The Inn at Willow Grove- Orange, VA
The Inn at Willow Grove is the perfect 2020 escape, that dates back to 1778. Situated in the Blue Ridge foothills, among the area’s wineries, this stunning historic property offers 40 acres to explore, allowing plenty of room for social distancing.
While the core of the Classical Revival mansion was constructed by local surveyor Joseph Clark in 1778, today’s dreamy buttercup colored Classic Revival structure is the product of an 1848 remodel and enlargement performed by Clark’s son, William, who inherited Willow Grove in 1839. It was at this time the Inn’s trademark Tuscan portico, with its Chinese lattice railings and hanging porches, was added.
The property was a working plantation for many years, through both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The 1860 census documents 34 enslaved men and women living onsite, many under the age of 10. Although the land changed hands many times over the years, transitioning from agriculture to hospitality, today’s incarnation dates to 2008, when the current owners purchased the property, and launched a massive, multi-million dollar renovation project.
Today, the inn boasts 25 rooms, both in the mansion and scattered across the property, including those in renovated period outbuildings. As a last minute booking, we got the last available room in the mansion, The Interior, which was quaint, but tight. Although fabulous, breakfast in the room proved to be quiet a challenge. Our next trip will definitely involve one of the mansion’s spacious suites.
Other recent property updates include a 3000 square foot spa and a stunning salt water pool, complete with a small outdoor pool bar. Quiet and serene, it is the perfect location to enjoy a glass of wine. Indeed, it is the property’s outdoor areas that make it such an inviting retreat. With several secluded sitting areas scattered around the property, as well as outdoor dining options, it works well in today’s environment. Lovely and luxurious, The Inn at Willow Grove is not to be missed.