Barnsley Resort

Sometimes, the countryside simply beckons. And we are excited to answer its call. 

Such was the case when we heard about the Barnsley Resort. Situated on 3,000 acres of rolling hills in the north Georgia woods, the Barnsley looked to offer the best of what we enjoy on our vacations – classic spacious accommodations, inspired dining, and a dash of regional history. We headed north to explore. 

From the moment we arrived on the lush grounds, it was clear that the Barnsley Resort is a cut above. Located about an hour northwest of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this resort-style property boasts three restaurants, lots of activities, a sumptuous spa, a world-class golf course, and the historic Manor House Ruins and Gardens. 

Almost Two Centuries of History

The original manor, aptly named Woodlands, was built by 19th century cotton magnate Godfrey Barnsley for his wife, Julia, whom he married in 1828. Barnsley was at the time one of the richest men in the South and began construction in the 1840’s on their Italian-themed villa. Its design was inspired by the work of Andrew Jackson Downing, a pioneering landscape designer. 

Unfortunately, Julia died in 1845 before the home was completed. A year later Barnsley returned to the area and reportedly while in the formal gardens had a dream about Julia in which she asked him to finish the estate. It was completed in 1848 and boasted modern plumbing and marble from quarries around the world. 

In 1906, a tornado damaged the home, tearing off its roof and forcing Barnsley’s descendants to move into the kitchen building. Remnants of the estate were sold in 1942 and it no longer belonged to the Barnsley family, eventually becoming a 1,200 acre cattle and poultry farm.

Fortunately, the new owners understood the value of the historic areas and blocked them off from the farm. In 1988, the property was bought by a Bavarian prince and the Manor House Ruins and Gardens, as they came to be known, were restored. Additionally, he added more than 200 varieties of roses to the surrounding gardens. 

In 1999, Barnsley Resort was created, adding a charming English-inspired village of homes and rooms as well as a Jim Fazio-designed golf course. Many amenities enjoyed today were added to the mix, including the current three restaurants. The new owners in 2007 acquired the adjoining North Georgia quail habitat, now known as the Beretta Shooting Grounds, expanding the property back up to 3,000 acres. They also added the Inn at Barnsley Resort’s 55-room guesthouse and the special event venue Georgian Hall, bringing the current room count to 150 guest rooms and suites. 

For our room we opted for the one-bedroom cottage suite, which is a full living room area with fireplace, a separate bedroom, a huge bathroom with tub and shower, and two outdoor porches with swinging benches. 

Each of these cottages is tucked into the wooded streets lining the grounds, forming what feels like a small English town. Shaded sidewalks wind their leisurely way to the restaurants, retail stores, health spa, golf course, activity lake, and barnyard - all within an easy stroll.   (Continue reading below photos). 

An Amazing Array of Outdoor Activities

The heart of the Barnsley Resort experience is abundant outdoor activities. And we spent four days on the vast property filling every moment with fresh-air fun. In addition to typical resort amenities such as a huge pool, 18-hole golf course, and biking on the property, the Barnsley features axe-throwing and archery, target rifle shooting, canoeing or fishing on a picturesque 10-acre lake, horseback riding, and even disc golf. 

During our time at the resort, we tested our archery aim, honed our axe-throwing skills, and even got in a little hiking and horseback riding.

The Barnsley Resort has also partnered with firearms brand Beretta and the high-end sports experience firm High Adventure Company to provide incredible experiences at the nearby Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company. There are two 15-station clays courses offering an array of shots out into the open field.

There is also a covered five-shooter stand featuring multiple targets for team-building games or friendly competition. Whether you are into sporting clays, private lessons, or shooting with others, the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company is a decidedly different approach to outdoor challenges.

Additionally, Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company provides half and full day quail and pheasant hunts on some 3,000 acres of Georgia pine. There is a private clubhouse, a welcoming place to relax and tell tall tales after your exhilarating hunt. Rental shotguns are available.

We enjoyed all our activities - but the best was yet to come. We opted for the High Adventure UTV Trail Riding Experience, where our two wilderness guides led us on a 15-mile journey through the Appalachian Mountain foothills. As native Florida flatlanders, we chose the more challenging of two rides, excited to experience the steep hillsides, winding trails, and rocky paths over two engaging hours. On our excursion, we saw a compelling mix of north Georgia wildlife often nestled into the shady green woodlands. 

It was an amazing way to take in the area’s natural beauty.

Unique Restaurant Experiences

Food options at the Barnsley Resort were plentiful and varied, each venue having its own personality. The evening that we arrived, we headed to the Beer Garden, a relaxed outdoor spot with a “wings and barbeque” vibe featuring light food along with craft beers and cocktails – just what we were looking for after the day’s ride. With a pet-friendly atmosphere and live music for most of the evening, the Beer Garden’s ambiance is the perfect mix of casual and cool.

Near the center of the property, we found The Woodlands Grill, Barnsley Resort’s all-day restaurant option. Cozied up to the golf course with fabulous views from the windowside tables or outdoor porch, Woodlands Grill has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu rich in Southern tradition. 

Over the course of our stay, we dove into the fried chicken and waffles for breakfast, grabbed crab cakes with spicy remoulade for lunch, and devoured the Woodford Bourbon-injected filet for dinner. We even circled back regularly for a couple of their signature Barnsley old fashioneds as the evening sun set. 

Barnsley Resort’s showcase restaurant is the Rice House. A quaint farmhouse originally in Rome, Georgia, the Rice House was relocated to the Barnsley property and refitted to provide a world-class culinary experience. It features a seasonal garden-to-table menu inspired by the best local and regional farms as well as their own on-site gardens.

Three- and four-course tasting experiences paired with their individual recommendations of exceptional wines are available and highlight Chef Javier’s talents. The Rice House is open to resort residents and the public for dinner on weekends. 

Special Events and Weddings Abound

The Barnsley Resort is about more than just food and the great outdoors, however. It also features special events and experiences, including live fireside concerts on weekends, specialty holiday parties and menus, family DJ parties, and more. Additionally, the resort often partners with Sea Island Forge Fire Kettles to offer cooking exhibitions, where chefs from the restaurants entertain and delight by teaching cooking skills and tips to hungry and appreciative guests. 

The Barnsley setting adds a special brilliance to events such as family reunions and weddings. The elegant Georgian Hall hosts these special occasions in a picturesque location in the resort’s historic district. The Manor House Ruins and Gardens are the perfect spot for a romantic wedding, and you can expand the space for up to 400 people with the Manor Pavilion and Museum Lawn. Other event-specific cottages and halls populate the resort, offering space for family and friends to relax and congregate on the elegant grounds. 

While day activities entranced us and kept us busy, we always seemed to find ourselves around the firepits in the evenings, chatting with new friends in the cool mountain air. 

On weekend evenings we enjoyed the complimentary Evening Bourbon Ritual, where a certified Bourbon Steward shares the secrets of the resort’s Woodford Reserve bourbon, which is infused with smoked pecans. And each night, a quick trip to the lobby provided all that was needed to make a few s’mores and enjoy them as the fires dwindled to their embers. 

Next time you look to relax and enjoy the great outdoors in style, make plans to visit north Georgia’s Barnsley Resort, a unique retreat in an unforgettable setting. 

Barnsley Resort

597 Barnsley Gardens Road

Adairsville, Georgia 30103

877.773.2447

www.BarnsleyResort.com 

High Adventure Company

www.HighAdventureCompany.com 

Sea Island Fire Kettles

www.SeaIslandForge.com

Woodford Reserve bourbon

www.WoodfordReserve.com