Monday, May 11, 2015

Prospect Hill Plantation: A Romantic Virginia B&B





Prospect Hill Plantation Inn, an award winning B&B of 13 rooms in the 1732 manor house and renovated dependencies dating from 1699 to 1840 and just 15 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia, is close to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, and other nearby presidential homes, Montpelier and Ashlawn. Nestled on 40 pastoral acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and long ago once an 18th-century plantation, Prospect Hill was transformed into a romantic bed and breakfast almost 40 years ago and is considered one of the premier, historically-significant properties in central Virginia.

Arriving for just one night after visiting nearby Monticello, we made reservations to stay overnight in 'Uncle Guy’s House' which was constructed expressly for housing slaves and dates from around 1796. As the foreman of the field hands, 'Uncle Guy' held a position of trust and favour, thus earning him private living quarters. The cottage was full of period charm with gunstock beam ceiling and walls, original plank doors, worn floorboards, and a “necessary” door, which originally provided easy access to the outhouse!

Named one of the "Top Ten Romantic Inns" in America, owners Doc and Paula Findley go out of their way to make every guest feel welcome, with the kind of southern hospitality that makes Virginia so memorable. Dining at Prospect Hill is a celebrated culinary experience also, with chef Elpidio Alcantan's three-course dinner menu influenced by the season and fresh, local organic ingredients. Following a refreshing night’s sleep, guests awaken in the morning to a gentle tap on the door as a gourmet breakfast is delivered for a true breakfast in bed. From the moment we arrived to the time we left, Prospect Hill was a refined and unforgettable experience — it's a wonder anyone leaves this Virginia paradise. 




Our canine welcoming committee was Rocky, who kept bringing us pine cones to throw

With our bags unpacked, we enjoyed a glass or two of wine on the veranda watching the sunset 

Overlooking the beautiful the 40-acre property

An old swing hangs quietly from a tall oak tree

A gurgling fountain amid a bed of daffodils

A garden pavilion provides a quiet oasis to enjoy a book or cold iced tea

A small "putti" gazes out to the garden from our perch on the veranda

'Caramel' finds the perfect place for an afternoon nap

'Uncle Guy’s House' built around 1796, is the oldest structure at Prospect Hill
and our quaint and cozy home for the night!

With a wood burning fireplace, leather high back chairs and comfortable king size bed, 
Uncle Guy's House was absolutely charming

The main staircase in the 1732 manor house

A period-style living room is to be enjoyed by guests

The dining room at Prospect Hill is set for both breakfast and dinners

Our personalized dinner menu 

A basket of warm fresh baked bread

Berry infused butter

A local 2013 Barboursville Pinot Grigio from Virginia

2011 Barboursville Cabernet Sauvignon

The soup arrived at the table in style, with a handsome lid to keep it hot

Garlic and Prosciutto Soup with sweet red onion and cilantro oil

Sea Scallops baked with asparagus risotto, lobster cream, parmesan cheese and crispy capers

Pork Chop stuffed with buttermilk cornbread, cranberries, fresh apples and a sherry cream

Roasted Rack of Lamb with a rosemary jus, fresh vegetables and lemon risotto








Sorrel Soup
Serves 4
Recipe courtesy of Prospect Hill Plantation

2 lb fresh sorrel
2 tbsp butter
1 medium yellow onion
5 ribs of celery, finely diced
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
4 tbsp crème fraîche


Mix the heavy cream and sour cream until well blended. Cover well with cling film and refrigerate overnight. In medium skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and celery over low heat until tender. Add sorrel, chicken stock and water. Bring to boil and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, reserving stock. Purée the sorrel, celery and onions, adding stock until smooth. Add to the remaining stock and garnish with crème fraîche. 










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