Five-Star Accommodations in Virginia's Horse and Hunt Country

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.

ORANGE, VA - April 2011 - After enjoying a fall 2010 soft-opening, The Inn at Willow Grove, which borders the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Virginia's horse and wine country, has unveiled the final touches of a nearly 24-month restoration and renovation. Here, exceptional accommodations, replete with butler service, welcome the most discerning of travelers seeking sophisticated, yet understated five-star services and accommodations.

The Inn at Willow Grove, owned by David and Charlene Scibal, rests on a 37 acre estate dating back to 1778 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn's extensive renovation included a complete refurbishment of existing facilities, as well as the creation of 11 stunning designer guestrooms and cottage suites and a fine-dining restaurant, Vintage, that has been garnering rave reviews.

Interior designs, created and vetted by Charlene Scibal, a former chef and art gallery owner, reflect an "urban meets plantation" vibe with crisp, elegant d�cor infused with 18th century architecture and heritage.

Guestrooms and suites feature Anichini linens, wet-bars, gas fire places, Jacuzzi soaking tubs, private sitting rooms, serene porches, king size beds, flat screen televisions and complementary Wi-Fi. Brilliant artwork adorns the estate's walls and pairs perfectly with textiles that blend leather with burlap and stripes with graphics.

Executive Chef Jason Daniels brings classic, contemporary cuisine imbued with a playful flair to Vintage, the Inn's 50 seat restaurant and tavern that specializes in farm-to-table fare utilizing local artisanal products. Chef Daniels describes his menu as "country comfort food dressed up and brought to town."

Accompanying this Southern chic cuisine is the extensive wine menu, showcasing bottles from Virginia's premier wineries, as well as West Coast and international vineyards.

The Spa, a full-service, on-site retreat, is housed in the property's original smokehouse and provides guests with a private enclave in which to enjoy pampering treatments.

A state-of-the-art events barn and additional meeting and event spaces provide the ideal locale for exceptional weddings and corporate retreats.

Nearby activities include wine tasting at local vineyards, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, hiking, nature treks, steeplechase races, and tours of historic sites, including Montpelier Plantation and civil war sites.

The Inn at Willow Grove is ideally situated just a few short hours by car from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Richmond and Philadelphia. Charlottesville Airport is located 45 minutes from the Inn.

Nightly rates at The Inn at Willow Grove are from $295 to $695 on weekends and holidays with special rates available mid-week.

For additional information on The Inn at Willow Grove or to book reservations, please visit www.innatwillowgrove.com or call 540-672-7001.


by Robert Doyle

Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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