Barnsley Resort is a perfect destination for couples wanting a romantic getaway, families looking for recreation and bonding, business retreats, weekends with girlfriends, or avid golfers and marksmen hoping to improve their skeet-shooting accuracy. The array of activities and accommodation options will almost assuredly match the wishes of those who visit.
You will drive for several miles through northeast Georgia’s rural landscape, then suddenly the immaculately planned 3000 acres of Barnsley Resort will appear. The peace and beauty of the property creates a setting of serenity, but guests are still within easy driving distance of world-class museums and restaurants in neighboring Cartersville.
Lodging at the Beautiful Barnsley Resort
Accommodations at Barnsley Resort range from tastefully decorated rooms in the three-story Inn to Estate Cottages with full kitchens and sleeping capacity for up to 18 guests. In between are a variety of cottages with separate one-bedroom suites, each consisting of a living room, bedroom and porch. Every cottage has a unique architectural appearance from the outside but include such deluxe amenities as hardwood floors, clawfoot tubs, and wood-burning fireplaces.
Signature features scattered around the grounds inspiring a feeling of community are the well-placed firepits surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Their use is assured by the nightly supply of ingredients for S’mores provided for all guests.
Three distinctly different dining options are available at the resort. They include Woodlands Grill (breakfast, lunch and dinner), the Beer Garden (lunch and dinner on weekends), and the Rice House (offers an elevated dinner menu on special occasions).
Because of Covid-19 guidelines, reservations are required at Woodland Grill to ensure compliance with social distancing requirements. All dining is under the careful supervision of Chef Nicolas Lebas. I have tasted his creations on a couple of occasions, and they have all been outstanding.
Resort Amenities
The Spa at Barnsley Resort is open by appointment only. Those who take advantage of the service will experience ultimate luxury with a massage, facial, body treatment, or couples massage. The spa specialists incorporate a garden-to-table philosophy with hand-picked plants and herbs for optimal effect and relaxation.
In addition to the Beretta Shooting Grounds, the Jim Fazio-designed golf course, the outdoor pool and fitness center, recreational enthusiasts will find hiking/biking trails, horseback riding, axe-throwing, archery, UTV trail riding, disc golf, and a 10-acre lake for fishing. If tennis is what you want, then a short drive to Rome, Georgia, will scratch that itch.
On the campus of Berry College, you’ll find the 60-court Rome Tennis Center which is the largest hard-court facility in the United States.
One of the most unique aspects of Barnsley Resort is the presence of the ruins and formal gardens from the original Barnsley family villa completed in 1848 by Geoffrey Barnsley. Barnsley purchased the property with the intention of building a grand home for his wife Julia and their six children. He started the project, but then stopped it when she died of a lung ailment.
After several years, he resumed the task as a way of honoring her and leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren. This part of the resort grounds is a photographer’s dream and is often the setting for weddings and other formal occasions.
Nearby Attractions
Guests can certainly find plenty to fill their time at the resort without ever getting back in their cars. However, it must be mentioned that nearby Cartersville has some outstanding museums, a downtown with fun boutiques, and an assortment of eateries.
My favorite in Cartersville is the Booth Western Art Museum, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institution. It is large, modern and appealing to all ages, even men who don’t normal “do” museums. This is actually a great time to visit a museum because only a small number of guests can enter at a time, which allows for unobstructed and unhurried viewing of the amazing exhibits.
The Tellus Science Museum, the Rose Lawn Museum and the Bartow History Museum are also worth visiting, especially if you want to add an educational component to your getaway. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site and Old Car City U.S.A. are very unique, as well.
Several restaurants I have personally tried and recommend in Cartersville include: Table 20, Appalachian Grill, Maine Street Coastal Cuisine, and City Cellar and Loft. All four are within walking distance of each other near the train depot.
The hidden location of Barnsley Resort might be surprising, but it is well worth finding. You are sure to have an experience that is exceptional.
This article was written by Connie Pearson of There Goes Connie.
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