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The Inn at Warner Hall
Gloucester, Virginia
Process Update
Brett had his meeting with VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) today to discuss our road entry from State Route 301. We weren’t sure if we might have to install a turn lane from Route 301 into the plantation. The discussion went well. We found out that more than likely we will not need to install the turn lane. Whew…. If we did have to do it, it would have cost us around $100,000.00 to do it. We are so glad we made it over that hurdle! Now we just need to finish reviewing the contract and get that signed and get the zoning package started for approval. We have to complete our package in time to be submitted before the next zoning meeting, which is the second Tuesday of August. Then it’s a 120 day wait with back and forth reviews. THEN we can get the rest done…. hopefully.
Our visit to the Inn at Warner Hall was wonderful! Brett and I drove separate cars since he was going to Saluda to meet with VDOT in the morning and I had to return to work in Chesapeake. He arrived first and I followed about 45 minutes later. When I arrived, he was sitting down talking to several other guests as everyone was enjoying a glass of refreshments. I joined in and met some really wonderful people. There were two couples we met, one from Williamsburg and one from Virginia Beach. Troy, the innkeeper, had introduced Brett to the couples as an inspiring innkeeper, so the conversation was mostly about our plantation and about Warner Hall. We just love to talk about history.
As the couples moved on to dinner, Troy sat with Brett and I and answered questions we had and talk to us about their experience. I had noticed the sun setting and I excused myself to get some pictures of the grounds before the light was gone. When we had been there before, I had not walked the grounds since it had been mid-day and was too hot. It was still pretty hot, but I was able to get around to the points of interest I wanted to see.
The main point was the family cemetery. In this cemetery were the Warner’s and Lewis Family. Augustine Warner, great-great grandfather to George Washington as well as his son Augustine Warner II and his daughter, Elizabeth Warner Lewis and her husband John Lewis. There were several other grave sites, but they were difficult to read.
Once I made it around to the front, I was able to stop and chat with Theresa, the other innkeeper at Warner Hall. It was a great conversation as I talked to her about our plans and about my background. She was good to point out some items we might want to look closer at and give me some advice on Inn Ownership. She also encouraged us to use them for questions and advice as we go along. It is great to have a sounding board. We can’t tell you how much we appreciated them opening up and sharing with us. It is invaluable.
When I came back in, Brett and I decided to eat our dinner. The Inn at Warner Hall offers a Chilled Supper Basket for Two Sunday – Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, they offer a sit down meal with a Chef’s Tasting Menu. We had ordered the Supper Basket and took ours out to the enclosed porch to enjoy. Other couple also ordered a basket and took theirs out to the boat house to enjoy and watch the sunset.
This basket was so full of food, Brett and I couldn’t eat it all. It was beautifully presented and so delicious! We started with some Sour Dough Bread and Butter and our appetizer of Chilled Shrimp Cocktail. Then we moved to the main entree. Brett had the Chilled Pan Seared Salmon and I had the Chilled Roasted Chicken, both with a Pesto Dipping Sauce. Both meals came with a Fresh Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, Fregola Salad, Carrots and Portobello Mushrooms. For dessert we had Chocolate Rum Hazelnut Tart with Blueberry Sauce. We also had in our basket a Hummus with Crudités and an Artisan Cheese Selection of Iberico, Bellavitano and Herb Boursin with Juicy Red Grapes and Sliced Figs. We didn’t eat the Hummus, but took the Cheese plate upstairs for a later snack. Our basket came with a personalized card wishing us a good meal. Perfect!
Okay…… Now you can be jealous!
We finished our meal and heading upstairs to our room, the Robert E. Lee room. We were greeted with a beautiful Iron Bed with very comfortable and soft sheets. When we woke in the morning, I didn’t want to get up! I was way too comfortable.
Sadly, I was not able to stay for breakfast due to work, but Brett got to enjoy a wonderful offering of breads and fruit with a main entree of Mushroom Omelets and potatoes and bacon. He really enjoyed his meal! And the presentation (I made him take pictures) was to die for!
This was a great getaway, even in the middle of the week! I think we are going to have to start a new trend of middle of the week vacation day! It was so relaxing and I was all charged up to finish the week. I highly recommend a stop here if you are in the area! Please tell Troy and Theresa, Michelle and Brett sent you!
Just wiped away the dribbles after seeing all that heavenly food, and wanted to tell you what wonderful photos, especially the garden and the gravestones – lovely thank you
Thank you! I am with you! Just seeing it again makes me hungry for it! I really loved walking around the house, I think if went back, there would still be something else for me to take a picture of. 🙂
Yes, so beautiful!
Thank you! 😉
Wow, thanks for all the great information about this visit. The food basket was a great touch….
It was good. I think we are going to add this to our plan for our plantation b&b!
Gorgeous photos, makes me want to visit and eat. Luscious.
Thank you! You should, it is wonderful!
Absolutely great post. Each and every photo is great. I especially liked the one with the sun setting on the side of Warner House.
Thank you! I had a good subject to shoot! 😉
The food is delightful. I’m in VA on a hiking vacation; and may try to plan a trip just to enjoy the delectable meals showcased.
Thank you! I would recommend it if you have a chance! It is so worth it! The chef, Eric is a CIA (Culinary Institute of America) grad and it shows! (and tastes!) Tell them Michelle and Brett of Belle Grove sent you!
Amazing! Glad you enjoyed the little respite from the week. I need that this week!
Thank you! It was deff worth it! Now I want to go back! Sadly I have to work on Saturday at my current job. 🙁 No antiques shopping for Saturday.
Bummer! I’m going on a Sin and Gin historic walking tour Saturday and am really looking forward to it. A history of all the brothels and taverns in the town where I grew up. Can’t wait!
Oh you must post that so we can see too!
I will!
ok, i am jealous. the scenery, the house, your bedroom, and the foods!!!!! wow, i wish i was closer!
I wish you were too! You must try to come sometime!
i would love it!
Wow! Amazing night shot of the house and the food! Thanks for sharing. How old is this house??
The house was originally built in 1674, but suffered two fires over the years that destroyed allot of the original structure.
Thats the thing that kills wood building! 1674 was before America was founded!
Yes, fires tend to do that. Jamestown was the first successful settlement in America and it was founded in 1607. Augustine Warner is listed as one of the founders of Virginia. Our plantation, Belle Grove was first given as part of a land grant in 1668 and was first sold in 1670.
Looks like so much fun! Another place you’ve made me wish to visit!
Thank you! You should stop by there! It is breath taking!
Your photos are getting even more beautiful! Great update.
Thank you! I guess practice makes better… not even close to perfect yet 😉
Glad that you are having fun …
Thank you! It was a nice break!
Looks like you had a great min-break!
And am also glad that you don’t have to set up a turn lane. Before I even read further along, I was thinking, “Gosh, that must cost a fortune!” It must have been a relief to not have to put one in!
Thank you! We were glad too we don’t have to do the turn lane. It would have killed us. Whew…
Each place you visit is absolutely beautiful – so tranquil, serene and steeped in history. I got chills looking at the grave markers. And the food – it made my mouth water!
Thank you! It has been fun doing “research” of our bed and breakfast. It’s so tough! 😉 The grave sites were so haunting. I even got chills standing there. And the food, well, wouldn’t be able to stay long or else I would be huge!
I want a supper basket please!
Haha.. I am glad we ordered one! It was so good!
I am jealous! Great looking food and photos. It’s always so helpful to have other people who have ” gone before” to help. Love the patriot stone.
Don’t be jealous! Ok, be a little jealous! 😉 We don’t mind going before to help see what a place is like. It has been hard work, but glad we get to do it! 😉 I loved the patriot stone too! It was so moving to be standing next to people who help found Virginia and our country!
My husband and I have been to Gloucester recently on our weekend wanderings. He’s thinking of applying to the Art Gallery in the old section of town – we were very impressed with the art work there. Gloucester’s a cute little town.
I’m glad you had a good time. I love bed & breakfasts – here’s my post from last fall where I wrote about why I felt that way.
http://livingtheseasons.com/2011/11/06/bed-and-breakfast-instead-of-a-hotel/
Nancy
Thank you for your link! It was a very good post on what B&Bs provide over hotels! We hope you will consider our B&B plantation once we open or stop by Warner Hall! It is so breath taking!
I would love to visit when it’s ready. As I mentioned in my post, I do put reviews out there too for the public to read and find you guys.
You are welcome to either repost that or copy it over in its entirety (as long as you give me the credit!). I was rather proud of the piece and would love for you to share it with your readers.
I plan to reblog it tomorrow. (our plantation dog Hurley has taken over the blog for the evening) 😉
Yeah, I noticed Hurley wrote the blog tonight. The Vizsla’s paw is too big for the cell phone, but he’s got the miniature pinscher trained to text me when their Daddy is late getting supper to them 🙂
I was noticing your puppy on the icon. Such as sweet face! Hurley’s best trick is that he loves ice. So he goes to the ice maker and pushes it with his nose or paw to get his own. I wonder how many times it happens while we are out or at work! I love it! Texting!
My cats were notorious for their mischief. It’s a good thing they didn’t have opposable thumbs – we’d never have kept them in the house. As it was, they could open most anything they wanted.
http://livingtheseasons.com/2011/09/27/accomplice-is-what-i-want/
We have an indoor cat that is our daughters. She isn’t very social like Hurley is.
Sounds and looks like a nice place to get away from things for a little while.
Thank you! I would recommend it in a heart beat!
Fab post, thank you – the food looks wondrous – great to see places so beautifully photographed too
Thank you! The food was so good! We love taking pictures and doing “research” for our business!
Beautiful pictures! What a lovely and welcoming place to stay. I wouldn’t want to leave either! Thank you for stopping by and liking my post about Michigan.
Thank you! We just love going to new places and “researching” our business! We look forward to seeing more yours too! Brett is from Ohio, so Michigan is close to home! Please don’t forget to check our Hurley our plantation dog and his mission!
The chilled basket of food is nothing short of brilliant. You need lots of good things to pamper you just a bit. This is not the easier of journeys. Virginia
But it is so worth it when the journey reaches the goal. I think the chilled basket is a great idea. I think we are going to add it to our plantation as an option.