Hillbrook Inn and Spa: Where American History meets European style and Southern Charm

Hillbrook Inn and Spa is where American history, European architecture, and Southern charm meld into the perfect Bed and Breakfast for your next Romantic getaway.

Located just 30 minutes from Winchester, Virginia and 20 minutes from Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, Hillbrook Inn and Spa offers a convenient getaway for those seeking privacy and low-key opulence. This European-style bed-and-breakfast features 11 uniquely-decorated rooms situated on 30 acres of historic estate grounds. The blend of intimate cottages mixed with expansive green-spaces provides the ideal setting for couples or for writers seeking creative inspiration.

A Brief History of Hillbrook Inn

Around 1748, a young George Washington came to Jefferson County as a surveyor for Lord Fairfax. He would later own some 2,000 acres along Bullskin Run, including the property of Hillbrook Inn. As a landowner, he leased his land in 200-acre parcels under very strict requirements: holders of a land patent were expected to build a home, barn, and in some cases an orchard or vineyard.

The property’s stone spring house and “patent house” date back to the 1700s. They are believed to be part of that original land grant. In the 1920s Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford extended the “patent house” into the larger inn as it is seen today. Modeling Hillbrook after an inn in Normandy, the property reflects classic romanticism blended with old European charm.

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The Main House 

Upon entering the property, visitors make their way along a tree-lined gravel path before the picturesque Hillbrook Inn finally comes into view. The main house is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the property. The charm of a fairytale exterior is matched by the unique beauty of the interior.

The house is built on a large slab of limestone. Rather than cutting into the stone to force the building’s design, the architecture follows the natural curves and slopes of the rock formation resulting in a truly unique layout.  The rooms are tiered sequentially down a hallway that runs the length of the building. Rooms are then separated by corridors that narrow and widen.

Original log beams, antique décor, and the unmistakable scent of a log-burning fireplace perfectly capture the history of the Inn and give it such a unique character; while the furnishings and attentive-staff maintain a sense of modern luxury.

The main building houses the concierge, tavern, Redbook Restaurant, and six guest suites.

The Rooms at Hillbrook Inn

Beside the main building are the adjacent Cottage and Gatehouse Suites. Down the road, approximately 2 miles from the Main House are two companion properties: the historic Hawthorn House and the Farmhouse. Suites range in size and style from dark-and-intimate to light-and-luxurious.

We stayed in the Winter Cottage, a newly-renovated suite located just a short walk from the Main house. Our suite was one of four that are located in the cottage, each with their own private entrance and enclosed patio. This particular suite faces the main house, providing a beautiful view of the grounds from the privacy of our own patio. We spent a significant amount of time sitting in the rocking chairs while listening to the songbirds and watching the butterflies flutter about the gardens.

The suite itself is both spacious and intimate. During the day, large windows flood the room with natural light.  At night, the dark wood and burgundy accents are illuminated by a soft glow from the fireplace.

In contrast to the old-European style of the bedroom, the attached bathroom reflects a more modern and spa-like design. With a large tiled shower and freestanding soaking tub, it is easy to pass a few hours soaking in complete rest and relaxation.

These four cottages are pet-friendly and come with a special welcome package for all four-legged guests. Our Goldendoodle Huckleberry enjoyed his complimentary treats, but probably not as much as he enjoyed the King size bed.

On-Site Amenities

Hillbrook Inn is an intimate setting ideal for a personal retreat or romantic getaway with your partner. A number of special packages can be arranged with the innkeepers. These include a wine-tasting experience at nearby vineyards or a hands-on cooking class with some of Hillbrook’s top chefs.

For those seeking a bit of romantic indulgence, the on-site Gatehouse Spa offers a selection of relaxing services. Guests can also arrange for roses and chocolate-covered strawberries to be delivered to the room.

Aside from a life-size chess board and shared bonfire area, you will not find an overabundance of on-site activities or opportunities for socializing with other guests.

According to Scott, “this is a place to have a conversation with a drink, not to drink and look for conversation.” In other words, come to Hillbrook Inn in order to be present, open your mind, and perhaps deepen your relationships. Do not look for distractions, but rather look for creative inspiration: a babbling brook flowing through peaceful woodlands, turtles bathing in sunlight by the pond, a wooden swing swaying below a canopy of green branches, the sounds of a crackling bonfire. 

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Dining

Dining at Redbook Inn is what sets this bed and breakfast apart from many others in the area. For more than 20 years, Redbook’s chefs have crafted innovative pre-fixe menus, recording each dish in a small red notebook. This collection, after which the restaurant is named, is on display inside the main dining room.

The original “patent house” has been transformed into the main dining room of Redbook Inn. Everything from the exposed wooden beams and antique window frames to the oil paintings and crystal stemware have been carefully selected to recreate the look of an elegant 1700’s dining room. The ambient glow of candles and a wood-burning fireplace adds to the air of romance and intimacy.

Included in your stay is a homemade breakfast sourced from fresh seasonal ingredients. Guests have the option of having a continental spread delivered to their door, or visiting the main house where they can enjoy a warm plated meal in the charming sunroom.

Dinner at Redbook Inn is a bit pricey if you’re not used to splurging on dinners; but the “foodies” in us loved our meals. Each dish is a work of art – not only in the complexity of flavor, but also in the plating. Dishes like the Wiffletree Farm Chicken are paired with lightly seasoned asparagus and Parisian Gnocchi, served alongside a rich velouté; Fried Green Tomatoes are accompanied by thinly-sliced smoked salmon and served over a bed of radish herb salad with a fresh Remoulade.

Scott’s favorite was the Honey-Lavender Panna Cotta which “melts in your mouth, with subtle flowery notes and balanced with a velvety sweetness.”  All menus are seasonal in order to guarantee the sustainability and quality of ingredients.

Staying with Hillbrook in the wake of COVID-19

The new company policy is guided by a simple message: “Stay Small, Stay Safe”. The elevated hygiene program and modified dining options are in alignment with recommendations from the CDC, the local Health Department, as well as leaders in the industry.  Visitors can expect acute attention to detail in areas and items that are sanitized.  Staff interaction is dramatically reduced to accommodate social distancing preferences; therefore, the inn has temporarily adopted a self-check-in and remote concierge approach. Dining room options are supplemented by in-room dining options to respect social distancing preferences.

According to Manager Becky Corcoran, finding the appropriate balance between hospitality and safety remains both a challenge and a priority. From our experience staying with Hillbrook, our interaction with staff was minimal however members of staff could always be seen throughout the property sending a warm wave in our direction. (I’m sure they were smiling too, but they were just hidden beneath a face mask). We felt at ease with confidence in Hillbrook’s safety policies and in knowing that a helping hand was never far away.

Contact Tel: (304)725-4223
Address: 4490 Summit Point Rd. Charles Town, WV 25414
Website: Hillbrook Inn
Classification: Bed & Breakfast

Rating (1 to 5 Scale):

Amenities: 3
Cleanliness: 5
Comfort: 5
Quietness: 5
Safety: 5
Service: 5
Internet Access: Complementary Wifi

Pros:

• Family-owned and operated
• Extremely hospitable and knowledgeable staff
• Incredibly talented culinary staff
• Pet-friendly

Cons:

• Limited on-site activities
• On-site dining options are on the pricey side

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