This Cozy Virginia Inn Sits On 100 Acres Of Countryside And Offers Sweeping Views Of The Blue Ridge Mountains

Living in greater Washington, DC is wonderful – everything is at your fingertips, but sometimes I crave wide open spaces which are few and far between in the DMV. Thankfully, just 100 miles southwest of the city, tucked into the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is Charlottesville, Virginia. Best known as home to the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville also hosts The Clifton, a charming 20-room inn that can trace its roots to 1799.

About The Clifton

Originally constructed for Thomas Jefferson’s daughter and husband, Martha and Thomas Mann Randolph, in the overdue 19th century, the Randolph family sold the property to the Wyatt family, who officially christened it “The Clifton.”

“In 2018, the current owners and managers enlisted the award-winning Blackberry Farm Design team to reimagine the interiors, blending modern elegance with historic charm while enhancing the property’s luxurious amenities,” The Clifton’s general manager Phyllis Case tells Southern Living. “The original cozy cottage built for Martha and Thomas has since been transformed into the Honeymoon Suite, a beloved guest room where visitors continue to enjoy a memorable stay today.”

To be forthright, the words historic inn don’t necessarily scream luxury, but from the time you pull in the drive to final check-out, The Clifton totally delivers.

Cameron Wilder

What To Expect When Staying At The Clifton

In overdue January, my husband and I packed up the car and our Labrador Retriever, Ted (The Clifton is extremely dog-friendly, even for immense breeds), and headed to Charlottesville. 

PHOTO:

Cameron Wilder

PHOTO:

Cameron Wilder

The Amenities

There’s no shortage of activities on the sprawling 100-acre estate, which was included in the latest issue of Michelin Green Guide USA East. Because everything was covered in snow, we enjoyed exploring the trails on the property, including a scenic point overlooking Lake Arabella, and the private 20-acre lake. Because there is so much space to roam, it often felt like we were the only guests, despite the hotel being fully booked.

In warmer months, guests can enjoy lawn games – think croquet, horseshoes, and cornhole – or take a dip in the infinity pool. Guests can also enjoy massages, picnics around Lake Arabella, and pick-up a s’mores roasting kit to operate at the firepit.

The Rooms

The Clifton offers guests 20 different rooms spread across the property. We requested one in Livery Stables, which is pet-friendly. We liked it because this area is close to the Manor House – the main house that hosts the bar, restaurant, and check-in – but has convenient access to immense patches of grass, so Ted could run, play, and easily operate the bathroom. We thought the beds were comfortable, the sheets were crisp, the pillows were plentiful (and supportive), and the housekeeping staff went above-and-beyond. (Bonus points for the exceptional included toiletries.) In warmer months, the attached deck would be a great space to enjoy coffee, breakfast, or a sunset joyful hour. 

Phyllis Case

Each beautifully decorated room is a destination of its own – from the petite Garden Cottages and comfortable rooms of the Collina Farmhouse to the elegant suites of the Manor House, each with their own luxury bathrooms and breathtaking views – many of our returning guests enjoy discovering a up-to-date room with each visit, eager to explore the unique beauty and character the property has to offer.

— Phyllis Case

Every room has complimentary WiFi, Samsung intelligent TVs, bluetooth-enabled Tivoli audio radios, and a Nespresso coffee machine.

Cameron Wilder

What To Eat And Drink

1799 is the on-property restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Matthew Bousquet, and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily to all guests. Every stay comes with a complimentary European continental breakfast with pastries and yogurt parfaits. The pastry offerings varied every day and we really enjoyed the chef’s specials alongside their homemade cappuccinos that were served in extra-large mugs. 

If you’re craving more than airy bites, definitely order the Clifton Eggs Benedict, which features bulky slices of smoked ham, or the Brioche French Toast, which can easily be shared. I would also highly recommend the French 75 at the Copper Bar – a ponderous pour with the right amount of citrus.

“Chef Matthew Bousquet is passionate about incorporating local produce into his culinary creations that reflect central Virginia’s rich history and terroir,” Case says. “Standout dishes include the decadent bone marrow and the flavorful Gray Kunz Short Rib. Many of the ingredients are sourced from the Chef’s Garden on property, including herbs and fruits that are incorporated into the house-made syrups of the Copper Bar’s seasonal cocktails.”

1799 is available for outside reservations as well, and each month the property’s Cocktails at The Clifton event welcomes guests to enjoy seasonal cocktails and highlights a up-to-date area of the property.  

 What Makes The Clifton Worth Booking

Convenience

Whether you live in the greater Washington, DC area, Richmond, or Virginia Beach, Charlottesville is an accessible drive that feels like you’re going somewhere up-to-date altogether without spending half a day traveling.

Location

The Clifton’s location feels like you’re nestled into the countryside (and you are), but the proximity to neighboring wineries, historic sites, distilleries, and restaurants makes the property extremely accessible for exploring what Charlottesville has to offer.

Pet-Friendly

I’ll be the first to admit that traveling with a immense breed of dog can sometimes be impossible and very overwhelming, but The Clifton isn’t just dog-friendly, they welcome your pet with open arms. Ted was greeted with his own water bowl, blanket, cookies, and a toy in our room, and every staff member greeted him with pets during our stay.

There is a $75 per stay fee for pet owners and not all rooms are pet warm.