Location, location, location. That’s the mantra behind real estate, of course. It’s also one of the ways the historic Keswick Hall stands out in a world of luxury resorts. Keswick Hall is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just minutes from Charlottesville, Va., and the University of Virginia campus, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and Virginia’s wine country.
Keswick Hall has stood tall since 1912, enjoying its proximity to the mountains and to history — first as a private residence, then as a country club and then a hotel. (In one iteration, the widower of Laura Ashley transformed the mansion of the on-site golf club into a luxury resort outfitted with the fashion icon’s designs.) In recent years, owners Molly and Robert Hardie renovated the luxury property, expanding guest rooms (from 48 to 80), adding a spa, and making the beloved resort even more of a luxury destination.
One of the best examples of Italianate-style architecture in the state of Virginia, Keswick Hall’s main mansion is a centerpiece to the 600-acre resort. And with the large expansion of landscape and the small number of guest rooms, checking in feels a little bit like motoring up to a private house in the country, rather than a hotel.
The renovation of the guest rooms offers modern design with classical elements and a neutral palette. Light woods and marble finishes add modernity and sophistication, while custom bedding provides luxury and comfort. Designers kept sustainability in mind with a state-of-the-art air purification system and filtered water hydration stations on guest room floors.
Game On
People love Keswick Hall— not only because of its history and location — but because of everything they can do without leaving the resort. Fans of the game of kings appreciate Full Cry, Keswick’s champion golf course. The award-winning course is a Pete Dye masterpiece that’s ranked among the top public courses in the country. Avid players, as well those who just take to the links for an occasional round, appreciate Full Cry’s minimalist design, which accentuates the surrounding landscape. That scenery is dotted with native plants and flowers, making for year-round interest.
If you prefer tennis over golf, Keswick Hall lets you pretend you’re swinging a racquet at Roland Garros, as its seven fully renovated courts feature authentic European red clay. Two of those are hybrid Claytech courts, built atop hard-court foundations, making it possible to play in all weather. The other five are Garros-worthy sub-irrigated red clay courts, which isn’t something you’d typically find in the Virginia countryside. Court rental includes use of equipment, so guests don’t even have to remember to bring their own racquets. Private lessons, group drills and boutique tournaments are available. And for those who don’t feel like there are enough hours in the day to fit it all in (because there are so many activities), LED lights make it easy to play after sunset.
For swimmers, there’s the Horizon Pool — a two-level, infinity-edge, saltwater pool that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and golf course. It also offers the traditional resort pool experience, with cabanas, poolside cocktail service and plenty of places to relax with a book (sun or shade).
With the hotel renovation also came the reopening of the spa and salon in 2022. Treatments feature products made with honey from nearby Oakdale Farm, which provides some produce for the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant. Services range from the traditional to chakra-balancing energy work.
Dine In
The hotel’s restaurant, Marigold, is helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Keswick Hall is one of only two properties with a Vongerichten restaurant in the American South (the other being The Hermitage Hotel). The renovation included making a new entrance for Marigold so that folks who weren’t guests of the property felt comfortable coming there to dine (either indoors or outdoors).
Marigold’s emphasis is on seasonal and organic ingredients. The wine list is a mix of Old World classics and the best local wines from the surrounding Virginia wine country (which guests can tour and taste while in the area). And while it’s a luxury dining space, it’s not overly ornate or extravagant.
The serene vibe is a match for the resort’s ethos of being a place to relax and unwind. Cooking classes and gardening tours allow guests to go deeper into what makes Keswick Hall tick.
Unwind And Explore
With all the amenities, there are many reasons to leave guest rooms and explore. But there’s a lot of motivation to stay in, too.
Some rooms in the hotel have balconies with stunning vistas, and some have fireplaces. Chocolates on the pillow during turndown service are made in-house, and there’s even a signature scent for the hotel.
Like the scent, Keswick Hall is about the little details. There’s a library with a ladder to help access tomes on the top shelves. The Snooker Room features a top-notch table. The fitness center has ample equipment and plenty of windows, with more good views and lots of natural light. A portion of the resort fee at the hotel supports the nonprofit Monticello, and EV chargers make life easier for guests with electric vehicles.
All of that is provided at a resort nestled into a landscape that reflects and respects the surrounding topography of the region — honoring its past and preparing for the future.
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