November 1 2007: This is definitely one of the pricier hotels my wife and I have stayed at.  Even at the steep prices, we still didn't feel we overpaid.  It ranks up there with some of the other top hotels we've stayed at (San Ysidro Ranch, Post Ranch Inn and Inn at Little Washington).  It's nice to find a wonderful hotel like this on the East Coast.  The property is 4,200 acres and it's in the foothills of the Smokies.  The farm has a number of small guest cottages with a separate main house, exercise room, spa, fishing lodge, etc.  Everything is spread out so you can borrow a golf cart to drive around during your stay, or else just walk.  We chose to walk everywhere since things aren't that far apart.  There are lots of activities you can do, but we chose to flyfish, go to the spa, hike, take a yoga class and go on a tour of the functional farm, garden and creamery.  Most of the food is grown or raised on property with the rest being sourced locally.  This was one of the property's main draws for us.  The food was some of the best we've ever eaten, definitely the best hotel food.  It was a little less gourmet than Inn at Little Washington, but more along the lines of a Chez Panisse or Bouchon.  The chef worked at Chez Panisse and the owner worked at French Laundry so it's that sort of style.  The portions are on the small side and the food tastes really fresh and healthy which is a definite plus.  You don't feel stuffed after every meal.  All the food and snacks were included in the room price which was a nice touch.  The spa treatments were really great - especially for the remote location.  The flyfishing was superb, though there were less fish due to the low river (result of the drought).  We are planning on going back, most likely in the fall again, since I think that is the best time of year there.

Date of stay: October 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Partner)