Birdwood Mansion, the storied 19th century estate, opens today as a luxury boutique seven-room hotel and events destination. Nestled on the grounds of the popular resort destination, Boar's Head Resort, the Mansion—which was initially constructed between 1819 and 1830—presents a new, intimate accommodation experience steeped in history, as well as a haven for weddings and corporate and social gatherings. Emerging from a transformative restoration that breathes new life into the historic property, Birdwood Mansion welcomes guests seeking a bespoke hotel-within-a-hotel experience complete with luxury accommodations, distinctive dining experiences, and thoughtfully curated amenities.
“Great care and detail have gone into the restoration of Birdwood Mansion, and we are thrilled to usher in a new chapter as we invite our local Charlottesville community and travelers from afar to rediscover its charms,” said Gigi Vega, Managing Director. “We want Birdwood Mansion to be truly singular in nature, offering an experience unlike any other, whether guests stay for a leisure getaway, book a power retreat, or plan an unforgettable wedding or celebration within. For any occasion, Birdwood Mansion stands ready to deliver an intimate and deeply personal experience.”
A Timeless Design Rooted in History and Charm
Glavé & Holmes Architecture (G&H), the Richmond-based firm known for its rigorous approach to preservation, has partnered with the University of Virginia’s UVA Foundation, which currently owns Birdwood Mansion and Boar’s Head Resort, to undertake the full rehabilitation of the Mansion and its grounds. The design honors the property’s Jeffersonian origins, incorporating the language of symmetry, proportion, and craftsmanship that still defines the region to create a blend of historic architecture with contemporary hospitality, acknowledging the evolving character of the Mansion over time.
As Birdwood Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all work was designed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The hotel’s new use is compatible with the home's historic setup: bedrooms remain guest rooms; parlors remain parlors. Rather than impose a hotel aesthetic, the design reinforces the home’s original domestic character, creating the sense that visitors are staying at a friend’s country retreat instead of a formal lodging, with each space telling its own story that is rich with character, charm, and the quiet luxury of a bygone era.
Thoughtfully restored and beautifully detailed, the Mansion offers four individually curated guest rooms within the main house, as well as three adjacent cottages. While all rooms are unique, guests can expect plush beds, separate sitting rooms for reading, wine sipping or family stays, and in-suite fireplaces and private terraces in several rooms. Guest rooms are outfitted with custom wood and marble vanities and Jeffersonian-style built-ins, conceived as elegant spaces for wedding preparations or evening dressing. Bathrooms include walk-in rain showers and heated bathroom floors—all finished in Asian Statuary marble paired with fixtures from Waterworks.
The old outer buildings have been rehabilitated into three guest cottages, preserving the rustic character of their original construction. The Icehouse Cottage is located next to the iconic water tower, offering privacy and a serene retreat with a king bedroom designed in a tranquil palette inspired by the cool tones of ice formations. The Ashwood Cottage, surrounded by century-old Ashwood trees, offers a standalone king bedroom with original handcrafted brick walls that reflect its historic character. The Stone Cottage offers a historic and private retreat with a king bedroom and adjoining living room. The cottage’s original brick walls, crafted from Albemarle County clay, lend warm, authentic character to the property. Restored Social Settings
Color palettes throughout the house draw inspiration from crops historically grown on the land—even before the Mansion’s existence—including blue and red corn, wheat, and tobacco, which translate into soft blues, creams, pinks, and greens. Every furniture piece, textile, trim detail, and finish was individually selected or custom made, including handwoven wool rugs whose patterns and yarn colors were designed exclusively for the Mansion.
Historical traditions inform the character of the principal parlors. The East Parlor—historically the “Men’s Parlor”—features a bucolic palette of soft blues and creams, with tailored leathers and velvets. The South Parlor, traditionally the “Women’s Parlor,” is reimagined as a brighter, more lively space displaying modern interpretations of the domestic arts, including two new works by University of Virginia professor Sanda Iliescu. The room continues its legacy as a site for after-dinner entertainment, now anchored by a billiards table that can be converted into an intimate dining table adjacent to the fireplace.
In transforming the Drawing Room into a cocktail lounge for the new restaurant, Glavé & Holmes created custom pieces that would harmonize with the historic interiors. A standout is a bespoke bar that appears as a classic 19th-century secretary by day but opens into a fully equipped cocktail bar at night.
The restored Mansion also pays tribute to the property’s full history. An exhibit designer was engaged to research the lives of the enslaved community who lived and labored on the property, ensuring their stories are present and integrated into the interpretation of the site. A commemorative plaque and history walk will debut on property in the coming months, with more details to be announced soon.
In-house guests can also retreat to the Mansion’s private heated pool and lush surrounding gardens, while taking in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
World-Class Dining in Charlottesville
The former porch has been expanded into a full-service, all-season dining room, its windows framing views of the grounds and mountains while respecting the scale and style of the original porch enclosure. A state-of-the-art commercial kitchen now occupies much of the lower level, supporting The Dining Room at Birdwood Mansion, a new 42-seat restaurant open for in-house guests and guests of Boar’s Head Resort, as well as Charlottesville residents. The culinary team’s vision showcases seasonal menus and cuisine heavily inspired by the fresh ingredients and bountiful harvests of the surrounding Charlottesville region.
The restaurant also offers bespoke Afternoon Tea service, weekend brunch, and curated wine pairings highlighting regional vineyards and global selections. The Dining Room at Birdwood Mansion is open daily for breakfast, with dinner service offered Wednesday through Sunday.
Enhancing the dining experience, Birdwood Mansion is hosting a rotating Guest Resident Chef Program that presents the diverse culinary talents, flavors, techniques, and innovations of visiting guest chefs from around the world with exclusive menus, multi-course wine dinners, and other culinary engagements. French Chef Mathieu Chartron will begin the series with a residency from April 22-26 and April 29-May 2, followed by Chef Ronald Duprat who will bring his Haitian and Caribbean roots to the restaurant from June 12-14. Alongside the special dining experiences, guests and locals can take advantage of hands-on culinary classes, workshops, and other events the visiting guest chefs will prepare.
A Complete Resort Experience
In-house guests have full access to the state-of-the-art amenities and facilities at Boar’s Head Resort. The Spa showcases a menu of massages, seasonal facials and body treatments, and nail services, coupled with a dedicated adults-only resort pool. Avid golfers can enjoy a round at the 18-hole championship golf course designed by legendary PGA Professional Davis Love III and Love Golf Design, which is home to the University of Virginia Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams. Boar’s Head Resort’s world-class sporting facilities also offer a plethora of activities including a nationally acclaimed tennis program; squash, pickleball, and padel facilities; a state-of-the-art outdoor aquatics center; and an expansive fitness center, offering more than 90 weekly fitness classes and a full activity gym. Guests can also dine at the AAA 4-Diamond Mill Room.
Unforgettable Celebrations
Whether hosting an intimate gathering of 15 or a grand celebration for up to 300 guests, Birdwood Mansion provides abundant indoor and outdoor settings to host an unparalleled occasion, from private meetings and milestone celebrations to elegant dinners. Set on 12 acres of beautifully manicured land, overlooking the golf courses and breathtaking natural Virginia scenery, Birdwood Mansion serves as a picturesque backdrop for al fresco gatherings. Among the outdoor settings are the majestic Front Lawn, adjacent Oval and East Gardens surrounded by verdant hedges, and the pool that looks directly out to the panoramic views, allowing groups to customize their events to their preferences. The Whispering Garden, a secret hideaway that beckons with lush local trees and flowers, provides a tranquil setting for quiet reflection or heartfelt conversations.
For more information and to book a stay or event, please visit www.birdwoodmansion.com.
Images courtesy of Birdwood Mansion
