From the moment we arrived at our cabin (Hope Creek), we were enchanted. Turkeys and deer greeted…read moreus outside our floor-to-ceiling windows, and before we left, we even spotted a bald eagle! We were welcomed with champagne and a gorgeous cheese board as part of the couples package--a lovely touch that set the tone for our stay.
The cabin had floor-to-ceiling windows that offered fantastic views of the property, and the accommodations were thoughtfully appointed with refillable water bottles at each bedside (with refilling stations around the property), luxurious robes, huge bath sheets, extra pillows and blankets, and hooks everywhere for towels and wet jackets--practical details that didn't go unnoticed. The Windy Hill signature scent (a blend of oak, bergamot, and bourbon) can be found throughout the property and is absolutely divine. Also, the playlist at the Watchhouse and Wilder is a total vibe!
Now, let's talk about the food. Chef Ben is an absolute treasure. We consider ourselves somewhat snobby about food, and he and his culinary staff knocked it out of the park for every single meal. The grits and gravy with pimento at breakfast were a standout, and the fresh fruit bowl was huge, fresh, and colorful. The smash burger at lunch is one of the best we've ever had. We sampled everything on the dinner menu, and not one item was underwhelming. Our favorites included the lightly fried gulf oysters in shallot and vinegar sauce, the redfish, the pan-fried trout (those root vegetables were like a rich pot pie filling--incredible!), the crispy venison, the butterscotch budino, and the oatmeal cookie sundae. As on-site guests, we never had to choose between meal options--they let us order whatever we wanted, which meant we enjoyed all the starters, all the small plates, plus two entrees and two desserts our first night! The staff even brought us complimentary champagne to celebrate our anniversary.
It rained the entire weekend, but the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. Golf carts were always available to shuttle us to meals and activities, umbrellas were abundant, and the fire in the Watchhouse provided a cozy reprieve from the dreary weather. I had an in-room massage with Erin that was amazing, and we spent a lovely Saturday morning sitting by the fire in the Watchhouse enjoying champagne. My husband did the Five-Stand with Zach and loved exploring the farm. There are five walking trails ranging from .3 miles to over 2 miles, all accessible right from your cabin door. It's a stunning piece of property, and they have staffed it really well.
As a new establishment, Windy Hill is still fine-tuning some of the smaller details. There weren't any utensils in the room, which would have been nice for any in-room dining (stirring coffee, enjoying food to-go, spreading jam and soft cheeses from the charcuterie board, etc.). There also wasn't any creamer option in the room (though the mini fridge could easily accommodate this). After the rain, outdoor chairs weren't wiped down. Would the staff have fixed these things immediately with a phone call? Absolutely. But when you're creating a luxury experience, it's those proactive touches that make guests feel truly special (and will keep them coming back!). That said, there's plenty of grace for a new property finding its rhythm, and they absolutely nail all the big things: hospitality, comfortable accommodations, incredible food and beverage, and genuinely helpful staff. And we really appreciated the built-in service fee so we didn't have to think about a thing all weekend long.
Overall, we had a wonderful weekend. While the nonstop rain kept us from enjoying as many activities as we'd hoped, the delightful staff made sure our stay was comfortable despite the weather. We will absolutely be back. As Knoxville residents, we are so excited to have this gem in our backyard and can't wait to watch Windy Hill continue to grow and refine their already impressive offerings!
