Less than an hour and a half from the bustling downtown of Atlanta, Georgia, lies a sweeping resort nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Barnsley Resort, which resides on a sprawling 3,000 acres of land, is as enchanting as it is commodious, and from your first step inside its English country-style inn, you’ll discover why. Expect to be greeted by a welcoming glass of champagne and check in amidst the vaulted ceilings, grand staircase, and cozy fireplace that serve as the focal meeting hub of the resort.

While the centrally located inn boasts 55 guest rooms and suites for lodgers to rest their feet, the resort has long been known for its cottages which line the resort village, calling to mind the English countryside (or for those familiar, Wisteria Lane). Although the cottages are fully equipped with modern luxury – think HDTVs, WiFi, luxurious bedding, etc. – they call back to a simpler time. Wood-burning fireplaces, clawfoot bathtubs, and porch swings instantly transport guests to a world of relaxation, thoughtfully surrounded by acres of nature.

Al Fresco Adventure

Among the countless activities you can partake in at Barnsley Resort, there are a handful that stand out. Among them is the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company, where both first-timers and shooting enthusiasts alike can try their hand at target practice thanks to the resort’s two 15-station clays courses. Here, experienced instructors will determinedly guide you to get that shot and show off your hand-eye coordination.

Those with a need for speed can hop aboard one of High Adventure’s UTVs and explore 15 miles of trails where guests can take in the boundless views, spy wildlife, and get a dose of adrenaline. For a slower pace, take out one of the property’s bikes or go on foot for a sweat-inducing hike.

Animal lovers will delight in checking out Barnsley’s farm, which has miniature horses for the young ones to visit and full-sized horses for riding. Here you will also find a family of goats and a vegetable and herb garden utilized by the kitchen staff.

A 10-acre lake on the grounds makes an idyllic spot to simply stroll nearby, or even go fishing and canoeing (both of which are available to rent).

A Dose of History

Perhaps one of the most alluring destinations on property is the Manor House Ruins, a former Italianate villa built by Godfrey Barnsley in the 19th century for his wife Julia. Although there were big plans for the villa, it seemed to be plagued by turmoil. Sadly, Julia passed away before the villa was complete, and years later, the estate suffered damage due to the Civil War. Its bad luck didn’t end there, however. In 1906, a tornado passed through the area, ripping off the roof, and eventually, the grand villa fell into disrepair. Luckily, in 1988 Prince Hubertus Fugger of Augsburg purchased the estate and revamped the surrounding gardens and ruins, turning them into the hauntingly beautiful vision guests can traipse through today.

Many private events take place among the ruins, from weddings to cocktail classes. As the seasons change, so too does the surrounding decor, from twinkling fairy lights to wreaths and bauble-laden Christmas trees. For a place that was once dogged by misfortune, it sure has magnetic energy today.

savory beignets on plate — Photo credit: Amanda Mactas

Sips & Sustenance

Like a true Southern host, Barnsley Resort is home to numerous exquisite dining destinations, including the Rice House, Woodlands Grill, and Beer Garden. The former offers guests an elevated dining experience featuring farm-to-table seasonal dishes and craft cocktails. Innovative twists on Southern classics are heavily featured on the menu, including dishes like the popular heirloom tomato tart, okra pakoras, and shrimp étouffée & Riverview Farms grits.

That same innovation carries over to the Woodlands Grill, which offers up incredible selections like pimento cheese beignets, farm-raised buttermilk fried chicken, and crab cakes – each as mouthwatering as the next.

And although Georgia is a ways from Kentucky, that doesn’t stop the resort from offering guests the chance to taste some authentic bourbon right on property. The resort offers a weekly infusion tasting experience, where guests can sample Barnsley’s signature smoked pecan-infused Woodford Reserve bourbon every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 5 pm. We recommend trying it in their smoked pecan old-fashioned at dinner, which is just one of the many fabulous cocktail offerings they serve throughout the resort.

A Proper Pampering

Of course, no resort is complete if it doesn’t pamper you just a little bit. In addition to its outdoor pool and fitness center, Barnsley Resort is home to a tranquil spa that offers guests more than just your typical massage. Opt for their signature body treatment called the Garden of Youth, inspired by the resort chef’s garden – begin with a full-body exfoliation followed by a plant-infused mask, and finish with a fruit-scented lotion to leave your skin glowing and hydrated. Or perhaps you’d prefer to try their Forest Bathing Journaling Walk, a guided trek through the resort’s woodlands, where you can create nature-inspired art and collect your thoughts.

bamboo garden with dangling lights and chairs — Photo credit: Amanda Mactas

Enchanting Add-Ons

While everything at Barnsley Resort seems to be thoughtfully curated to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind getaway, it’s really the special touches the resort employs that make this a vacation to remember. From the nightly s’mores you can roast at the fire pits to private events you can arrange beneath the muscadine-canopied meditation garden, making your stay as magical as possible is truly something Barnsley goes above and beyond to accomplish. Best of all, no matter your age, you’ll be able to discover the magic in the thick of the north Georgia high country.