Founded by English settlers, the bucolic hamlet of Middleburg, Virginia, served as a way station in the 1700s, providing rest and repast to weary travelers. Today, as the site of the venerable Goodstone Inn & Estate, the tradition of hospitality continues amid 265 acres of Loudon County’s lush wine country.
Melding tranquil country ambience and luxurious accommodations, the Goodstone offers a host of tastefully furnished rooms and suites housed within six distinctive properties: The Carriage House, The Dutch Cottage, The Spring House, The French Farm Cottage, The Manor House, and The Bull Barn. With inviting features such as floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, hand-carved woodwork, a detailed wall mural depicting scenes from colonial Virginia, and a two-story front porch, each retreat transports guests to a simpler, more gracious time.
Nature lovers can explore the great outdoors with hiking, biking, and canoeing opportunities, while those seeking more leisurely pursuits can indulge in spa treatments or venture into town to browse eclectic shops or to attend the area’s famed steeplechase races. There is no better way to top off a day of adventure and activity than by enjoying a delicious meal at the Goodstone’s acclaimed restaurant, featuring French cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Text Anne Garry
To read more, see “Our Favorite Mid-Atlantic Inns” on page 28 of the September/October 2011 issue of Victoria.
