Hillbrook Inn and Spa in Charles Town is a romantic getaway.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step into a Thomas Kinkade painting, visit the Hillbrook Inn and Spa in Charles Town. The stone and stucco inn is situated on George Washington’s first land purchase, completed in 1752, and looks like it was transported from the English Cotswold countryside. The perfectly manicured grounds with babbling creeks, romantic foot bridges, mossy cobblestone paths, and a pond punctuated with lily pads invite you to meander. In the evening, dappled rays of sunshine give it an ethereal appearance.
Hillbrook Inn’s manor house was built as a private home by Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford in the 1920s using the timber and stone from the Locke Farm, which occupied the site in the 1800s. Bamford modeled Hillbrook after an inn he loved in Normandy. The inn was refurbished by the Carroll family in 1984, and, in 2004, current owners Chris and Carissa Zanella purchased the property and continue to modernize it with improvements.
To call Hillbrook Inn a bed and breakfast doesn’t quite do it justice. The impressive accommodations are refined and elegant. It is easy to see why the romantic storybook setting is a popular option for weddings and special events. The Main House holds six charming guest suites, the restaurant, a pub, and a gift shop. Nearby—an easy walk from the Main House—the Cottage and the Gatehouse Suites add six more private rooms that include freestanding soaking tubs, gas log fireplaces, and private porches. There are even two companion properties, located two miles from the Main House, that include the Farmhouse and the historic Hawthorn House. Hillbrook also has an on-site spa. You can spend the day getting pampered before visiting nearby attractions and the historic downtowns of Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, and Shepherdstown.
Included with your overnight stay is a gourmet two-course breakfast. You’ll want to enjoy it in the Breakfast Porch, where you’ll see the part of the building that was constructed in 1700. From breakfast bowls and souffles to eggs Benedict and freshly made pastries, you’ll start your day right. And don’t forget to make a reservation for dinner. Executive Chef Jan Van Haute has worked at several Michelinstarred restaurants and has crafted a memorable fine dining experience with your choice of a four-, five-, or six-course tasting menu and an optional wine pairing. These memorable meals are served every 30 minutes from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday for in-house guests only and every 30 minutes from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday for guests and the public. 4490 Summit Point Road, 304.725.4223, hillbrookinn.com, @hillbrookinn on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2023 ISSUE
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