Worth the Drive: Windy Hill Farm and Preserve

At my first dinner at Wilder, the farm-to-table restaurant at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, I spilled red wine on my white linen blouse. As I reached for a glass of water to blot the stain, the bartender rushed across the room, an orange Tide to Go pen in hand. Working behind the bar means the occasional spill, she said, so she keeps the laundry tool on hand. Would I like to use it?

That’s the kind of service offered at Windy Hill Farm, an all-inclusive, sustainability-focused resort along the Tennessee River in Loudon, Tenn. An attentive team is ready to shuttle you and your luggage across the property in a golf cart, light a bonfire at dusk’s first sight and avert laundry disasters. They also know that part of the appeal of Windy Hill Farm is its 650 acres of pristine rolling hills and the opportunity to commune with nature, so service is not obsequious or overbearing.

Windy Hill Farm opened in 2018, offering guided upland hunting outings, and expanded to a year-round resort in 2022. Since then, the Brewington Family of Knoxville (who purchased the property in 2014) has continued to operate it with an ecological focus, making the landscape the foundation for the retreat.

Nearly 75% of the Loudon County resort is preserved as native wildlife habitat. As you drive up the winding road to check in for your stay, you’ll see warm-season grasses and meadows with open views leading to wooded hiking trails. The property includes multiple hunting courses, private waterfront river access and other gateways to nature.

Former owner George W. Sampson (called “Big George” by the team) believed that “nowhere is as beautiful as East Tennessee.” And while sentiments like that are often attributed to the Smokies, his farm definitely makes the argument that you don’t need to get all the way to the mountains to experience great views and fresh air.

While the resort buildings are fairly compact, with short distances between the restaurant and accommodations, they are designed so you don’t necessarily hear your neighbors, particularly in the nine private cabins. Sit in deck chairs on your patio and take in the views, or get ready for dinner while listening to music from your in-room turntable.

The resort’s location and buildings offer views of both sunrise and sunset, making for a full day of natural wonder. But because Windy Hill Farm isn’t deep in the mountains, you’ll still have a strong cell signal should you need to connect with the outside world.

What’s Nearby

Windy Hill Farm is 30 miles from Knoxville and Oak Ridge, both of which offer museums and entertainment options. The resort is just seven miles from popular retirement community Tellico Village. Because Loudon is southwest of Knoxville, it’s an easy drive from Nashville and a good option for Nashvillians who want a mountain-like getaway without the congestion of the Smokies.

What to Do

A robust, all-inclusive list of activities will keep you busy. There are two miles of Tennessee River shoreline with a private dock and kayaks and paddleboards at the ready. Archery, clay shooting, hiking, mountain biking, and arts and crafts classes are options, too. Or stroll through the orchard, or walk to see an eagle’s nest, or check out the beekeeping. 

Some activities are seasonal — plus, there are always yard games and kite flying. Book a yoga session or cooking demonstration. For many projects, such as eco printing with blooms picked from the fields, the landscape is the inspiration. The guided upland hunting outings are still available and popular in-season, aided by two dozen hunting dogs.

Where to Eat

Wilder serves all three meals. Choose from the small dining room or eat alfresco with a view. Executive chef Ben Warwick and his team design menus around selections from the garden, which sits just a few steps from the dining room. Menus are well-edited and do not change daily. Robust wine and spirit lists accompany the meals (nonalcoholic drinks are included in the all-inclusive dining, but wine and spirits aren’t). Mention dietary restrictions in advance. 

No matter how much dessert you have at the table, a s’more by the firepits is an end-of-night tradition. Because of the resort’s small size, getting a table is not an issue. The restaurant is open to the public for lunch and dinner (with limited availability).

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Choose from three different kinds of accommodations. The Farmhouse has five bedrooms and a meeting space, and it’s designed for collaborative experiences with great views. There are eight traditional lodge rooms and nine private cabins, which have porches, vaulted ceilings, optional outdoor showers, more great views and a communal firepit. Create your own ambiance with in-room record players and a stack of vinyl at check-in. Select rooms are dog-friendly (with an additional pet fee).