The Inn at Warner Hall
Gloucester, Virginia
Process Update
Brett had his meeting with VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) today to discuss our road entry from State Route 301. We weren’t sure if we might have to install a turn lane from Route 301 into the plantation. The discussion went well. We found out that more than likely we will not need to install the turn lane. Whew…. If we did have to do it, it would have cost us around $100,000.00 to do it. We are so glad we made it over that hurdle! Now we just need to finish reviewing the contract and get that signed and get the zoning package started for approval. We have to complete our package in time to be submitted before the next zoning meeting, which is the second Tuesday of August. Then it’s a 120 day wait with back and forth reviews. THEN we can get the rest done…. hopefully.
Our visit to the Inn at Warner Hall was wonderful! Brett and I drove separate cars since he was going to Saluda to meet with VDOT in the morning and I had to return to work in Chesapeake. He arrived first and I followed about 45 minutes later. When I arrived, he was sitting down talking to several other guests as everyone was enjoying a glass of refreshments. I joined in and met some really wonderful people. There were two couples we met, one from Williamsburg and one from Virginia Beach. Troy, the innkeeper, had introduced Brett to the couples as an inspiring innkeeper, so the conversation was mostly about our plantation and about Warner Hall. We just love to talk about history.
As the couples moved on to dinner, Troy sat with Brett and I and answered questions we had and talk to us about their experience. I had noticed the sun setting and I excused myself to get some pictures of the grounds before the light was gone. When we had been there before, I had not walked the grounds since it had been mid-day and was too hot. It was still pretty hot, but I was able to get around to the points of interest I wanted to see.
The main point was the family cemetery. In this cemetery were the Warner’s and Lewis Family. Augustine Warner, great-great grandfather to George Washington as well as his son Augustine Warner II and his daughter, Elizabeth Warner Lewis and her husband John Lewis. There were several other grave sites, but they were difficult to read.
Once I made it around to the front, I was able to stop and chat with Theresa, the other innkeeper at Warner Hall. It was a great conversation as I talked to her about our plans and about my background. She was good to point out some items we might want to look closer at and give me some advice on Inn Ownership. She also encouraged us to use them for questions and advice as we go along. It is great to have a sounding board. We can’t tell you how much we appreciated them opening up and sharing with us. It is invaluable.
When I came back in, Brett and I decided to eat our dinner. The Inn at Warner Hall offers a Chilled Supper Basket for Two Sunday – Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, they offer a sit down meal with a Chef’s Tasting Menu. We had ordered the Supper Basket and took ours out to the enclosed porch to enjoy. Other couple also ordered a basket and took theirs out to the boat house to enjoy and watch the sunset.
This basket was so full of food, Brett and I couldn’t eat it all. It was beautifully presented and so delicious! We started with some Sour Dough Bread and Butter and our appetizer of Chilled Shrimp Cocktail. Then we moved to the main entree. Brett had the Chilled Pan Seared Salmon and I had the Chilled Roasted Chicken, both with a Pesto Dipping Sauce. Both meals came with a Fresh Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, Fregola Salad, Carrots and Portobello Mushrooms. For dessert we had Chocolate Rum Hazelnut Tart with Blueberry Sauce. We also had in our basket a Hummus with Crudités and an Artisan Cheese Selection of Iberico, Bellavitano and Herb Boursin with Juicy Red Grapes and Sliced Figs. We didn’t eat the Hummus, but took the Cheese plate upstairs for a later snack. Our basket came with a personalized card wishing us a good meal. Perfect!
Okay…… Now you can be jealous!
We finished our meal and heading upstairs to our room, the Robert E. Lee room. We were greeted with a beautiful Iron Bed with very comfortable and soft sheets. When we woke in the morning, I didn’t want to get up! I was way too comfortable.
Sadly, I was not able to stay for breakfast due to work, but Brett got to enjoy a wonderful offering of breads and fruit with a main entree of Mushroom Omelets and potatoes and bacon. He really enjoyed his meal! And the presentation (I made him take pictures) was to die for!
This was a great getaway, even in the middle of the week! I think we are going to have to start a new trend of middle of the week vacation day! It was so relaxing and I was all charged up to finish the week. I highly recommend a stop here if you are in the area! Please tell Troy and Theresa, Michelle and Brett sent you!
Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast 