We knew it the moment we saw it. An old mansion, nearly in ruins, rich in one family's history and vacant for decades, and the ancient limestone spring that must have drawn them to this place as it has drawn us. Here we would recreate a tradition of Southern style and service that any resident from over the 200 years of its known past would recognize as classic Virginian.

Originally built in 1785 by the young Revolutionary War Captain Strother Jones, the Vaucluse Manor house was home to his direct descendants through the Civil War.  Its fall into disuse was reversed in 1997 when we restored the house and Vaucluse once again was filled with life, laughter and good food.

1995

Today, the first floor of Vaucluse contains the inn’s two dining rooms and two gracious sitting rooms.  The photo album of “before” pictures prompts gasps of amazed disbelief and many animated discussions of restoration projects.  The soaring windows, high ceilings, intricately carved mantles, and walnut and cherry paneled doors always elicit comments. 

Outside, the front porch with its row of rockers and peaceful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley is the site of many an early morning cup of coffee and late afternoon glass of wine.

Click to View Second Floor Guest Rooms
Commanding views of the surrounding countryside are a feature of all three of the elegant bedrooms on the second floor.  High ceilings, original mantles, and gleaming heart pine floors under thick Oriental rugs are found throughout.  Rates range from $195 to $240.

Click to View Winter Kitchen Guest Rooms
The stone-walled lower level of the Vaucluse mansion is at once cozy and spacious.  The light-filled common room, with its overstuffed chairs and antique collectibles, is dominated by the original cooking fireplace. All three Winter Kitchen guest rooms are located off the common room.  With private baths, Jacuzzi tubs, queen beds, and fireplaces, the Winter Kitchen rooms are a terrific value at $150 per night.