WHY IT RATES: Charlottesville, Virginia's only AAA Four Diamond resort has sacrificed none of traditional feel while bringing in more modern upgrades. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer
The historic Boar's Head Resort, one of the mid-Atlantic region's most celebrated properties, has completed a multi-million dollar re-imagination of the property, which includes a full renovation of the restaurant, bar, main entrance and lobby. Keeping traditional elements intact, the upgrades provide enhancements that add modern character to the historic inn.
The updates, designed by Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry of Atlanta, include a relocation of the main entrance and porte cochere. According to Russ Cronberg, Boar's Head general manager, the new entrance makes for a completely reimagined lobby. "Our guests can walk into a totally transformed area filled with natural elements, bookshelves adorned with historic reference materials and updated furnishings, making it a truly welcoming gathering place," he explained.
Along with the lobby and entrance renovations, Johnson Studio transformed the hotel's iconic Old Mill Room restaurant, now known simply as The Mill Room. According to Shawn Jernigan, director of food and beverage, this new space has a carefully curated mixture of old and new. "History will still run deep in this space as we'll have increased natural lighting that will illuminate the existing 1834 wood beams that provide a focal point for the room." The design includes seating for 200 guests and upgrades to the porch room, with a private dining area and flexible banquet space for larger gatherings. "The marquee element of this project is the glass-backed bar that enlivens the main restaurant seating areas, giving the space an open and airy feel," Jernigan added.
Complementing the physical changes, the restaurant has an entirely new locally-inspired menu by Executive Chef Dale Ford, featuring dishes that evoke regional history with a modern twist. The resort also worked with local organization, Babylon Micro-Farms, to transform its historic Trout House into a state-of-the-art hydroponic garden that will provide fresh produce for the resort's restaurants.
Owned and operated by the University of Virginia Foundation, Boar's Head Resort, located on a 573-acre estate, is a charming AAA Four Diamond property with 175 guest rooms and is part of Historic Hotels of America. On-property amenities include fine dining, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art sports club and the Audubon-certified Birdwood Golf Course.
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