Primland- Meadows of Dan, VA

Primland is nothing short of amazing. Perched high on a mountain ridge, miles even from the gated entrance, it is a secluded mountain paradise. If you are looking for a respite from today’s hectic world, look no further. 

Primland is a destination. Once you make your way up the mountain, chances are you won’t wind your way down until it is time to leave. And you will do so reluctantly. The resort is very much self contained, and there are no shortage of activities to fill your day. The resort is well known for its golf course, which is outstanding, but if that isn’t you thing, you will be just fine. They also have a stunning indoor pool, a spa, a stable, and miles and miles of hiking trails in addition to just about any outdoor activity you can think of.

Primland is the realized dream of Didier Primat, heir to the Schlumberger fortune. In 1977 Primat purchased 12,000 acres of Blue Ridge property, part of a larger 60,000 acre land grant bestowed upon William Austin 250 years earlier. Although part of the property was harvested for firewood, the majority was used for outdoor pursuits, including hunting, fly fishing and horseback riding. In 2008 a golf course was added to this piece of paradise, almost completing the would be resort.

The pièce de résistance, the Primland Lodge, debuted in 2009. Almost as stunning as the surrounding mountain views, the lodge not only transformed the property, but managed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment. That of course was by design; built of recycled materials, and LEED certified, every effort was made to minimize the lodge’s environmental impact.

The lodge itself only has 26 rooms, but there are several other fantastic options on the grounds, including tree houses that sit cantilevered over the Kibler Valley. If you want to sit on your deck and take in the mountain view, this is your place. Watching a storm front form and move over the mountain tops was perhaps one of the most dramatic things I have ever witnessed in person. Certainly the most dramatic weather related phenomenon in any event.

We stayed in the Woodpecker East Fairway Cottage, and it was perfect for us. It affords distant views of the mountain tops, as well as the 10th fairway. A rustic cottage it was not.

Only a few years old, Woodpecker East looked and felt brand new. Large windows allowed for excellent views, while the stone fireplace acted as a cozy focal point. The open beamed ceilings and dramatic light fixtures were not only lovely, but made the cottage feel grand. A small terrace overlooks the 10th green, and provides an excellent location for both morning coffee and afternoon wine. The lodge is located a short walk away.

The room nailed it on both form and function. The bed could not have been more comfortable; you will want to take the sheets with you when you check out. Thanks Frette, your unreasonably priced linens have spoiled me for all other sheets. Additionally, turn down service yields fabulous cookies. All good.

The cottage bathroom also has heated tile floors, a lovely shower, and a tub straight out a movie, magazine, or commercial. If you have ever dreamed of taking a long bath while watching golf, this is your opportunity. It does actually have a wonderful mountain view as well, which might be more inline with what they were imagining. Either way, it is a tub most people could only dream of having at home.

In addition to the wonderful accommodations, the location of the resort affords several unique opportunities. Its remote location and dark skies render it a perfect setting for stargazing. Two sessions are offered per night, the earlier geared more toward children. The evening starts outside, where the moon as well as several planets are viewed through a decent sized amateur telescope. A sky tour of visible constellations follows. The action then moves up to the lodge’s Observatory Dome, which could easily be mistaken for a grain silo. Once seated inside, a soothing red light floods the room, and the dome whirs to life. GPS guides the 14 inch Celestron telescope to deep space locations, with the images projected on a large screen HD monitor. The presentation is interactive, so come prepared with requests.

Finally, there is golf. The Highland Course is one of the finest tracks in the country. It is not only stunningly beautiful, it is kept in immaculate condition. It has a price tag commensurate with these factors. It is obscenely expensive, and yet worth every penny. The course should  be played at least twice, and even then, it will prove very challenging. The greens are perhaps the fastest I have ever played on, and will challenge the lowest of handicappers. Even if you do not play well, you will still love the course. If you do play well, congratulate yourself, you are clearly an excellent golfer.

For some, a perfect day of golf includes smoking a post round cigar, and Primland provides a wonderful place to do that. Although the resort is non-smoking, they have repurposed an original tobacco barn to be used as a clubhouse of sorts. Wonderfully restored and decorated, it offers ample seating, a fireplace, and a large TV, for watching golf of course. It also has a large front terrace with mountain views and grills. It was quiet while we were there, but I imagine it is very popular with those on golf trips.

For all its loveliness, the resort is not without its flaws. Casual dining is somewhat limited, and it is very pricey. The property is remote, and far off the beaten track, so it probably won’t be a vacation you incorporate with other activities, except perhaps exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, for which there is an entrance not far from the resort. It is probably also not for those who crave excitement, or nightlife. Nevertheless, for those that enjoy outdoor pursuits, the resort is an experience you will not soon forget.

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