Escape to Luxury

Photography by Justin Robinson

Just outside of South Boston VA, leisure sits on 650 acres and offers modern amenities in a historic setting.

Hidden from sight and nestled in the woods just outside South Boston, VA lies a place of unmatched grandeur, history and opulence that few outside the region have heard of. The former home of the Bruce family, Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center has weathered the flow of time to become one of the east coast’s premier destinations for relaxation and rejuvenation. Traveling down the winding path through forests and fields, past the graveyard then up the lane, you would never expect to see the magnificence that awaits at the end of the drive. A monument to Greek architecture, Berry Hill stands with its three foot thick brick walls and eight stately columns. It is described as “Parthenon-like” featuring two Doric style buildings that stand like sentinels to each side. Needless to say, as well as being home to a thriving family and business, this establishment has witnessed many galas, balls,receptions and wedding ceremonies through the years. Resident historian , Leland Luck was there to share some of the history of the establishment on our recent visit. Leland, who began as a teacher, said he has a great love for history and for Berry Hill. He grew up only thirty minutes from the site and as a child he held a great fascination with it. Luck has acted as a tour guide and historian since 1999 for all who would share his interest and is the definitive expert on all things Berry Hill. Leland's favorite thing is to see the look on peoples faces when they turn down the lane and see the mansion for the first time. “I love to share that with people,” he said. Leland noted that upkeep for a property of this size and value is a continuing process. He said the estate was converted into a corporate training center in 1997 when it was purchased by AXA, a French conglomerate. The company invested a considerable amount of money in the renovation and restoration of the historic landmark and added the modern facilities to the grounds. The hotel rooms to the north east of the mansion are furnished and decorated in Antebellum style. AXA sold the facility to Berry Hill Associates in 2005 and it was the converted to a luxury resort. Steve Ouelette helps to manage the property and accompanied us on the tour.

Berry Hill Resort is a bastion of luxury and comfort. Accommodations are spacious and stunning, featuring Italian handcrafted beds in its 92 rooms, many with stunning views of the 650 acre resort from their verandas. Two suites on the second level of the mansion are also available. Amenities like luxury bathrooms, oversized work desks, ATM, Wi-Fi, phone, room service, fitness room, indoor pool, sauna and European quality spa treatments are naturally par for the course. Three restaurants on the grounds, hiking trails, biking, lawn games, a boxwood maze, historic tours and ruins ensure that there is plenty to do and see while you bask in the opulence of this historic retreat. If you really must get out for a while, local attractions like the Virginia International Raceway, the Southern VA Wine Trail, the Prizery Cultural and Performing Arts Center, and Tobacco Heritage Trail are all just a stone's throw away. For many generations, according to Leland, Berry Hill was home to the Bruce family who purchased the land from Revolutionary War hero General Edward Carrington. The family were the first to be recorded as agriculture millionaires in the United States and James Coles Bruce and his wife Eliza began construction of the mansion in 1842. Construction took nearly two years to complete the Greek Revivalist style home and dependencies.

The mansion is built of brick and stucco while the steps, courtyard and window sills are granite that Leland said may well have been quarried in the area. He said, both then and now, “quiet luxury” best describes the interior of the mansion. Walking into the main entrance of the house strikes you with a view of the floating staircase that commands the entrance space. With no obvious means of support this hand carved mahogany horseshoe staircase rises along the side of the walls to a landing. Leland shared that local historians speculate the finishing work on the staircase as well as the newel post bookcases and windows were crafted by the renowned cabinet maker Thomas Day since similar staircases have been found in Staunton Hill and Clarkton. Marble baseboards and cherry floors of the main floor rooms compliment furniture of mahogany and walnut. The styles range from Chippendale to Victorian. Leland remarked that one of the most interesting features is the Morning room which overlooks the portico and lawn. “The ladies of the house could sit there and sew and still see guests approaching on the Ailanthus drive,” he said. Steven remarked that the ballroom has seen some of the most elaborate parties in the region over its lifetime. Standing in its vastness, with tin work high ceiling, beautifully preserved hardwood floor, and ambient light, you can imagine the ladies in elaborate gowns waiting for their dashing young men to come and ask them to a dance. Even today, wedding receptions and other gatherings of grandeur fill the halls of the property with music and laughter. He noted that the staff enjoys working closely with their clients to help them build the most beautiful and unique event possible. While we stood taking in the sheer elegance of the room, Leland drew our attention to one of the more unusual features of the estate. He said the lady of the house was obsessive when it came to symmetry and balance. In order to maintain those aspects in a room, sometimes she would have builders create false doors. He showed us an example on the far side where an apparent doorway opened into nothing but a brick wall. “See,” he said, then pointed to the fake. “Nothing.” The 26 acres of the homeplace is surrounded by a river stone, dry stack wall that meanders through the fields and down to the family cemetery. Walls like that, according to Leland, were common for the Antebellum period and that most of the stones were harvested on the property. “It probably kept a few animals out,” he said. There are several “dependencies” of interest including a smokehouse and an old icehouse. “They would harvest ice from the rivers and streams surrounding the property and keep it in the icehouse so the Bruce’s could have iced tea during the dog days of summer,” he noted. Of course, there were other uses. The family was able to preserve meat and other perishable foods. The estate still offers fine dining in the main house for those interested at the Mansion Restaurant.

There’s also Darby’s Tavern if, on the other hand, you’d prefer something more casual. Leland shared that Darby’s Tavern was named for one of the Bruce’s cooks. He was reputed to be a very fine cook and specialized in cuisine from the deep south - jambalaya and gumbo which Mr. Bruce loved. Today, the original kitchen, a hand hewn bar, billiards room and massive fireplace complete with copper and wrought iron pots are still there to enjoy. Darby’s offers a large selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and house specials. The F&B, inside the mansion, is a more intimate setting. The working bar is located in the library and is roomy, comfortable and bright. Steven remarked that this was his favorite spot on the estate. It’s a focal point of entertainment and hosts regular mixology classes and other events. Berry Hill Resort and Conference truly is one of the best kept secrets in Virginia. Offering a wedding venue, hiking trails, dining, and spa treatments this truly astonishing home strikes a truly regal appearance and a wonderfully luxurious experience for all of its guests.

So far off the beaten path, yet only three miles from South Boston, the resort is located at 3105 River Road, South Boston VA and is well beyond ordinary. To learn more, visit their website at berryhillresort.com , call 434-517-7000 or email concierge@berryhillresort.com