L I KE A ROL L I NG S TONE
BARNSLEY RESORT AN UND I S COV E R E D SOU T H E RN G EM
MANOR HOUSE RUINS
S ituated just 60 miles north of Atlanta and an hour south of Chattanooga, on the storybook site of an 1840s estate, Barnsley Resort is where history, outdoor adventure and Southern comfort come together as one. Guests have the choice of staying at the three-story Inn or opting for a charming stand alone cottage in the English inspired pedestrian village which features walking paths, fire pits for late night s’mores, a ten-acre lake for fishing and canoeing and an 18-hole golf course. After settling in to our room, we decided to explore the property on horseback and got to visit the various barnyard animals kept on the estate, including a newborn lamb taking its first steps! Our first night festivities took place in the remarkable ruins from the original manor house built by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife, Julia, that towers over the resort’s legendary gardens. This roofless romantic brick structure is the site of many weddings held at the resort. Over cocktails, the estate historian, Clent Coker, treated us to fireside storytelling (in vintage garb) about the transplanted Englishman’s family and all of the intrigue, romance and mystery that spanned many generations. The next day we tried our skills at clay shooting at the Beretta Shooting grounds. 1,800 acres of the estate is devoted to a sporting paradise for those who enjoy fly fishing as well as quail hunting assisted by their world-class hunting dogs. John Burrell”s High Adventure Company recently partnered with the Barnsley Resort to bring the resort’s guests expert instruction and the best possible hunting experience regardless of whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice city girl like me. Other fun and memorable outdoor experiences during our
JOHN BURRELL OF HIGH ADVENTURE COMPANY WITH ONE OF HIS POINTERS
stay included a course in fire starting and survival skills with Tom Powell, their naturalist and wilderness specialist, as well as foraging for mushrooms with chef Evan Babb to be featured in our inspired evening meal. That night we had dinner at Rice House, a 19 th century farmhouse featuring a “yard to fork” Southern- inspired menu utilizing many ingredients grown on the property. Spa services were available as well as a fitness center and (weather permitting) outdoor pool. I opted to savor the great outdoors on the beautiful grounds enjoying the many activities they had to offer. For this native New Yorker, the Barnsley Resort was figuratively and quite literally a breath of fresh air. Barnsleyresort.com – Elise Black
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