A night at the 1804 Inn will create memories you will cherish forever. This theory of mine is corroborated by the dozens of adoring comments left in the guest book in the Octagon Suite by returning guests, and by the expressed desire of first-timers to return for their next most special occasion.

What are the ingredients of such a magical stay? Perhaps it is the history — a family estate of the Barbours, including an early Virginia governor who, through his friendship with our third president (just down the road), created a unique octagonal home. Perhaps it is the proximity to the birthplace of our 12th president, less than two miles away, or the neighborly closeness of our fourth president’s home just seven miles down the road. Or perhaps it is the estate’s more recent history as a pioneering and leading vineyard and winery, motivated in part by Thomas Jefferson’s love of wine. Add to that the Italian influences that helped the wines move from good, to great, to gold medal–winning.

When you are staying in your room — in our case, the Octagon Suite — all of these historic elements are present through the décor, the art, the books, and the views from the windows. Even the bathroom fixtures evoke colonial elegance and charm.

Perhaps your magical stay will instead spring from your activities on the grounds. Yes, you could leave the estate to visit several nearby wineries, explore Grelen Market or the grounds of Montpelier, walk the trails of nearby parks, or time your visit to catch a show at the very nearby Four County Players theater. But if you only have a day, why leave the vineyard?

We arrived for a library tasting at 4 p.m. and were not rushed in the slightest, enjoying conversation, ambiance, and delicious wines until 6:30 p.m. (Of course, it helped that Luca was there — but more on that later.) From there, it is mere steps to the Palladio restaurant next door, dedicated to pairing estate wines with dishes made from the highest-quality ingredients.

After dinner, a short evening stroll from the front of the inn rewards you with a night sky framing the Barboursville ruins, with uplighting from below and starlight from above. Then it’s back to the suite to relax in the living room by the fire, reminiscing about a wonderful day. For those inclined to exercise, there is no gym — but there is a fine racetrack just beyond the hedges in the front yard, and we saw no horses to compete with. Breakfast the next morning is superb, served in the common dining room surrounded by period art, a working fireplace, and sweeping estate views.

Perhaps the magic comes from a conversation with Luca. With more than 35 years at Barboursville — first as winemaker and vineyard architect, among other roles — Luca now serves as estate director for the winery, library, inn, restaurant, and the Barn, an informal gathering spot for casual wine and food. His stories of challenges and successes along the way lead to a greater appreciation of how Barboursville, though gifted with history and location, required the efforts of many people to become the estate available to guests today.

If you can visit at Christmastime (we visited on Black Friday) you will be doubly blessed by period holiday decorations, with one exception, the lights on the Christmas tree were electric. Given the timing of the fire that created the Barboursville ruins, that is one nod to modernization we can all applaud.

Dave Richards

Dave Richards and his wife danni are long time Lake Anna residents (since 1996) with a penchant for travel.   They also LOVE to stay in unique places, which have included a hanging spherical tree house in Qualicum BC, the Marilyn Monroe suite in Edith Palmer’s place in Virginia City NV, and a quonset hut in Yosemite.  Closer to home, they have stayed in the Lighthouse in Smithfield, the Silo at Kelly’s Ford, and the Tepee at Eagle’s Landing In Lynchburg.   They are looking forward to visiting the unique accommodations nearby at Lake Anna!