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Charlottesville,
VA – October 2021 / Newsmaker Alert / The
anticipation for Charlottesville, Virginia’s newest destination is now
over! Keswick Hall, one of
Virginia’s top destinations since 1912, officially opened its doors on
October 1st, 2021, following a complete renovation and expansion including
fully transformed guest rooms and suites, common spaces, a signature free-standing
restaurant, an infinity pool with cabanas, several red clay tennis courts
and reimagined resort grounds. Marigold,
the signature restaurant helmed by acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten,
was first to open in late summer and has quickly become one of the most
sought-after reservations.
For
this project, owners Molly and Robert Hardie tapped the architecture firm,
Hart Howerton, distinguished lighting design firm, L’Observatoire International,
renowned landscape architects, Nelson Byrd Woltz, and a number of local
artists to work in tandem to redefine the art of American hospitality and
help to marry the resort’s storied location, its classic style and sophistication
with luxurious comfort and modern amenities.
“It
has been no small undertaking to transform this special and iconic retreat
and we cannot wait to unveil the new Keswick Hall during one of the most
scenic times of the year in Charlottesville,” said owners Molly and Robert
Hardie. “We poured our hearts into thoughtfully redesigning the property
and we look forward to seeing the passion that we feel for this project
to be embraced by visitors from near and far.”
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Guest
Rooms and Suites
Expanded
to 80 rooms, guest accommodations feature four signature suites, including
the distinctive two-bedroom Hardie Suite. Decorated in shades of whites,
blues, and creams, guest rooms feature light wood, elegant furniture with
classic upholstery, luxurious beds with Duxiana mattresses and Frette sheets
and bath linens. The Hardie Presidential Suite provides guests with a 750
sq. ft. bedroom, 840 sq. ft. of living space, a kitchenette featuring Viking
appliances with wet bar, a private entrance and balcony with sprawling
mountain views.
Each
guest room incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, including smart
televisions and Lutron lighting that enables guests to personalize the
room’s privacy settings with the touch of a button and UV light air purification
systems that eliminate airborne pathogens. Thoughtful touches include filtered
spring water hydration stations on each guest room floor, artisanal chocolates
by Thierry Atlan, at turndown, and custom created bath amenities from red
flower. Dawn Meadow, the signature scent of the hotel, is a bright, floral
blend of the grass, herbs and flowers native to the grounds of Keswick
Hall.
Marigold
by Jean-Georges
Marigold
by acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has been inviting guests to
take in the expansive views of the Virginia Mountains while feasting on
organic and sustainable ingredients since opening in late August. Dishes
are sourced not only from local family-owned farms and suppliers, but also
from nearby Oakdale Farm, run by the hotel which produces many of the vegetables,
herbs, cut flowers and edible flowers that are featured on the menu.
Comprised
of 130 indoor seats, 20 bar seats and 70 outdoor seats, the “rustic chic”
space features white tiled and wooden floors, a ceramic-face bar, stone
fireplace and vibrant outdoor space. The light fixtures from L’Observatoire
International focus the eye to the table and highlight the cuisine through
a series of adjustable, high CRI LED spotlights mounted to the ceiling
beams. As a pre-dinner treat, guests are encouraged to partake in a game
of boules on the Pétanque court with the restaurant’s signature
Ginger Margarita in hand.
According
to one guest, Marigold is, “A very welcome addition to the area’s food
and drink scene” with “friendly and attentive staff” and “dishes that have
layers of flavors”. Early standouts on the menu include the Seed Crusted
Black Bass with a Sweet and Sour Jus.
Local
Design Elements
To
connect guests to the region, works by local artists adorn the walls of
Keswick Hall. Guest rooms feature the work of Andrew Shurtleff depicting
the abundant farms and serene countryside the area is known for. Additionally,
several local artists, primarily women, were commissioned to provide artwork
that can be found around the grounds, including in Marigold, and include
artists Lara Call Gastinger, Kiki Slaughter and Cate West Zahl.
“I
have fond memories of growing up in this region, and it was an honor to
create works that will set the scene for incredible new memories to be
made by Marigold guests from around the world. I’m thrilled to be able
to offer them a glimpse of my home through my paintings,” said Charlottesville
native, Kiki Slaughter.
Other
local artists featured throughout the rest of the hotel are Isabelle Abbot,
Karen Blair and Anne Blackwell, who uniquely contributed a series of pressed
plants gathered from the Keswick Hall grounds.
The
work of San Francisco-based photographer Sharon Beals is displayed in the
galley hallway between Crawford’s and the reception desk. Beals’ images
of nineteenth and twentieth century birds’ nests create awareness of native
habitats, as well as, for river and ocean conservation.
Onsite
Amenities & Events
Located
off the lobby, “The Counter” offers a morning selection of artisanal breakfast
items, tea and coffee before transforming into a retail shop featuring
many of the amenities found at Keswick Hall. Dawn Meadow amenities from
red flower are available for purchase as well as the Frette sheets, robes
and towels found in the guest rooms. Custom items include jacquard beach
towels, tote bags and apparel. Additionally, the hotel has partnered with
New York’s own Eleni’s Cookies to recreate their signature fox as a sweet
take home treat as well as Thierry Atlan Chocolates. The newly designed
Keswick Ballroom can accommodate up to 240 guests. Just off the lobby,
The Garden Room, beautifully designed with delicate, artisan crafted dried
botanicals and floor-to-ceiling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the
perfect setting for a Rehearsal Dinner or post Wedding Brunch, accommodating
up to 110 seated guests. Designed with weddings and special occasions in
mind, several newly imagined outdoor spaces feature idyllic backdrops for
events up to 500 guests. The Great and Oval Lawns each have their own custom
tent solutions that allow for an efficient and seamless turnaround. The
indoor and outdoor areas equate to just over 15,000 square feet of total
event space.
Grounds
& Pool
To
highlight the outdoor experience at Keswick Hall, landscape architects
Nelson Byrd Woltz have created an enchanting outdoor destination that will
entice guests to explore the numerous walking paths and beautifully designed
resort grounds – all sustainable and reflective of the native Virginia
landscape. A striking 80-foot T-shaped infinity dual-level pool is the
focal point of Keswick Hall’s brand new, heated Horizon Pool with ultraviolet
light filtration and cabanas.
The
upgraded tennis facility at Keswick Hall features seven distinctive courts,
bringing the first European sub-irrigated red clay courts to the mid-Atlantic
region. Keswick’s top notch tennis pros are available for private tennis
lessons, group classes and organized corporate events.
Full
Cry, one of the last golf courses to be designed by the brilliant Pete
Dye, has consistently garnered top ranking as one of the best courses to
play, by major golf magazines. The 18-hole award-winning design merges
modern golf course architecture with the rolling topography of central
Virginia. Strategically designed for the enjoyment of both novice and expert-level
golfers, Full Cry will be open to members of Keswick Club and guests of
Keswick Hall.
Spa
Expected
to open in 2022, Keswick Hall’s new spa will feature eight sumptuous treatment
rooms and offer services that incorporate organic red flower products,
including the signature Dawn Meadow scent of Keswick Hall.
Keswick
Estate
As
part of the expansive and transformative restoration, Molly and Robert
Hardie have created five custom homes at Keswick Estate. This residential
enclave is part of the property, and provides residents the opportunity
of enjoying resort life all year round.
Local
Attractions
With
its location in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont region among lush, rolling
hills at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick Hall offers a one-of-a-kind
local experience for guests. This peaceful and pastoral property provides
easy access to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier
and the University of Virginia. Additionally, guests can explore the gastronomic
bounty of the region with visits to local wineries, craft breweries, distilleries
and farms.
About
Keswick Hall
Originally
built in 1912, Keswick Hall is a
two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and one-hour drive from Richmond,
Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the Virginia Piedmont region, in a centuries-old
community known for its over 30 wine vineyards and a lush, rolling countryside,
the Forbes Five-Star resort is a historic landmark boasting a rich cultural
past. Keswick Hall provides an unparalleled luxury retreat for guests,
through its distinctive design, innovative cuisine in partnership with
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, attentive service and resort-style amenities.
The property features outdoor pools and cabanas, a spa and fitness center,
a championship 18-hole golf course, several dining venues, multiple tennis
courts, and both indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. For more
information, please visit: www.Keswick.com.
Media
Contact:
Heather
Shaw Menis
for
Keswick Hall
202-468-4349 |