The country home of your dreams is not exactly a home, but rather a proper hall. And by that, we mean Keswick Hall, the stunning 80-room boutique property located just a few minutes away from charming Charlottesville, Virginia.
If the sprawling property feels particularly intimate—dare we say, homey, even—it was initially conceived as an actual family residence. In 1912, the wealthy Crawford family became the first occupants of the Italian-style mansion. And in the century since, Keswick Hall has seen its days as a country club, a hotel, and even a private home once more (this time to Sir Bernard Ashley, the husband of designer Laura Ashley). More recently, Keswick Hall has been renovated to its current glory, keeping its original design and ethos.
Set amid the charming wooded areas just outside of Charlottesville, Keswick Hall is enormously grand and intimately welcoming. An impressive circular driveway is a perfect welcome to the multi-arched entryway, where friendly doormen are ready to help begin your stay. The lobby could double as an ornate living room, with fireplaces, plenty of sitting room, and a stunning view of the grounds just beyond. And for good measure, a game room—complete with a pool table (previously owned by Sir Bernard Ashley)—stands at the ready.
The 80 rooms of the property are carefully spaced across multiple floors and multiple wings, which means that you’ll never feel crowded in with other guests, even at peak occupancy. Color palettes are effortlessly serene, with simple blue, white, and cream hues. Overstuffed couches and fluffy duvets are so comfortable that you may sink in without any hope of rising again. However, you may just find your way to luxuriously large bathrooms with freestanding soaking tubs and bath salts. We love the marble vanities and walk-in showers as well.
No detail is spared in comfort. From handcrafted chocolates provided at turndown to complimentary snacks in the minibar, you could easily spend an entire weekend at Keswick Hall without ever leaving your room.
But given the plethora of activities on the property, it’s unlikely that this will be your fate—the fabulous infinity pool is a must-see year-round (it’s temperature controlled), and a stunning 18-hole golf course, designed by Pete Dye, is a fabulous way to appreciate the Virginia scenery. The state-of-the-art gym has multiple fitness studios in the same building as the golf club. Or, head to the tennis and pickleball courts for some friendly competition.
But if your idea of relaxation is slightly more literal, no trip to the hotel would be complete without spending some time at The Spa at Keswick Hall. Pampering is practically requisite the second you step through the door; once you’ve changed into your robe and slippers, you’ll enjoy a fabulous waiting area where spa water, tea, and delicious snacks await alongside beautiful arboreal views. Whether you’re interested in a facial or a couple’s massage, treatment options abound.
With plenty of incredible dining options in Charlottesville (you cannot miss Broadcloth), the neighborhood has no shortage of good eats. But if you’d prefer to stay on property for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we wouldn’t blame you. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the creative mind behind the on-site restaurant Marigold, which leverages organic ingredients supplied by nearby Oakdale Garden and other local, family-owned farms.
So whether you’re visiting Charlottesville for the history, the sites, or the food, a stay at Keswick Hall is the perfect home base.
Top Takeaways
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Southern country club with classic southern hospitality all year round
Food + Drink: You can’t miss Jean-Georges Marigold restaurant for meals, and be sure to grab a drink at Crawford’s. There’s also The Counter for a morning pastry or coffee.
Amenities: fitness center; restaurant; bar; concierge; ballroom; meeting spaces; bikes; golf course; spa; pickleball; tennis
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: It’s hard to beat the Spa at Keswick Hall – you could spend all day lounging in the waiting room, and treatments are top-notch.
5 Nearby Attractions: University of Virginia, Monticello, Saunders-Monticello Trail, Darden Towe Park, Freedom of Speech Wall
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: If you want to dine off the property, we’d highly recommend the short drive to Broadcloth, located in the historic textile mill.
Rooms: 80 rooms and four suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $600/night
Closest Airport: Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport
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