Sure, a country inn can be relaxing, but even better is one where you can hole up in a private cottage or cabin. Here are five.
Black Walnut Point Inn
A getaway that lies at the end of a long gravel road is usually a good sign. If that road runs through a 58-acre bird sanctuary before emerging at a historic inn surrounded by water on three sides, it’s a really good sign. This homey Eastern Shore property has long been a preferred escape for those seeking seclusion. Grab a good book and pick one of the hammocks overlooking the Choptank River. Your schedule is complete. 4417 Black Walnut Point Rd., Tilghman Island, Md.; 410-886-2452. Cabins from $350 a night in summer.
Inn at Willow Grove
While the mansion is elegant, the cottages offer supreme quiet. Our fave is the Butler’s Cottage, with a porch and patio plus a spacious bath with a rain-shower head and soaking tub. French-press coffee and beignets delivered to the door encourage languid mornings. An on-call butler doesn’t hurt, nor does a new spa, being un-veiled in August. 14079 Plantation Way, Orange, Va.; 540-317-1206. Cottages from $275 a night.
Glen Gordon Manor
Just an hour’s drive from DC, this inn minds the details—from sumptuous fabrics to in-suite iPads to marble showers. Our favorite cottage suite, the Windsor, has a soaking tub overlooking horse pastures and mountains. Plan to linger. A tree swing hangs from an enormous ash tree, a perfect spot for contemplation—or simply zoning out. 1482 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Huntly, Va.; 540-636-6010. Suites from $229 a night.
Mimslyn Inn
When this inn reopened in 2009 after an 18-month redo, the grande dame was as fresh as her 1931 debut, but with modern infrastructure and a new spa and tavern. On a hill behind the inn, five new cottages offer extra privacy. Painted in cheery hues, all have a porch, fireplace, luxe bedding, kitchenette, and bath with heated floor. Out back is a saltwater pool. 401 W. Main St., Luray, Va.; 540-743-5105. Cottages $195 to $299 a night.
The Iris Inn
Four years ago, this inn built six deluxe cabins on the edge of a ravine, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can gaze over the mountains. Each cabin has a fireplace, a hot tub on a screened porch, and a kitchenette, though no need to cook: The inn’s pumpkin pancakes are great fuel for a hike to Crabtree Falls, Virginia’s highest waterfall. 191 Chinquapin Dr., Waynesboro, Va.; 888-585-9018. Cottages from $329 a night.
Photo shot at Black Walnut Point Inn:
Fashion and Prop Styling By Frederique Stephanie. Hair by Macie Cravens. Makeup by Davey Cook at True Colors Beauty Co. Models are French and Flavia at the Artist Agency. French’s Swim Shorts by Scotch & Soda (Bloomingdale’s, $78)
Flavia’s Swimsuit by Ralph Lauren ($100). Bandanna by Levi’s ($14). Towel by Ralph Lauren ($70). Hammock Throw by Calvin Klein ($75)
Shot on Location at Tilghman Island.
