Clifton Inn - Charlottesville, Virginia

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.  Amidst the deep summer of Charlottesville, we found a respite from the hum-drum of our busy lives to find and respect a bit of laziness.  Clifton Inn is a hidden gem in the hills of Charlottesville, Virginia.  It offers 100 acres of southern charm and hospitality.

A small boutique hotel and an exclusive member of Relais & Chateaux properties, they offer 17 individual and uniquely styled rooms.  The property is significant as it was built and occupied by Thomas Mann Randolph Jr, former Governor of Virginia (1819-1822).  Randolph was son-in-law to Thomas Jefferson (married to daughter, Martha).

We arrived and were graciously welcomed and escorted to our new accommodations - the Carriage House.  A private cottage with its own porch and garden, the Carriage House had lots of charm with open windows and rustic decor.  The private bedroom was in the cottage's loft.

 

After settling in and pouring a glass of wine, we set out to venture around the grounds.  It really feels private and open as if you are there all by yourself.

What an awesome discovery to stumble upon a lake at the end of a trail.  And, the exploration there was just as calm and serene as the lake itself.

*This little butterfly caught a ride all the way to the lake. 

 After all the walking and exploring, we were keen to pour another drink and immerse ourselves in the pool for the rest of the day.  The pool at Clifton Inn is possibly one of the most serene and tranquil pool environments we've ever been to.  The pool itself is an infinity pool, overlooking the wooded grounds of Clifton Inn.  And, also offers a jetted hot tub surrounded by lush gardens.  It didn't hurt that we had the pool all to ourselves.  With towels, lounge chairs, a cooler full of ice cold water and the convenience to keep a few bottles of beer and a bottle of wine chilled - we were set for the rest of the day!

 After a day spent sunning, soaking and lounging - we were eager to fill our bellies.  Enjoying the privacy of the property and our cottage, we opted to have dinner delivered to our room for the night.

 After dinner and with night falling all around us, there was nothing left to do but head back to the pool, where we soaked and swam under the night sky until well past midnight.  There's simply nothing like immersing yourself in water and staring up at a sky full of stars.  Water-logged and buzzed, our cozy bed in the Carriage House was waiting for us along with chocolate chip cookies by our bedside table.  I got to say it was a good day.