Finding Room at the Inn

Hidden in these unabashedly simple farming communities and small towns is one of the most romantic inns in Virginia, a member of the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America. The Inn at Vaucluse Springs, midway between Winchester and Belle Grove Plantation, dates back to Federal days and features six private guest houses on 100 acres of rolling orchards.


The 200-year-old Manor House serves as the gathering spot for an elegant three-course breakfast and end-of-the-day socializing over fresh lemonade and cookies or a glass of regional wine. The Old Mill House, once an artist’s studio, sits at the spring’s edge, while the Gallery Guest House offers panoramic meadow views. Innkeepers Neil and Barry Myers offer genial country hospitality, elegant accommodations, and first-class food that have earned them top accolades for almost two decades.

My guest cottage was totally charming with a rustic ambience and upscale amenities including a gas fireplace, huge bathtub with jets, and gourmet coffee. I could have comfortably moved in for months, and the view from my balcony was peaceful. I had morning coffee out there and watched the rabbits and squirrels play in the trees and gently rolling hills beside the gurgling creek.

Breakfast was a three-course affair with attentive and friendly service. We started with delicious berry muffins, still warm from the oven and then moved on to homemade applesauce topped with crème fraiche. The main course was Eggs Vaucluse, a tasty scramble with fresh veggies, artisanal cheese, and a side of turkey sausage. Neil and Barry are happy to accommodate special dietary needs and requests, and you won’t need to ask twice. A couple at the next table were worried that their vegetarian meal had been forgotten, but no sooner had they voiced their concern to the server , their special meal arrived at the table.

All of the ingredients are regionally sourced, and many come from the nearby Marker-Miller Farmer’s Market, which the innkeepers highly recommend visiting. They’re also very knowledgeable about the wineries in the region, and happy to assist guests with directions. www.vauclusespring.com