A Hidden Gem in East Tennessee: My Weekend at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve
Can true luxury, attentiveness and authenticity exist in one place? After our stay at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, I would say that yes, it can.
Needing to get away from the hustle of our everyday responsibilities in Middle Tennessee, my husband and I drove just under 3 hours to Loudon, Tennessee. Windy Hill is a lovely resort set upon 650 acres of pure Tennessee beauty.
Before we even arrived, our needs were anticipated in every manner. The Director of Hospitality, Marlee Harris, along with her team serves up 5 star hospitality. They made sure to note any dietary preferences along with any allergies so you don't have to mention it more than once. We were greeted by name, along with other guests that we passed while in staff presence. From hiking recommendations and promptly having a golf cart ready for us to go explore the property, to proactively adjusting our schedule to allow us to settle in and breathe more deeply, we could not have expected a better welcome.
If Restoration Hardware were a country resort, it would be Windy Hill. The Beekman 1802 toiletries along with an oversized rain head shower, alkaline water on the night stand, water and soda in the mini fridge, plush bedding, and a turndown service with blackout shades drawn add high-end touches to an already luxe experience.
My favorite part of our stay was the hour we spent with Executive Chef Ben Warwick. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about his craft, but he shared with us his genuine drive to create more than just perfect hospitality for guests; He created a working environment where his team wants to come to work each day. Anyone that knows a chef knows that the hours can be long, stress levels high, and your family life can suffer. Chef Ben fosters an environment of appreciation for every staff member, work life balance, and treating every single person on property like family.
The exquisite meals were one of the major highlights of our stay. The quality ingredients and authentic, farm-to-table approach means that every meal exudes freshness. There is so much value in the quality of dishes you're offered at Windy Hill. They are creative and full of flavor, yet comforting and familiar at the same time. Hats off to the chef. If I had to pick a favorite dish (which, honestly, is challenging because they were all incredible!) I would say the Sofrito Shrimp with Goat Cheese Grits takes the cake. I love shrimp & grits - so much so that this former Charleston girl even served it at our wedding; I order it at every restaurant where it's featured on the menu. This may be my favorite version of it ever.
Meals are included in your stay at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, so you can experience that unplugged, worry about no details, carefree stay the moment you step foot on the property. Fortunately, endless hiking abounds to help compensate for every delicious calorie.
Chef Ben also shared with us the mission of General Manager Steven Brewington, how it was his family's farm and he loved growing up with hundreds of acres in his backyard. Wanting to share that connection with nature, care for a wildlife habitat and invite others into his family, he opened Windy Hill Farm and Preserve. This property is far from any corporate vibes, as you'll get a friendly wave and check-in from Steven himself while you're there.
Every single member of the staff that we interacted with was kind, attentive, and not in a hurry. We enjoyed slowing down, having conversations, and breathing the fresh Tennessee air alongside our newest friends.
The true joy of the staff radiates in their daily interactions. We were seated at the same table for every meal during which Chef Ben checked on us. The staff always stopped their carts as they drove by to see how we were enjoying the property, and they even took the time to discuss the amusing personalities of the animals.
They reiterate "our farm is your farm" and truly mean it. They want you to explore and relax as if it's your own.
Aside from impeccable accommodations and staff attention, our solitude and interactions with the wildlife and farm animals were grounding and refreshing in every way. We hiked to the nest of Bald Eagles and watching them soar and chat above us. We laughed at the pigs rolling in the mud while Percy, the sneaky escapee pig, followed us around for pats on her snout. We interacted with the hunting dogs and learned their names (Chip is the cuuuutest!) We were even happily greeted by goats.
If reading a book in solitude isn't your thing, Windy Hill hosts all the activities you could want; they even call it adult summer camp. You can schedule quail hunts during the season, shoot sporting clays, kayak, fish, try your hand at archery and axe throwing, and learn beekeeping and wood burning. If you want to be pampered, they will arrange for in-room massage (and trust me, the cabins have a luxury spa feel of their own - pics below.) On certain weekends, you can even catch some live music. Nighttimes wind down with a drink overlooking the stunning vista or s'mores around one of the campfires. You can spread out or you can gather.
If you know me, you know I love a good hike and a hot latte just after. Our Sunday brunch ended our stay with just that. The relaxed vibe, luxe amenities, personalized service and Drew Holcomb playing over the speakers in the restaurant made for the perfect weekend getaway.
Our short weekend at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve was transformative, grounding, rejuvenating and inspiring. We cannot wait to return and send more people to experience a piece of the same.
Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
Windy Hill Farm & Preserve has graciously given me exclusive perks that I can share with my clients. Reach out to me today for details!