VIRGINIA'S NEWEST FIVE-STAR RETREAT

 THE INN AT WILLOW GROVE DEBUTS AS VIRGINIA'S NEWEST FIVE-STAR RETREAT IN THE HEART OF HORSE AND WINE COUNTRY

ORANGE, VA, October 2010 ˆ Nestled in Virginia‚s horse and wine country and at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is an exceptional, new property called The Inn at Willow Grove.  Here discerning guests may enjoy unparalleled, five-star services infused with world-class designs, historic 18th century architecture, fine wines and culinary masterpieces.   The Inn at Willow Grove enjoyed a soft-opening in early October and will officially grand open in early winter 2011.  

The hamlet of Orange, Virginia, is home to this stately Inn which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has lavished its impeccable social standards since 1778.  Most recently it operated as the well-known Willow Grove Inn for 22 years until its doors were closed and it was sold in 2009.  

The Inn‚s new owners embarked on a multi-million dollar restoration and expansion project that has stroked this antebellum property back to life, prepping the 37-acre, plantation-style estate to become one of the top destinations on the east coast.  The extensive renovation included a complete refurbishment of existing facilities in the process creating 14 designer guestrooms and cottage suites and stellar event spaces. 

Interior designs showcase an „urban meets plantation‰ vibe infused with crisp, savvy and elegant décor while still maintaining a sense of surrounding and heritage.  Every inch of the Inn has been refurbished and each room is now a picture of luxury with entirely new fixtures, refinished hardwood floors, Anichini linens and unique furnishings.  Many of the rooms and suites also include wet-bars, gas fire places, Jacuzzi soaking tubs, private sitting rooms, serene porches and cozy king-size beds.  All accommodations are outfitted with flat screen televisions and complimentary WiFi.  Textiles used throughout mix leathers with burlap and stripes with graphics.  Exceptional art work combines modern with classical, naïve with contemporary.

A state-of-the-art kitchen annex has been constructed to service Vintage, a 50-seat restaurant and tavern under the direction of Executive Chef Jason Daniels who has worked in top culinary venues throughout the South. Epicureans and oenophiles alike will delight in gourmet adventures focusing on farm-to-table cuisine and local artisanal products.  Vintage boasts an extensive wine menu showcasing an array of Virginia‚s premier wineries, as well as west coast and international vineyards.   

Alfresco areas throughout the property have also been architecturally enhanced lending the ideal locale for weddings, small corporate retreats and special celebrations.  Reflecting pools, ponds, formal herb and flower gardens, outdoor gas fire pits and lanterns surround the Inn‚s exteriors, providing peaceful and picturesque settings.
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Opening in late 2010 will be the Smokehouse Spa housed in a historic cottage on the Inn‚s grounds.  The intimate spa will provide a potpourri of relaxing body and facial treatments.

Nearby activities include, among others, wine tastings at local vineyards, antiquing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, hiking, nature treks, fishing, steeplechase races and tours of historic sites.

The Inn at Willow Grove is ideally situated just a few short hours by car from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Richmond and Philadelphia.  Charlottesville Airport is located 45 minutes from the Inn.

Nightly rates at The Inn at Willow Grove are from $295 to $695 on weekends and holidays with special rates available mid-week.   

For additional information on The Inn at Willow Grove or to book reservations, please visit www.innatwillowgrove.com or call 540-672-7001.

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