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Hannah Lozano Photography
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With such a strong sense of time and place, it’s hard to believe Barnsley Resort has only been open to guests since 1999.
The love story that inspired it dates back nearly two centuries, when English shipping magnate Godfrey Barnsley purchased 4,000 acres of land in the bucolic Adairsville, Georgia countryside to build a grand mansion and gardens for his beloved wife, Julia. Tragically, she passed away before the home was completed, but the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the 1848 Italianate manor house still preside over Barnsley’s grounds today, connecting visitors with the luxury destination’s storied past.From the relaxed pace that takes hold the minute you enter the gates to the genuine hospitality at every turn, there’s no denying Barnsley’s Southern charms. But there are distinctly English influences here, too. The three-story Inn (completed in 2018) was inspired by the British architect Edwin Lutyens, who designed English country homes at the turn of the 20th century. The lobby’s dark woods, grand staircase, and intimate seating around the fireplace invoke feelings of being invited to a friend’s private country estate. It was built to compliment the resort’s pedestrian-friendly, English-inspired village, where charming guest cottages—that sleep anywhere from two to 18—are found nestled beneath the shade throughout the grounds.
No matter what lodging you choose you’re a pleasant stroll (or bike ride) away from all Barnsley has to offer. You’ll want to get familiar with The Outpost right away—it’s your one-stop-shop for snacks, ice-cold drinks, and retail goods from branded baseball caps to soaps and lotions made at the spa—and where you’ll access many of the complimentary amenities included with your stay: bikes and helmets; fishing poles and tackle boxes; board games; discs for the disc golf course; and canoes, paddles, and life vests. It’s also where you’ll check in for many of the resort’s additional experiences that can be scheduled in advance (fees vary by activity).
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Barnsley doesn’t disappoint. Just a short ride from The Outpost, The Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company welcomes shooting enthusiasts from near and far with two, 14-station clay courses. Quail and pheasant hunting can also be arranged during your stay (during season), along with a UTV trail riding experience (April to September).
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Kids (age 5+) can even get an early start learning about gun safety and technique for target rifle shooting and try their hand at air rifles (or the classic Daisy Red Rider for the younger set). Barnsley recently added axe throwing and archery into the mix, too, while the well-established equestrian program encourages guests of all ages and levels to learn about and ride horses in a safe, nurturing environment.
The resort’s earliest attraction, the 18-hole, Jim Fazio-designed golf course, continues mesmerizing golfers of all levels with its championship greens that wind through lakes, forests, and manicured gardens. Game not quite up to par? Set up some one-on-one time with the pro in the recently added Golf Performance Center for a private lesson in a truly idyllic setting or check out the TrackMan simulator and pinpoint exactly what you need to do to improve your swing.
Whether you spend your days hiking trails, channeling your inner sport enthusiast, or indulging in a massage at the spa, you’ll appreciate the variety of restaurants and offerings to fuel your stay. The Beer Garden, with its picnic tables scattered beneath twinkling outdoor lights, is your Friday through Sunday stop for grab-and-go breakfast biscuits, quick sandwiches, and tasty smoked brisket plates alongside mouthwatering sides like pimento mac-and-cheese and collard greens. Woodlands Grill, overlooking the picturesque golf course, offers a well-rounded menu morning to night, 7 days a week, with plenty of options for kids, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list for the adults. For a truly decadent treat, make a reservation at Rice House (Thursday to Sunday evenings only). Housed in a 19th century farmhouse, Barnsley Resort Executive Chef Nicolas Lebas delivers a delectable garden-to-table menu guided by the seasons. Expect fresh, inspired Southern fare like watermelon and crab salad and North Carolina trout with benne seed crust, cornbread puree, and green gumbo. It’s a setting like no other. Also new and not-to-be-missed, is the chef ’s monthly Fire Kettle Cooking School, where he prepares a favorite recipe over the open flame of a Sea Island Forge fire kettle. Check the calendar of events for upcoming sessions.
Be sure to carve out time for s’mores each night before bed. As the sun goes down, the firepits along the resort’s main stretch light up, and graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and roasting sticks are laid out in the lobby of The Inn. Grab your kit, pour a drink, and kick back around the fire, maybe play a round of cornhole if you’re feeling inspired. Because at the end of the day, there’s really no better way to appreciate the peace, tranquility, and casual sophistication that’s distinctly Barnsley.
Getting there: Just an hour north of Atlanta and south of Chattanooga on I-75, Barnsley Resort is located on 3,000 scenic acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northwest Georgia. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Nashville. (barnsleyresort.com)