Barnsley Resort

A historic estate that once stretched over 30,000 acres, Barnsley Resort has evolved from manor house to neglected land to public gardens to what is now a sprawling resort and refuge. What started as a collection of Victorian-style gingerbread cottages lining a village green, the resort has expanded to include a 55-room inn and recently renovated many of the cottages. Guests can stay within the inn, modeled after an elegant country house complete with a grand lobby stairway, and plush, stately rooms, or choose a cottage, outfitted with fireplaces and cozy comfort, which range in size from one to seven bedrooms. 

While the accommodations are casually luxe, it’s the abundance of accessible outdoor activities that makes Barnsley so unique. There’s no shortage of ways to take advantage of the vast grounds, from the Jim Fazio-designed golf course and shooting grounds, to the winding walkways and landscaped gardens. (Don’t miss the twinkling lights inside the meditative bamboo grove.) A new pickleball court overlooks the Merger, a Himalayas mini-golf putting course, as well as a few ponds that are perpetually open for catch-and-release fishing and canoeing; on the far side of the property, a farm houses goats, miniature and full-size horses, and a vast garden, which supplies the resort’s restaurants. In between, there are lawn games and disc golf. (Head to the Outpost for all the rental gear you might need and to set up activities.) 

Set just around the edge of the property are the ruins of the original Manor House and enchanting gardens; pop into the museum for a look at photos and artifacts from the property or simply stroll and explore. 

In colder months, smoke wafts from the property’s numerous fire pits, and you’ll find s’mores fixings conveniently on hand at all times. Two different pools, both with extra-cushiony lounge chairs and one with a winding slide, are waiting for the summer months. The quaint and invigorating spa sits nearby along with a fitness center. 

The Neighborhood

With 3,000 acres to explore, there’s really no need to leave the property. Instead, take in the scenery by horseback, bike, or on a Yamaha utility vehicle—trails run up and down hills and through the woods if you’re looking to amp up the adventure. For the sportsmen and women, there’s archery, axe throwing, and air rifle target practice. 

The Food Scene 

The clubhouse vibes at Woodlands come from both the views of the golf course as well as the easygoing-yet-elevated menu. The move here is the pimento cheese beignets coupled with a pecan-infused bourbon old fashioned, followed by a Dugan’s KO burger (heavy on the Nueske’s bacon). Neighboring sports bar Dugan’s has you covered with several TVs for catching the game. For something super casual, the Biergarten provides an al fresco space (with heaters in cooler months) for enjoying barbecue, sandwiches, massive pretzels, and of course, a range of regional brews. But save yourself for a meal inside Jules, the recently renovated finer dining restaurant where chef Shaun Doty welcomes guests with a little lagniappe, like a pickle and cracker plate, before sending them on hearty journey with Southern dishes and wood-fired favorites, like his signature pork schnitzel served with a mound of dressed greens. There are plenty of spaces to linger, including the large horseshoe bar as well as the greenery-filled dining room. 

The Digs  

For a more formal stay, the inn has traditional rooms that feel quiet and proper—deep carpets, neutral colors, tall ceilings. The cottages, meanwhile, provide a more casual space, most with fireplaces, wet bars, hardwood floors, and plenty of square feet—and they’re pet-friendly, too.