Charlottesville, VA – August 4, 2021 – Keswick Hall, one of Virginia’s top destinations since 1912, will reopen this summer 2021, following the completion of a new guest wing, infinity pool and cabanas, red clay tennis courts and reimagined resort grounds. In addition, the renewed Keswick Hall will feature a new signature restaurant, Marigold, helmed by acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. For this project, owners Molly and Robert Hardie tapped the architecture firm Hart Howerton, distinguished lighting design firm, L’Observatoire International and renowned landscape architects, Nelson Byrd Woltz to work together to redefine the art of American hospitality and help to marry the resort’s 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,” said owners Molly and Robert Hardie. “We poured our hearts into thoughtfully redesigning the property and we feel confident that our passion for this project will be embraced by everyone who visits following our reopening.”
Rooms
Expanded to 80 rooms, guest accommodations will feature four signature suites, including the distinctive two-bedroom Hardie Suite. The guest rooms, decorated in shades of whites, blues, and creams, will 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 a private balcony with sprawling mountain views.
To connect guests to the region, works by a local photographer will adorn the walls, depicting the abundant farms and serene countryside. Each guest room will incorporate 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 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 invites guests to take in the expansive views of the Virginia Mountains while feasting on organic and sustainable ingredients, not only from local family-owned farms and suppliers, but also from the hotel’s nearby five-acre garden which will produce many of the herbs and edible flowers that will be incorporated into the menus.
Comprised of 130 indoor seats, 20 bar seats and 70 outdoor seats, the “rustic chic” space will feature white tiled and wooden floors, a ceramic-face bar, stone fireplace and vibrant outdoor space. Light fixtures from L’Observatoire International were designed to focus the eye to the table and to 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 a cocktail in hand.
Onsite Amenities & Events
Other property enhancements will include “The Counter”, located off the lobby, offering a selection of artisanal breakfast items, teas and coffees in the morning, thereafter, transforming into a retail shop featuring a range of sundries, gifts for children, red flower custom amenities and more. 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 will feature idyllic backdrops for events up to 500 guests including an intimate natural amphitheater which sits adjacent to the Great and Oval Lawns, each with their own custom tent solutions, allowing for an efficient and seamless turnaround. All new enhancements that have equate to over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
Grounds & Pool
To highlight the outdoor experience at the new Keswick Hall, landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz are creating 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 will be the focal point of Keswick Hall’s brand new Horizon Pool and cabanas. The pools will be heated and boast ultraviolet light filtration.
The new 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, featuring eight sumptuous treatment rooms, will offer services that incorporate organic red flower products, including the signature Dawn Meadow scent of Keswick Hall.
Keswick Estates
As part of the expansive and transformative restoration, Molly and Robert Hardie are creating five speculative homes at Keswick Estates, debuting in spring 2021. Keswick Estates, the residential enclave that is part of the property, 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 will offer one-of-a-kind local experiences for guests. This peaceful and pastoral property will provide access and transportation 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.
