Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia – Christmas in July and a recipe for the Louisville Metro Cocktail

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. ~ Roald Dahl

There is something magical at Barnsley Resort.  From the moment you arrive at the front gates of this award-winning luxury destination property, which has recently been named a member of the Southern Living Hotel Collection, there is the sense that you have stepped back into history, while still surrounded by modern day amenities.  Having heard of the resort’s “Fairy Godmother” prior to our arrival, our curiosity was definitely piqued about what we would discover in Adairsville, Georgia.

Situated in the North Georgia foothills, this property was once a private estate and manor home known as The Woodlands.  Godfrey Barnsley, a wealthy shipping magnate, designed the home and gardens based on the work of architect Andrew Jackson Downing, who was known for his Italianate and Gothic Revival architecture.

Godfrey Barnsley, who originally hailed from Liverpool, England, purchased the 4,000 acres in this region of Georgia in 1840 to build Julia, his beloved wife, a stunning manor home and gardens.  However, there was a tragic ending to this fairytale in 1845.  While Barnsley was traveling, Julia fell ill and died leaving Barnsley and their six children behind.  Barnsley never got over the death of the love of his life and claimed he was told by the spirit of Julia to finish building their home.  In 1848, The Woodlands, adorned by formal gardens, was completed.

Home to one of the important battles during the Civil War (1861-1865), The Woodlands was in the path of Sherman’s March to the Sea on May 18, 1864.  The Union troops’ occupation of the house resulted in severe damage.  Following Barnsley’s death in 1873, more destruction occurred to the home when in 1906 a tornado tore the roof from the house.  Unable to afford the repairs, the family moved into a small wing while the rest of the home fell into ruins.  Some of Barnsley’s descendants lived at The Woodlands until 1942 when the property was in shambles and finally sold at auction.

In classic storybook fashion, Hubertus Fugger, a wealthy Prince from Bavaria, came to the rescue of The Woodlands and in 1988 purchased the estate.  Inspired by its potential and historical significance, the Prince restored the historic gardens and the remains of the manor house and built the initial structures for the resort.   Today, there is a museum with artifacts from the original home and family and a colorful story of the history of this property and its residents.  Clent Coker, the local historian, personally met some of the residents who lived through much of the history and he passionately tells their story.

In addition to the history lesson and and storybook endings, Barnsley Resort offers its guests many other activities to choose from.  The Orvis Spring Bank Sporting Club can plan your outdoor adventures ranging from hunting or fishing expeditions to hiking and horseback riding.  Spring Bank is also home to the Caesar Guerini Wings & Clays Shooting School, staffed by certified instructors.  The shooting course and instruction is ideal for beginner to expert.

There is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jim Fazio and an award-winning spa and pool for those seeking a bit of relaxation.  Of course, the property’s 3,300 acres are made for long walks and romantic escapes, particularly by the ruins of the original manor house and by the lake.  The lake is the ideal spot for a picnic lunch and is fairytale-like with the views of the swans gracefully floating along the shoreline.

Individual guest cottages and the grounds are laid out in the formal Downing style to resemble a 19th century village combining European Country and American Victorian style.  As you walk the streets of the “village,” you will find the private cottages interspersed with a chapel and other buildings for special events.  Decorated for Christmastime, what could be better than a visit from The Fairy Godmother?  Temperatures in the Southeast offer year-round opportunity for outdoor activities and tours of the property.

Several dining venues offer options from very casual menu items (the outdoor Beer Garden) to the clubby Woodlands Grill which serves three meals a day throughout the week.  For a special dining experience, the Rice House is located in a beautiful old home that was relocated onto the property.  Open primarily on weekends from April to mid-December, Chef Charles Vosburgh creates a memorable evening in their formal dining room.  With a seasonally focused menu incorporating many local and chef’s garden ingredients, there are many delightful dishes on the menu.  There are also special wine dinners and tastings offered throughout the year hosted by Barnsley’s “Wine Snob,” Greg Teague.  If wine is not your beverage of choice, try a specialty cocktail.  Teague also has a number of cocktail making classes during the year, especially during the Christmas holidays.

No ending to a storybook tale would be complete without the Fairy Godmother.  For the last 14 years at the request of none other than Prince Fugger himself, the Fairy Godmother has been casting spells and making dreams come true for many of Barnsley’s guests.  You never know where she might appear next and what she might have in store for you.  From a surprise engagement to a rekindling of love spell, the Fairy Godmother never repeats the same enchantment twice.  Whether she arranges something for the guest on the property’s beautiful grounds or in their cottage, it will be a unique experience.

For several years now, the Fairy Godmother and the Barnsley Team has worked with the Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve to blend a specially crafted bourbon for the resort.  Now, that’s my kind of Fairy Godmother. 😉  We had the opportunity to join the team and the Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve for their most recent bourbon blending in Atlanta at their Taste of Fall event hosted by The Buckhead Club.

You may ask, what did the Fairy Godmother do for our visit?  Not everyone receives a visit from the Fairy Godmother.  Some call in advance to make special requests.  Sometimes the Fairy Godmother just appears unannounced.  Regardless, what happens at Barnsley, stays at Barnsley, so we’re not giving up her secrets.  I can only say that it is magical.

Naturally, bourbon cocktails were a part of the Taste of Fall event, with the Fairy Godmother’s special blend of Woodford Reserve as the featured ingredient.  Greg Teague prepared some of the resort’s new fall cocktails and shared the recipes for those beverages with us.  Our favorite was the Louisville Metro, so we have decided to share the recipe for this cocktail with you.  Cheers!

For more information on Barnsley Resort, please refer to their website.  This property is ideal for romantic escapes, weekend retreats, corporate functions, and weddings.  They are also pet friendly.  Let Barnsley Resort bring a little magic to your life or special event and tell the Fairy Godmother we sent you.

Note – The photograph at the top of the article is of the manor house ruins decorated for Christmas.  The wing to the right of the original structure houses the Barnsley Museum.

* Disclosure – Barnsley Resort provided a media package for our visit.  I was not asked to write any articles about my stay and have in no way been compensated.  The opinions expressed regarding our experience are my own.

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