Revamped Keswick Hall Makes Fall Debut After Renovation

Keswick Hall has reopened following a complete renovation and expansion, which includes fully revamped guestrooms and suites. Originally built in 1912, the Virginia hotel has also upgraded common spaces, added a signature free-standing restaurant, an infinity pool with cabanas and several red clay tennis courts, and has refreshed the resort grounds.

Owners Molly and Robert Hardie tapped architecture firm Hart Howerton, lighting-design firm L’Observatoire International, landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz and local artists for the project.

Expanded to 80 rooms, guest accommodations feature four signature suites, including the two-bedroom Hardie Suite. The Hardie Presidential Suite has a 750-square-foot bedroom, 840 square feet of living space, a kitchenette equipped with Viking appliances and a wet bar, a private entrance and balcony with mountain views. There are filtered spring water hydration stations on each floor, artisanal chocolates by Thierry Atlan at turndown, and tailor-made bath amenities by Red Flower.

Marigold by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened in late August, where guests can enjoy views of the Virginia Mountains. Dishes are sourced from local family-owned farms and suppliers, and also from nearby Oakdale Farm, run by the hotel (which produces many of the vegetables, herbs and edible flowers that are included on the menu). As a pre-dinner treat, guests are encouraged to play a game of boules on the Pétanque court with the restaurant’s signature Ginger Margarita in hand.

Works by local artists adorn the walls of Keswick Hall. Guestrooms feature the work of Andrew Shurtleff depicting the abundant farms and countryside in the area. Several local artists, primarily women, were commissioned to provide artwork that can be found around the grounds, including in Marigold, and include artists Lara Call Gastinger, Kiki Slaughter and Cate West Zahl. Other local artists featured throughout the rest of the hotel are Isabelle Abbot, Karen Blair and Anne Blackwell, who contributed a series of pressed plants gathered from the Keswick Hall grounds.

Located off the lobby, The Counter offers a morning selection of artisanal breakfast items, tea and coffee before transforming into a retail shop. Dawn Meadow amenities from Red Flower are available for purchase as well as the Frette sheets, robes and towels found in the guestrooms. Custom items include jacquard beach towels, apparel and tote bags. Additionally, the hotel has joined hands with Eleni’s Cookies to recreate their signature fox as a take-home treat as well as Thierry Atlan Chocolates.

An 80-foot T-shaped dual-level infinity pool is the focal point of Keswick Hall’s new, heated Horizon Pool with ultraviolet light filtration and cabanas. The upgraded tennis facility offers seven courts, including the first European sub-irrigated red clay courts in the mid-Atlantic region. Tip: Keswick’s tennis pros are available for private tennis lessons, group classes and organized corporate events.

The 18-hole design of Full Cry, designed by Pete Dye, is designed for the enjoyment of novice and expert-level golfers. The golf course will be open to members of Keswick Club and guests of Keswick Hall.

Expected to open in 2022, Keswick Hall’s new spa will have eight treatment rooms and offer services that incorporate Red Flower products, including the signature Dawn Meadow scent of Keswick Hall. As part of the restoration, Molly and Robert Hardie have also created five custom homes at Keswick Estate. Keswick Hall provides easy access to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and the University of Virginia. Additionally, guests can explore the gastronomic bounty of the region with visits to local wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and farms.

Related Articles

The Hermitage to Debut Restaurants by Jean-Georges Vongerichten

Pendry Park City Accepting Reservations for Winter Opening

Mandarin Oriental To Manage Luxury Residences In Beverly Hills

Fairmont Century Plaza Reopening September 27 After Renovation