Looking for an incredible, luxurious experience? Then you need to experience Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The estate boasts a gorgeous infinity pool, restaurant by a Michelin-star chef, and an 18-hole golf course. Close to Monticello, wineries, breweries, and downtown Charlottesville, Keswick Hall has something for everyone to enjoy.
I loved my visit to Keswick Hall and think you’ll love it, as well. Read on to learn more about this stunning estate.
Keswick Hall
Keswick Hall is a luxury resort about 20-25 minutes outside Charlottesville, Virginia.
The original estate was built in 1912. To bring it to its current state of elegance, its owners closed the estate for two and half years for renovations. It re-opened in 2021.
After seeing pictures from another guest, I couldn’t wait to experience the estate.
Getting there
To get to Keswick, I took an Uber from downtown Charlottesville. It was about a 20 minute drive. Because Keswick is fairly remote, transportation options at the estate itself are fairly limited (although the extremely helpful team there will help you arrange for transportation).
Next time, I’ll plan on renting a car just to give me easy transportation to and from the estate and to explore the surrounding area.
Checking-in
I arrived at 9:30am (extremely early for the 4pm checkin). I wanted to get there early in the morning because the forecast was for clouds in the afternoon. I was hoping to explore the estate in the morning sunlight.
The reception desk kindly checked me in and stored my luggage. They gave me a map of the property and warmly encouraged me to explore the estate while my room was being prepared.
The provided map was just one example of all the thoughtful details of the estate. It is a beautiful drawing of the estate and local area.
Phenomenal estate
I nearly had the estate to myself in the morning. Some guests were enjoying coffee on their balconies, but most were still cozy in their rooms.
The estate is phenomenal. I started in the Garden Room, which is a sitting room behind the reception area. Floor to ceiling windows give you an amazing view of the Full Cry golf course. White and blue decor is accented with tasteful touches of brown wood.
The indoor/outdoor feel of the sitting room invites you to exit outdoors to the terrace, where plenty of padded chairs offer an opportunity to enjoy the morning sun.
From there, you’ll find one of the highlights of the estate: the infinity pool. Lounge chairs and cabanas provide many inviting opportunities to sit around the heated pool (and take pictures of the fantastic view of the golf course).
The Counter
As I waited for my room, I took advantage of the wonderful cafe, The Counter, which is located close to reception. With a latte and pain au chocolat in hand, I pulled up a chair on the terrace by the pool. I was able to catch up some work in the pleasant fall sun with a spectacular view of the pool and golf course.
Luxurious rooms
Around noon, I received a call that my room was ready and my luggage had already been delivered to my room.
And what a room it was. The tasteful white and blue decor continued into the room. A settee, small table, sofa, and sitting chair accompanied the bed in the bedroom area.
The closet was a work of art with marble finishes and plenty of table space to set out your belongings.
And the bathroom – wow. Plenty of counter space for your toiletries and a luxurious, walk-in shower.
Tasteful touches
In the bathroom, I found Keswick Hall’s red flower bath amenities. These amenities are formulated specifically for Keswick Hall and include shampoo, conditioner, bath wash, and lotion. Keswick’s formula has an earthy, musky scent that is very appropriate for the surrounding bucolic countryside.
In addition to the unique bath amenities, Keswick Hall has so many wonderful, tasteful touches. Umbrellas in the closet for guests’ use. Filtered water stations on every floor. Magazines and coffee table books in the nightstand. Intelligent room lighting that can be increased and decreased based on your preference. Just a wonderful experience.
Infinity pool
After I settled into my room, I changed to take advantage of the heated pool while the sun was still out. It was about 70 degrees, and the slightly cooler fall weather meant plenty of available lounge chairs and cabanas. The heated pool was perfect for warming up as the sun disappeared behind clouds for the day.
I ordered lunch from the refreshment bar and was rewarded by a truly decadent turkey club sandwich. I also ordered a delicious mocktail that is one of the best mocktails I’ve ever had. Regular drinks, wine, and beer were also available.
Incredible experiences
Although my goal was simply relaxation for this trip, Keswick Hall is close to a number of attractions and the team at Keswick will arrange for these experiences on your behalf.
Monticello and Carter Mountain
In particular, I recommend visiting Monticello, followed by Carter Mountain.
The team at Monticello does a spectacular job of bringing history to life. Visiting Monticello is an emotional experience that explores the contradictions of liberty and slavery. You can read about my experience visiting Monticello here.
After visiting Monticello, I recommend going to nearby Carter Mountain. Here, you’ll find an apple orchard with amazing views of Charlottesville and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also find a Bold Rock Cider location and my personal favorite, apple cider slushies. It’s basically a direct path of sugar to your brain. But it’s worth every bit of the subsequent sugar crash.
Vineyards
In addition, Keswick is close to a number of vineyards and breweries. A particular unique winery nearby is Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard. Go for the fun decor; stay for the wine.
A little farther away (about a 25 minute drive from Keswick), is Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. This winery was highly recommended to me by multiple people and it did not disappoint. Make sure to work with the Keswick Hall team to get an advance reservation, as there’s only limited availability for walk-ins.
Full Cry golf course
And don’t forget the golf course! I didn’t get a chance to experience the golf course this time, but would like to take advantage of it next time. It’s a full 18-hole golf course and has a beautiful driving range.
Crawford’s
After an afternoon relaxing by the pool, I headed back to my room to freshen up. Then it was off to Crawford’s for a pre-dinner drink! Crawford’s may be my favorite place on the estate. To the left of the bar is a gorgeous library with a fireplace and ladder for the bookshelves. To the right of the bar is a gorgeous seating area with brown leather chairs and dark, rich artwork. The bar itself has comfortable stools along a marble counter – perfect for relaxing with a drink before dinner.
Crawford’s was definitely a top gathering place on the estate. Multiple sets of couples and friends moved in and out of the bar as I enjoyed my drink – a Blue Mountain Flip. I’ll definitely come back here again with friends to enjoy a cocktail.
Marigold’s by Jean-Georges
Next up was dinner at Marigold’s by Jean-Georges. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten boasts a two Michelin star restaurant in New York City (Jean-Georges). At his Keswick Hall location, the food is locally sourced (where possible) and much of the produce is grown at the estate’s nearby farm.
The menu was filled with interesting, fun food combinations. For my main meal, I chose the salmon, which was mushroom-crusted with mashed potatoes and a lemon dressing. The combination of flavors was unbelievably good.
I paired the salmon with an apple cider sangria, which had a great cinnamon flavor.
I wrapped up the meal with a salted-caramel sundae with caramel popcorn. I would have never have combined ice cream and popcorn together, but I will from now on! It was a perfect sweet and salty combination. I can’t wait to try to recreate at home.
The restaurant and bar were both packed when I left around 8PM on a Wednesday evening, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
I loved the “rustic chic” (as the website describes it) ambiance of the restaurant and will definitely be going back.
Turndown service
When I got back to the room, I saw that it had received turndown service. Turndown service has become so rare! The bed sheets were turned down, the lighting was set low, the curtains were drawn closed, two cookies were provided, and the television was set to a crackling fire scene. These are exactly the kind of details I love at a luxurious hotel.
Checking out
The next day was an overcast and misty fall day. I was hoping to see sunrise over the Full Cry golf course outside of my window, but I’ll need to come back to see it another time.
After checking out, I caught an Uber back to Charlottesville’s Amtrak station in time for an easy morning train ride up to Washington, DC.
Highlights
I truly loved my stay at Keswick Hall and highly recommend it. Highlights included relaxing at the infinity pool, enjoying a cocktail at Crawford’s, and savoring my meal at Marigold’s.
I recommend Keswick Hall for anyone who wants a luxurious escape in a beautiful setting. You can book your stay here. I hope your experience is spectacular as mine.
Have a comment or a question? I’d love to hear from you! Visit me on Instagram at eastbymidwest or send me an email at pam@eastbymidwest.com.
Pin for Later
