This Quaint Virginia Town Features a Luxurious Countryside Hotel with an Infinity Pool, a Jean-Georges Restaurant, and a Newly Opened Spa

If you’ve been longing for Great Britain — maybe after binge-watching Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story — but find this summer’s soaring transatlantic flight prices unappealing, there’s a fantastic alternative. The foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains echo the lush landscapes of the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of the Peak District — plus, they’re much more accessible from most major U.S. cities.

While Virginia boasts various stunning landscapes and numerous small towns, one particular area exudes the charming countryside vibe reminiscent of England. Situated just seven miles from Charlottesville, Keswick is a quaint town (officially referred to as a “census-designated place”) along Route 22, adorned with fences, historical markers, and sprawling estates.

Keswick primarily consists of residential homes set on expansive lands, but its highlight is a century-old property that reopened to guests in 2022. Keswick Hall has a rich history as a country club, an Orient Express Hotel, and a private residence for Sir Bernard Ashley, the widower of designer Laura Ashley. In 2017, the current owners, Molly and Robert Hardie, initiated a multi-year renovation to enhance its guest rooms, amenities, and dining experiences, aiming to infuse luxury and modern accessibility (now ADA-compliant) while honoring its historical essence.

If you look at photos of the 80-room hotel before your visit, you might assume Keswick Hall is located far from the main road, giving it an impression of total seclusion. However, the entrance and parking area come into view rather quickly after you turn off Route 22 — don’t let that concern you. Once you step through the front doors of the lobby, you’re immediately welcomed into a tranquil retreat.

The public areas within the main building feature a cozy library, a bright and airy sitting room with views of the Pete Dye-designed 18-hole golf course, and various relaxing spots on the terrace. During late spring and summer, both guests and Keswick Hall members are drawn to the picturesque infinity pool, which is lined with lounge chairs and a selection of cabanas. The guest rooms reflect the hotel’s design aesthetic, showcasing blues, whites, creams, wooden furnishings, and occasional pieces of thoughtfully curated art. Some rooms offer access to private balconies, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening tea while soaking in the Virginia landscape.

As you wander the expansive 600-acre grounds, the stresses of work and life seem to fade away, but nowhere feels more tranquil and secluded than the Keswick Spa. One of the latest additions to Keswick Hall, the spa embodies the essence of a peaceful retreat. A wave of calm washes over you the moment you check in — and that's before you even reach the relaxation lounge. Here, you can settle into a chaise lounge with a refreshing fruit-infused water and gaze out at the deciduous forest through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

While the serene ambiance and natural beauty are key highlights of Keswick Hall, its culinary offerings are equally impressive. For a quick bite, guests can head to The Counter, a convenient grab-and-go coffee shop. For a more relaxed experience, Crawford’s serves up cocktails and small plates, honoring the Crawford family, the original owners of the property. However, the true gem is Marigold by Jean-Georges, marking the celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's debut restaurant in Virginia. With a menu that changes with the seasons, diners can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, seasonal produce, and a variety of entrees that are both satisfying and uncomplicated.

Whether you're seeking a luxurious countryside getaway in the UK or in the Virginia mountains, Keswick Hall offers the perfect escape to savor fresh air and outdoor activities — from golfing and playing tennis on red clay courts to biking around the picturesque homes in the area. This destination allows you to unwind and disconnect. If this sounds like the ideal vacation for you this year, and you'd prefer to avoid a long flight across the Atlantic, you can easily reserve a room through the Keswick Hall website.