The idea of L’Auberge Provençale Inn is to make you feel like you’re in Provence, France, rather than White Post, Va. That shift happens not just in the landscape, food and décor, but also in the resort’s pace.
From the time you drive into the gravel parking lot next to the historic stone inn, you’ll notice things slow down. The staff is helpful and attentive — and also willing to let you be, whether you’re reading on the front porch or in the sitting room, wandering through the gardens, or lingering over a glass of wine at dinner. The American idea of rushing through a checklist of activities is as foreign here as choosing fast food over a baguette (although there is plenty to do).
Built in 1753, the inn has lived as a sheep farm, witnessed the U.S. Civil War and more. It’s now part of a Shenandoah Valley travel experience designed to give visitors a romantic getaway similar to what they’d find in Provence — without the jet lag.
When the owners purchased the property in the 1990s and converted it to a hotel, they wanted to keep much of its time-honored essence. The former basement kitchen is now a wine cellar, and many historic artifacts and architectural elements are on display. The inn features La Table Provençale restaurant that draws diners from Washington, D.C., about 75 miles away.
The innkeepers also own Villa La Campagnette, a sister property about three miles away. Guests at Villa La Campagnette come to L’Auberge Provençale for meals, and L’Auberge guests can use the Villa La Campagnette swimming pool.
What’s Nearby
Winchester, Va., 10 miles away, is home to the Patsy Cline Historic House and the cemetery where Cline is buried (under her legal name, Virginia H. Dick). Because Nashville no longer has a Cline museum, this is an opportunity to learn more about the country-Western legend.
Old Town Winchester is a National Historic District for pedestrians, with restaurants and shops, including the terrific independent bookstore, Bookish. Nearby, you’ll find caves and battlefields to explore, and Shenandoah National Park is about 20 miles away.
What to Do
The pleasures of the Shenandoah Valley are at your disposal. Take a trip down Skyline Drive. There are 37 wineries and vineyards in the area, and staff at L’Auberge Provençale will help you narrow down the list and organize a tour.
If you want to stay closer to home, there’s a quiet pool for guests at Villa La Campagnette (complete with a house dog and a house cat). Into kitsch? Dinosaur Land is just down the street.
Devote time to sitting and admiring sunrises and sunsets on the property, surrounded by the riotous color of the flower gardens. Read a book on one of the garden benches, or take a dip in the quiet pool.
Where to Eat
Breakfast is included with a guest room stay, and even if you’re not a breakfast regular, it’s worth indulging. Each night, you’ll get a menu to choose from, with options such as omelets and frittatas made with seasonal herbs and vegetables. The ambiance here is French, so each meal comes with croissants and other breads. Choose to eat breakfast in the sunny dining room or have it delivered to your guest room.
Formal dinner at La Table Provençale is a treat. The French-American menu includes à la carte and tasting menus, plus an impressive wine list. And weekend hotel guests are asked to dine there at least once. Sitting on the patio on a temperate night is particularly lovely.
On Monday and Tuesday nights, when the restaurant is closed, there’s an option for in-room dining. Winchester, Va., is just 15 minutes away and boasts plenty of dining options, including some in Old Town. Chinatown is an unassuming but particularly delicious (and busy) Chinese restaurant.
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The 11 rooms in the main inn and the three additional rooms at nearby Villa La Campagnette are decorated with period paint colors, antique furnishings and modern amenities. Some rooms have soaking tubs. Others have fireplaces with Duraflame logs. They’re designed for privacy and offer easy access into the flower gardens and walking paths on the property.
Due to the historic construction of the buildings, none of the rooms are entirely accessible. Some have a small set of steps, and some require walking (and pulling luggage) on a narrow gravel path to get to the door. Though you can hear road noise while walking the grounds of the inn, it’s not disruptive once you’re in the guest rooms.
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