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 beautiful 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 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.
Attractions and Destinations Near Keswick Hall
Keswick Hall is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty in the heart of Monticello wine country. History envelops the estate, with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland each a short jaunt from the property. The access to the history of the nation’s founding fathers is unparalleled.
Transportation at Keswick Hall is convenient. It is easy to arrange for private drivers, specialty tours and the Charlottesville airport is nearby to make for easy access to air travel hubs in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and Atlanta.
The nearby University of Virginia’s Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection features one of the finest art collections of Indigenous Australian art in the world and makes for a fascinating afternoon learning about and appreciating art. There is also the Fralin Museum of Art on grounds at the University of Virginia, the historic UVA Rotunda and more for those interested in architecture and art.
Wine lovers, cider enthusiasts and craft beer drinkers alike have countless tasting rooms and tours available right outside the doorstep. Tastings featuring world-class wines are available throughout the Monticello Wine Trail including at nearby Keswick Vineyards, Southwest Mountains Vineyards and Barboursville Vineyards. For those who enjoy ciders or hops, visit Castle Hill Cider just down the road or try the Charlottesville Ale Trail, a walking tour that features six outstanding breweries right off the Downtown Mall. And for those looking for something to bolster their spirits, nearby Ragged Branch Distillery and Vitae Spirits Distillery offer tours and tastings that showcase flavor profiles uniquely influenced by the Virginians who create them.
The renovation of Keswick Hall has masterfully retained the stunning history and uniquely sophisticated character of the place while updating it with every modern comfort and luxury. It is a true retreat, bathed in openness, serenity and light and welcomes guests with warm, personalized service and hospitality. ~
Discover more luxury resorts in Virginia Wine Country. Up in northern Virginia, the Omni Homestead Resort offers a stunning spa and natural hot springs along with historic sites, dining, equestrian activities and more. Closer to Washington DC, you can enjoy a stay at the incredible Salamander Inn, a stunning resort in Virginia’s hunt & wine countries. Dining, equestrian activities and more await guests to Middleburg.
ABBY MEREDITH ARMISTEAD is a Double Hoo who loves all things Charlottesville and equestrian. Abby grew up competing through the Arabian Horse Association, where she found success as a four-time Youth National Champion. During college, Abby made the switch to Hunter Jumpers and competed throughout Virginia. Abby worked as an attorney in Washington, D.C. and now is a freelance writer living in Charlottesville, where she spends her weekends hiking with her dog in the Blue Ridge Mountains, frequenting the farmers’ market and reading any novel she can get her hands on.
R. L. JOHNSON is our co-publisher and creative director, Robin Johnson Bethke, who began her career as a professional photographer in Los Angeles before moving into graphic design and art direction when she relocated to Charlottesville in 1994. As our company’s co-founder and visionary, she enjoys all aspects of the publishing process from story conception to graphic design to photography. Her work is often seen in many of our publications.
GREG POWERS is an internationally published photographer, an approved photographer for the nation’s leading luxury hotel brands, and highly regarded by many of the world’s celebrities, chefs and restauranteurs.
KATE THOMPSON is an editorial and documentary photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. Whether it’s a personal project or an assignment, she is a big picture thinker and brings empathy and a quiet thoughtfulness to projects large and small. She uses her camera as a way to connect with others, ask questions, process the world around her, and document the full scope of the human experience – the light and the shadows. Her work explores the themes of family, design, public health, and identity.
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