the Monticello Wine Trail pays homage to Thomas Jefferson’s wine heritage and now includes more than 30 wineries; book a private tour with Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co. to visit up to five wineries and tasting rooms in an afternoon or evening.

Read the full article in Gotham.

Seven Southern Retreats Where Winter Shines 1024 682 Madison Silvers

Seven Southern Retreats Where Winter Shines

Cozy getaways that make the best of cold temperatures

Summer travel is classic fun, sure, but don’t overlook winter and its quiet and bountiful beauty. From boutique country inns to sprawling mountain estates, here are seven Southern retreats where you won’t fret if there’s a little chill in the air.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF KESWICK HALL
Keswick Hall.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KESWICK HALL
Marigold by Jean-Georges at Keswick Hall.

Keswick Hall
Keswick, Virginia

Freshly reopened, century-old Keswick Hall makes an ideal base for exploring Charlottesville and its surrounding wineries. Whether you choose to venture out or stay inside all day, don’t miss a meal (or two, or three) at Marigold, the new onsite restaurant by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, with seasonal dishes such as fig compote and burrata in aged balsamic and tarragon, and beef tenderloin with miso mustard and parsnips. You’ll want to save room for the caramelized apple pie and a tumbler of amaro.

Read the article at Garden & Gun.

Keswick Hall Makes Its Highly Anticipated Fall Debut 1024 686 Madison Silvers

Keswick Hall Makes Its Highly Anticipated Fall Debut
Renowned Country Retreat Includes Expanded Accommodations, Infinity Pool and Cabanas and Restaurants Helmed by Acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Oct. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The anticipation for Charlottesville, Virginia’s newest destination is now over! Keswick Hall, one of Virginia’s top destinations since 1912, officially opened its doors on October 1st, 2021, following a complete renovation and expansion including fully transformed guest rooms and suites, common spaces, a signature free-standing restaurant, an infinity pool with cabanas, several red clay tennis courts and reimagined resort grounds. Marigold, the signature restaurant helmed by acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, was first to open in late summer and has quickly become one of the most sought-after reservations.

photo of a guest room with blue accents a large white linen covered bed and a chaise. LArge windows with a view of greenery are on the left hand wall

For this project, owners Molly and Robert Hardie tapped the architecture firm, Hart Howerton, distinguished lighting design firm, L’Observatoire International, renowned landscape architects, Nelson Byrd Woltz, and a number of local artists to work in tandem to redefine the art of American hospitality and help to marry the resort’s storied location, its classic style and sophistication with luxurious comfort and modern amenities.

“It has been no small undertaking to transform this special and iconic retreat and we cannot wait to unveil the new Keswick Hall during one of the most scenic times of the year in Charlottesville,” said owners Molly and Robert Hardie. “We poured our hearts into thoughtfully redesigning the property and we look forward to seeing the passion that we feel for this project to be embraced by visitors from near and far.”

Guest Rooms and Suites
Expanded to 80 rooms, guest accommodations feature four signature suites, including the distinctive two-bedroom Hardie Suite. Decorated in shades of whites, blues, and creams, guest rooms feature light wood, elegant furniture with classic upholstery, luxurious beds with Duxiana mattresses and Frette sheets and bath linens. The Hardie Presidential Suite provides guests with a 750 sq. ft. bedroom, 840 sq. ft. of living space, a kitchenette featuring Viking appliances with wet bar, a private entrance and balcony with sprawling mountain views.

Each guest room incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, including smart televisions and Lutron lighting that enables guests to personalize the room’s privacy settings with the touch of a button and UV light air purification systems that eliminate airborne pathogens. Thoughtful touches include filtered spring water hydration stations on each guest room floor, artisanal chocolates by Thierry Atlan, at turndown, and custom created bath amenities from red flower. Dawn Meadow, the signature scent of the hotel, is a bright, floral blend of the grass, herbs and flowers native to the grounds of Keswick Hall.

Marigold by Jean-Georges
Marigold by acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has been inviting guests to take in the expansive views of the Virginia Mountains while feasting on organic and sustainable ingredients since opening in late August. Dishes are sourced not only from local family-owned farms and suppliers, but also from nearby Oakdale Farm, run by the hotel which produces many of the vegetables, herbs, cut flowers and edible flowers that are featured on the menu.

Comprised of 130 indoor seats, 20 bar seats and 70 outdoor seats, the “rustic chic” space features white tiled and wooden floors, a ceramic-face bar, stone fireplace and vibrant outdoor space. The light fixtures from L’Observatoire International focus the eye to the table and highlight the cuisine through a series of adjustable, high CRI LED spotlights mounted to the ceiling beams. As a pre-dinner treat, guests are encouraged to partake in a game of boules on the Pétanque court with the restaurant’s signature Ginger Margarita in hand.

According to one guest, Marigold is, “A very welcome addition to the area’s food and drink scene” with “friendly and attentive staff” and “dishes that have layers of flavors”. Early standouts on the menu include the Seed Crusted Black Bass with a Sweet and Sour Jus.

Local Design Elements
To connect guests to the region, works by local artists adorn the walls of Keswick Hall. Guest rooms feature the work of Andrew Shurtleff depicting the abundant farms and serene countryside the area is known for. Additionally, several local artists, primarily women, were commissioned to provide artwork that can be found around the grounds, including in Marigold, and include artists Lara Call Gastinger, Kiki Slaughter and Cate West Zahl.

“I have fond memories of growing up in this region, and it was an honor to create works that will set the scene for incredible new memories to be made by Marigold guests from around the world. I’m thrilled to be able to offer them a glimpse of my home through my paintings,” said Charlottesville native, Kiki Slaughter.

Other local artists featured throughout the rest of the hotel are Isabelle Abbot, Karen Blair and Anne Blackwell, who uniquely contributed a series of pressed plants gathered from the Keswick Hall grounds.

The work of San Francisco-based photographer Sharon Beals is displayed in the galley hallway between Crawford’s and the reception desk. Beals’ images of nineteenth and twentieth century birds’ nests create awareness of native habitats, as well as, for river and ocean conservation.

Onsite Amenities & Events
Located off the lobby, “The Counter” offers a morning selection of artisanal breakfast items, tea and coffee before transforming into a retail shop featuring many of the amenities found at Keswick Hall. Dawn Meadow amenities from red flower are available for purchase as well as the Frette sheets, robes and towels found in the guest rooms. Custom items include jacquard beach towels, tote bags and apparel. Additionally, the hotel has partnered with New York’s own Eleni’s Cookies to recreate their signature fox as a sweet take home treat as well as Thierry Atlan Chocolates. The newly designed Keswick Ballroom can accommodate up to 240 guests. Just off the lobby, The Garden Room, beautifully designed with delicate, artisan crafted dried botanicals and floor-to-ceiling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the perfect setting for a Rehearsal Dinner or post Wedding Brunch, accommodating up to 110 seated guests. Designed with weddings and special occasions in mind, several newly imagined outdoor spaces feature idyllic backdrops for events up to 500 guests. The Great and Oval Lawns each have their own custom tent solutions that allow for an efficient and seamless turnaround. The indoor and outdoor areas equate to just over 15,000 square feet of total event space.

Grounds & Pool
To highlight the outdoor experience at Keswick Hall, landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz have created an enchanting outdoor destination that will entice guests to explore the numerous walking paths and beautifully designed resort grounds – all sustainable and reflective of the native Virginia landscape. A striking 80-foot T-shaped infinity dual-level pool is the focal point of Keswick Hall’s brand new, heated Horizon Pool with ultraviolet light filtration and cabanas.

The upgraded tennis facility at Keswick Hall features seven distinctive courts, bringing the first European sub-irrigated red clay courts to the mid-Atlantic region. Keswick’s top notch tennis pros are available for private tennis lessons, group classes and organized corporate events.

Full Cry, one of the last golf courses to be designed by the brilliant Pete Dye, has consistently garnered top ranking as one of the best courses to play, by major golf magazines. The 18-hole award-winning design merges modern golf course architecture with the rolling topography of central Virginia.  Strategically designed for the enjoyment of both novice and expert-level golfers, Full Cry will be open to members of Keswick Club and guests of Keswick Hall.

Spa
Expected to open in 2022, Keswick Hall’s new spa will feature eight sumptuous treatment rooms and offer services that incorporate organic red flower products, including the signature Dawn Meadow scent of Keswick Hall.

Keswick Estate
As part of the expansive and transformative restoration, Molly and Robert Hardie have created five custom homes at Keswick Estate. This residential enclave is part of the property, and provides residents the opportunity of enjoying resort life all year round.

Local Attractions
With its location in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont region among lush, rolling hills at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick Hall offers a one-of-a-kind local experience for guests. This peaceful and pastoral property provides easy access to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and the University of Virginia. Additionally, guests can explore the gastronomic bounty of the region with visits to local wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and farms.

About Keswick Hall
Originally built in 1912, Keswick Hall is a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and one-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the Virginia Piedmont region, in a centuries-old community known for its over 30 wine vineyards and a lush, rolling countryside, the Forbes Five-Star resort is a historic landmark boasting a rich cultural past. Keswick Hall provides an unparalleled luxury retreat for guests, through its distinctive design, innovative cuisine in partnership with Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, attentive service and resort-style amenities. The property features outdoor pools and cabanas, a spa and fitness center, a championship 18-hole golf course, several dining venues, multiple tennis courts, and both indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. 

Read the full article at WBAY.

A Revamped Classic Virginia Hotel Reopens This Summer 980 629 Madison Silvers

A Revamped Classic Virginia Hotel Reopens This Summer

Keswick Hall first caught Molly Hardie’s eye in 1995, when she attended an event at the sprawling Charlottesville hotel thrown by the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, where her now-husband, Robert, was a student.

“Oh my gosh, we’ve gone someplace really far away,” Molly remembers feeling during her first visit. “This is the most fabulous setting that we’ve ever seen. We were intrigued with the property at that moment.”

Over the years, the couple strengthened its ties with Keswick Hall. They went from being guests to being members to being part of an ownership group and finally to being the sole owners in 2017. That is also when they embarked on a large-scale renovation, which includes a new wing and a restaurant from the renowned Jean-Georges Vongerichten, which will be unveiled in July. “During that time we fostered just a love of the place. It has this little je ne sais quoi factor about it.”

Part of that is its location. The Virginia wine country hotel sits only seven miles from Charlottesville, where the Hardies have lived for more than 25 years, but it’s surrounded by bucolic scenery: cattle and horse farms as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Another factor is its history. Keswick Hall was built in 1912 as an Italianate home, and it remained a private estate for many years. Later it was transformed into a regional country club. Then, in the early 1990s, it was purchased by Bernard Ashley (husband of print designer Laura Ashley), who transformed the property into a boutique hotel with a residential feel — he decorated it with his own furnishings and English antiques. Each of the 48 accommodations carried its own theme, like a rowing room that had ribbons and oars and a music room with a lamp shaped like an instrument.

Hallway

The Rooms

When the Hardies became full owners, they knew the luxury hotel needed an overhaul. But the couple decided it would be better to renovate and keep the historic building than raze it. They enlisted the help of Hart Howerton designers and converted the 48 rooms to 38 to create consistently sized accommodations (some of the previous spaces were too small). Now, they are constructing a new wing, which will allow them to expand the total number of rooms to 80.

Shaded in white, blues and cream, the accommodations will have light wood, elegant furniture, Duxiana mattresses and Frette sheets and bath linens. Pictures from a local photographer of nearby farms and the countryside will adorn the walls — it’s part of a running theme throughout the hotel that connects guests to the region’s pastoral setting.

A self-described beauty product junkie, Molly collaborated with New York City-based red flower on a custom scent for the in-room toiletries. Red flower founder Yael Alkalay visited to tour Keswick Hall’s grounds and ventured over to the Hardies’ farm to clip grasses, herbs and flowers from the area. The result of her olfactory outings is Dawn Meadow, a bright, floral aroma that’s found in the bathroom soap, shampoo, conditioner and more.

Each room also will have state-of-the-art amenities, including smart TVs, Lutron lighting that allows guests to customize privacy settings with the touch of a button and UV light air purification systems that eliminate airborne pathogens.

Restaurant

The Restaurant

The Hardies lured the world-renowned Vongerichten to open his first restaurants in the South. The chef will launch spots at their other historic property, The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville (which will debut in the fall), as well as Keswick Hall.

“It’s a really big deal for Jean-Georges to come to Virginia,” Molly says about the chef, who has 39 other restaurants around the globe.

Vongerichten’s farm-to-table concept will support the connecting-to-the-local-outdoors theme, since much of its bounty will come from the Hardies’ nearby five-acre garden. “We’re going to be producing as many vegetables as we can for the Jean-Georges menu, and also cut flowers, herbs, edible flowers, etc.,” Molly says.

The Hardies decided to put the new restaurant in a freestanding structure to allow easy access for hotel guests, club members and the public. The rustic dining room will have white tiled and wooden floors, a ceramic-covered bar and a stone fireplace. There also will be tables on the terrace. In front of the restaurant, there will be a pétanque (or bocce) court adjacent to a cocktail patio, so you can sip some Virginia wine and play bocce before your meal.

Pool

The Amenities

The centerpiece of the revamped hotel will be the made-over Horizon Pool. The 80-foot, T-shaped infinity pool will have two levels and will be for adults only.

Tennis players will want to make a beeline for the new seven-court facility. Keswick Hall will boast the mid-Atlantic region’s first European sub-irrigated red clay courts. Pros will be available for private lessons and group classes.

The Charlottesville hotel is most known for its 18-hole Full Cry, one of the last golf courses to be designed by Pete Dye. But since the grounds span 600 acres, there are many more activities available for guests.

“We’ll have a snooker room, and we’re going to shuffleboard in there as well,” Molly says. “With all the swimming, tennis, biking walking, golf, two pools, I think that we really just hope the guests will come enjoy all that we had to offer, relax and when they leave feel extremely refreshed, like they’ve had an escape from everyday life.”

Bar

A Focus on Sustainability

“Robert and I were able to mold different parts of the story to things that are really, really important to us personally,” Molly says about re-imagining the property. “And that story starts with the environmental initiatives.”

Molly is passionate about native plants, so she wanted to do the same at Keswick Hall. She recruited the landscape architects at Nelson Byrd Woltz to help. “I would say up to 90 percent of our plants are going to be native plants and native grasses,” she says.

Plus, the hotel will launch a gray water program, collecting the HVAC condensate and recycling it to irrigate the property’s foliage.

Keswick Hall also will look to minimize single-use plastics. Guests will receive a keepsake water bottle in the rooms, and filtered water stations will be installed throughout the hotel.

The Spa

The final part of the renovation will be the spa. The standalone, full-service facility will open in the first quarter of 2022 and have eight treatment rooms, a beauty lounge and a shop. It will carry red flower items and other natural products.

Read the full article at Forbes.

The 24 Most Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings of 2021 980 629 Madison Silvers

The 24 Most Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings of 2021

From Palm Beach to Portofino, these exquisite properties are at the top of our list for planning our next luxurious getaway.

pool deck with a swimming pool and lounge chairs looking out over a large green vista with the sun setting

Keswick Hall: Charlottesville, Virginia

Seated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the charming college town, Keswick Hall is anticipated to be one of our new favorite sophisticated countryside destinations, as it has been completely reimagined for a more luxurious experience. A brand-new restaurant from the one and only Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a stunning golf course, tastings from local wineries, lush walking paths, and close proximity to Charlottesville’s downtown, this immaculately restored, 108-year-old estate is the perfect place to enjoy the splendor of one of our favorite (and most stylish!) states in America.

Read the full article at Veranda.

Keswick Hall receives prestigious Editor’s Choice Award from Golf Digest 640 421 Madison Silvers

Keswick Hall receives prestigious Editor’s Choice Award from Golf Digest

green golf course with a classical designed hotel in the background surrounded by rolling mountain tops

Keswick Hall, the acclaimed 600-acre luxury resort in Albemarle County, has received the prestigious Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Award for “Best Golf Resorts in the Americas” for the fifth consecutive year.

Golf Digest annually celebrates the “best of the best” golf destinations as well as more than 30 additional industry categories. Keswick Hall was one of only seven resorts listed in the Mid-Atlantic section and joins the highest echelon of resorts across North America, including Pebble Beach Resorts, The American Club, Streamsong Resort and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Keswick Hall continues to receive accolades from top publications, especially for its Pete Dye-designed golf course, Full Cry at Keswick Golf Club, one of Dye’s final projects. Full Cry’s layout sits at No. 3 in Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play” in Virginia and is No. 39 in the publication’s “Top 100 Resort Courses in the U.S.”

Upon opening in late 2014 to rave reviews, Full Cry was named one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses” in the U.S. Full Cry hosted the Virginia State Golf Association’s 106th Amateur Championship last June.

The perennial Forbes Five-Star Award resort is currently amid a major hotel and amenities renovation headed by owners Molly and Robert Hardie, in conjunction with global design firm Hart Howerton. Once completed, the results will showcase the integrity of the original elegant structure and provide an even more luxurious and modern setting for Keswick Hall’s guests to savor a true world-class experience.

Project highlights include an increase in the number of guest rooms from 48 to 80, a dramatic new horizon pool and inspiring food and beverage outlets under the direction of acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who will oversee the property’s culinary operations. During the renovation, Full Cry and the resort’s golf facilities have remained open.

“We are once again thrilled to be honored by an outstanding publication such as Golf Digest,” said John Trevenen, managing director of the resort. “Once our entire resort revitalization is final later this year, we look forward to our guests enjoying the results of the extraordinary renovation for decades to come.”

Read the article at Jerry Ratcliffe.

Find out more about Hart Howerton here.

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