Berry Hill Resort
by
Terry and Kathy Sullivan
Summary: While traveling to wineries in Southern Virginia, stop by the Berry Hill Resort for an evening’s lodging. The original estate included 105,000 acres granted to William Byrd II, from the English Crown. Over the centuries there have been many different owners. Today Berry Hill Resort with 650 acres is a National Historic Landmark.
Berry Hill Resort is more than a lodging site. Activities include conferences, weddings and special events. Guests will discover that they need to stay longer than one night to enjoy the Blackberry Spa, indoor swimming, saunas, tennis courts, fishing, croquet, bocce, soccer, volleyball and more.
A long narrow graveled road leads to the many buildings and parking area that comprise the estate. Travel slowly past beautifully landscaped areas, manicured lawns, stone fences and the majestic front of the mansion. The front of the white mansion has eight large columns. We drove to the Inn to check into our room, then parked the car a distance away. On the walk back to the Inn we ambled on brick pathways through gardens and noticed the peaceful environment around the estate.
The comfortable room’s focal point was the canopy covered queen-size bed. The room also had a balcony with table and chairs, however the evening’s thunderstorms kept us inside. Room amenities include high-speed internet connections, coffee, and towel warmers. Antiques and reproductions provide additional ambiance. There were two restaurants available for dinner. The Bill Carrington’s Restaurant offers a formal dining experience located in the mansion. We opted for Darby’s Tavern, a short walk from the front of the Inn. The tavern was excellent in terms of food selection, price and the staff that worked the tables and bar. It was suggested that we walk through the mansion while we were waiting for our meals. Kathy discovered that the crab cake sandwich was delicious and filling especially with a side of chips.
On Sundays guests can choose between a complimentary very light breakfast or a large brunch in The Grand Ballroom. The brunch takes place between 10 am and 2 pm and is one price for all one can eat with beverages being extra. A large variety of foods are included. On the day of our visit, freshly carved sliced roast beef and omelets were included. A separate table on the other side of the ballroom offered numerous desserts including pecan pie.
There are three floors open in the mansion. The main room of interest to visitors on the lowest level was the large dining room. Walking up, a stairway leads to a billiard room on the middle level. We continued to the foyer with a wonderful two-sided slanted stairway leading to the upper level. Known as the “horseshoe” stairway, the stairway is a work of art. Adjacent to the stairway on the lower level is a library and parlor while on the opposite side is the location for Carrington’s Restaurant. Taking the stairway in the foyer leads to the upper level. The upper level has several parlor rooms.
Walls in the mansion and throughout the resort are decorated with various sizes of breathtaking and detailed silhouettes.
One story has persisted down through the years. It is believed that Lafayette visited Berry Hill in 1824. Lafayette was in America for his last time to visit the Battle of Yorktown anniversary celebration.
Whether looking for a conference facility, a night's lodging or a vacation, consider Berry Hill Resort.
The Berry Hill Resort
3105 River Road
South Boston, Virginia 24592
