OVERVIEW of Blackberry Farm
Few places can match the beauty of the 4200 acre Blackberry Farm. Add exquisite accommodations, exceptional food, an amazing wine cellar and near perfect service, and you have a weekend like few others. It’s rolling hills are bordered by sparkling white fences, there’s a dazzling pond and Boathouse at the base of the Main complex hill, a wonderful farmhouse used as the appropriately named Farmhouse Spa and a delightful pavilion set on another pond and used for various functions.
The main complex consists of three buildings; Reception, Chestnut Cottage and the Main House. Reception, also houses the Gift Shop; Chestnut Cottage, is the property’s recreation spot with a fireplace, comfortable chairs and couches, a pool table, piano, game tables, a bar and a complete fitness center. The Main House which sits majestically atop a knoll overlooking the foothills, is home to the Dogwood restaurant and bar and guest rooms. Outside the buildings are white shingled with stone facades and slate roofs. Inside, they are marvelously decorated with rich fabrics, heavy draperies, oriental carpets, stunning artwork and the always dramatic mountain vistas from nearly every window.
THE ROOMS at Blackberry Farm
There are 68 rooms on the property ranging from smaller historic and estate rooms to 3-5 bedroom homes. Interiors are designed by BF Interiors and feature rich fabrics, luxury linens, custom bath products and stunning artwork. All of the rooms are wonderfully comfortable, but the Cottage Suites are about 600 sq feet and have covered porches with rocking chairs, wood burning fireplaces, a King featherbed, large bathrooms with double vanities and a whirlpool bath. Oh my…
DINING at Blackberry Farm
Dining at Blackberry Farm is truly a “foodie’s” paradise. Helmed by Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney, a veteran of the Four Seasons brand, the Farm’s signature Foothills Cuisine®, is inspired by seasonal, farm-fresh products and produce grown in a garden a short walk away from The Barn. Blackberry Farm brings together a rare collection of artisans – the chef, the master gardener, the baker, the cheesemaker, the forager, the butcher, the preservationist, the restaurant manager, the sommelier.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the Main House restaurant and dinner in The Dogwood, a relaxed fine-dining experience or in The Barn, a turn-of-the-century, bank-style barn, which offers an elevated dining experience.
Menus change frequently, but a recent sampling included, Asparagus & Beemster Cheese with crispy ham, roasted garlic aioli, crispy shallots and herbs; Alabama Red Royal Shrimp with leek puree, crispy potatoes and chive; Elysian Fields Farm lamb with crispy polenta, herb puree, creme fraiche and grilled cauliflower and carrots; Brown Butter Poached Trout, with smoked whipped pecans, picked ramps, Marigold syrup, mushrooms and garden greens. And for dessert, Georgia Oil Oil Corn Cake with Spring citrus and Earl Grey.
The wine cellar boasts some 9,000 different selections and The Barn’s Bar program offers an impressive spirits list with over 300 Whiskies and Brandies, many of which are simply unattainable outside of Blackberry Farm.
THE SERVICE at Blackberry Farm
The staff is exceedingly well-trained and go out of their way to make your experience special, as befits a Relais & Chateau property. Golf carts are available to transverse the property. Each morning guests receive a “Times Digest”, a summary of current news from the New York Times and a copy of the Blackberry News, a round-up of the days activities.
RATES at Blackberry Farm
Rates from $1.045 per night and include room for two, three meals for two per day. Three night minimum
WHAT OTHERS SAY About Blackberry Farm
Forbes 4 Star-Lodge and Restaurant
Travel + Leisure 500 Best Hotels & Resorts Around the World
Conde Nast Gold List
Relais & Chateau Member
Relais & Chateau Grand Chef
Wine Spectator Grand Award
James Beard Foundation – Finalist Best Chef, Southeast
“Even” “rainy days” are “perfect” at this “cream of the crop” “getaway” in the Smokey Mountains where “beautiful” cottages with stocked pantries and a “doting but discreet” staff are “absolutely the best”; expect to “gain weight” from the “phenomenal” food at the Relais Gourmand eatery, then be distracted by the “breathtaking views” and “acres of gardens” (as well as by wonderful spa services); just be warned: you may “miss your first and second born when you hand them over for payment.” ZAGAT