The Best Hotels and B&Bs to Book Near Rockland Historic House, Virginia

Bluegreen is a family-friendly countryside charmer on the shores of Izac Lake. Choose to stay in the main building for the cozy, stone-clad lobby with rocking chairs and fireplace, or – if you’ve got family in tow – one of its quaint standalone cottages or folksy log cabins. Whichever you go for, the kids will love the games room, playground and outdoor pool.

The Clifton, on the outskirts of Charlottesville, blends the historic with contemporary cool. Mid-century accents including vibrant velvet sofas, sumptuous padded headboards and clawfoot bath tubs jazz up this 18th-century home. Want a room with views? Pick any of them: the Blue Ridge Mountains beckon from every corner. In the mood for romance? Facilities include a bar and wine cellar, plus an infinity pool with cascading waterfalls and a hot tub.

We’ve never seen hotel architecture quite like this. With its red-brick walls, mature trees and floods of natural light, the towering glass-roofed atrium feels like an outdoor space. At the same time, it’s carpeted throughout, with a heptagonal bench seating area adding ’70s lounge vibes. Cross the invisible threshold to the interior, and you’ll find a more trad arrangement of chandeliers and comfy leather armchairs. It’s an odd one, but we like it.

As sweet as a square of vanilla sponge cake, this timber-framed inn knows how to butter you up. Rooms are a feast of chintz, with decorative plates propped atop frilly curtain pelmets, floral wallpaper (even in the bathrooms, in some cases) and crystal chandeliers. Elsewhere, historic standalone cottages – some dating back to the 17th century – are rich with exposed beams, quilted bedspreads and enormous Persian rugs. The icing on this cake? Its exceptional gourmet breakfasts, included in most rates.

You’ll feel like lady or lord of the manor at this 1870s-built farmhouse. With just five rooms spread out over two floors, running into other guests isn’t something to worry about. In fact, given the size and stateliness of the rooms (each with their own generous ensuite), you’ll barely have reason to venture outside. Except, that is, to explore the five acres (2ha) of landscaped grounds, or to check out the hotel’s own jewelry shop in downtown Orange.

Southern history seeps from every crack in the floorboards at this extravagant manor house. Its original owner, Colonel John Willis, was related to fourth President James Madison, and Mayhurst even shared a border with Madison’s Montpelier plantation house. The property has been variously used as a civil war headquarters, a cattle farm and – during the First World War – a boarding house for workers at the silk mill in downtown Orange. Just wait until you see the exquisite, period-perfect rooms.

Resting on a hill amid verdant forests, the newly renovated Keswick Hall takes Southern hospitality to a new level. Rooms are kitted out with firmness-adjustable Duxiana mattresses, Frette sheets, and marble-clad bathrooms, while its top-tier Presidential Suite comes with a designer kitchenette, full wet bar, and walk-in closet. Able to tear yourself away? Head out for a dip in the T-shaped, adults-only infinity pool with cascading waterfalls, or a round of golf on the private course.

The main house guest rooms at this grand 1860s mansion are charming, with antique floorboards, fireplaces and roll top baths. But for our money, we’d take the studio suite at Uncle Tuck’s Cabin. Set on its own little plot, surrounded by trees and overlooking the property’s landscaped grounds, it’s as cozy as can be – with a fireplace, log-beam ceilings and vintage furniture. Spend evenings watching fireflies dance in the dusk light from the veranda.