In picturesque Middleburg, Virginia, luxury is a state of mind. The beautiful town, known as the Horse and Hunt Capital of the country, is just as famous for its beautiful mares as it is for its mansions perched on pristine farmland. And nowhere is this fame on better display than at Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.
While it’ll take you just an hour to reach Goodstone from Washington, D.C., the countryside resort feels eons away from the nation’s capital in time, space, and feel. Set upon 265 acres of rolling hills, the beautiful 18-bed property is the cozy estate you wish you could call your country home—luckily, you certainly can, even if only for a few days at a time.
Arriving at Goodstone takes you through the beautiful vistas of the vast working farm. You’ll pass herds of cattle, sheep, and even bee colonies (who contribute their honey to many of Goodstone’s dishes) before making your way to the Carriage House, the primary building of the property. Make your way through a meticulously landscaped garden to enter an impressive set of double doors, just beyond which you’ll find the living room-esque lobby, complete with a roaring fireplace, comfortable seating, and board games.
The Carriage House also houses four of the 18 rooms on the property, each uniquely decorated in a farmhouse chic aesthetic and equipped with either a queen- or king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom.
If you’re staying with a larger group, however, you’ll want to opt for one of the five standalone cottages (or in some cases, estates) spread throughout the property. Each room can be booked individually—if you’re open to making friends with other folks who might share common spaces (like a kitchen, living room, or dining room), or as an entire house for those traveling with several companions.
We love the Dutch Cottage, a precious two-bedroom bungalow just steps from the main Carriage House. The pale yellow walls of the living room contrast perfectly with blue gingham easy chairs and embroidered pillows showing off both the local fauna and flora, while the upstairs bedrooms (Magnolia and Delphinium) feature comfortable four-poster beds and antique bureaus. We also love the clawfoot tub found in Magnolia, perfect for soaking after a long day of hiking, riding, or otherwise adventuring.
Regardless of which room type or cottage you opt for, you’ll have access to the full suite of on-site activities and amenities. Whether you’re interested in a dip in the heated saltwater pool, kayaking on Goose Creek, or interacting with the property’s farm animals, there’s something for your itinerary. To help you explore the extensive Goodstone grounds, the hotel also offers complimentary bike rentals, as well as tours of the working farm and garden. For the bird watchers among us, bird guides and binoculars are available to borrow, and for the barbecue pit masters, fire pits and grills are available for use as well.
Of course, while you certainly could cook your own meals on property, you’d be missing out on one of the great draws of Goodstone. At The Conservatory, indulge in farm-to-table fine dining helmed by Executive Chef Paul Verica, who incorporates local, seasonal ingredients with approachable French techniques. An ever-rotating menu constantly highlights the latest and greatest available from the farm and surrounding areas, and a stellar wine program is available for pairings. You’ll also want to take advantage of complimentary breakfast served in the Bistro, the more casual of the two dining options on property.
So whether you’re visiting Goodstone to reconnect with nature, your partner, or yourself, you’ll leave feeling utterly rejuvenated and itching to come back.
Top Takeaways
Location: Middleburg, VA
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: The 265-acre country estate of your dreams
Food + Drink: The Conservatory is Goodstone’s fine dining farm-to-table concept, while the Bistro is a more casual option with daily complimentary breakfast
Amenities: restaurant; bar; concierge; meeting spaces; bikes; hiking trails; spa; kayaking
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: We love going on hikes around property, cup of coffee (or glass of wine) in hand, and exploring the immaculate grounds
5 Nearby Attractions: State Arboretum of Virginia, National Sporting Library & Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Foamhenge, Oatlands Historic House & Gardens
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: While there’s plenty of do on property, if you’re looking to take advantage of Virginia wine country, head out to Greenhill Vineyard or Boxwood Estate Winery for a tasting of the local varietals
Rooms: 18 rooms spread across 6 buildings or cottages
Pricing: Rooms start at $380/night
Closest Airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
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