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Tucked peacefully among the gentle rolling hills and valleys of Fair Play’s wine country sits the picturesque bed and breakfast inn called The Barkley Homestead. If this place was any more picture-perfect, grandma’s apron strings would be running down the country lane to greet you. In this case, the welcome mat is set out by gracious owner/innkeeper Shaun Wilhelm, joined by Durinda Jones, along with their two friendly dogs, Emma and Phantom. A Silicon Valley transplant, Wilhelm decided to jump head first into not only the bed and breakfast industry, but the wine business as well. “After 9/11, certain people decided to take a chance, and I thought, what’s the worst that could happen? At least I took a chance, a shot,” he reflects. “A lot of people never jump in the deep end.”
The Barkley Homestead sits among 67 acres of hiking trails, hills, and forest, with five acres planted in a variety of grapes. A charming pond some would call a “swimming hole” is situated down the hill from the inn, and at sunset is an awe inspiring sight to behold. Cast against a backdrop of pristine mountains, forest, and ripening vineyards, the evenings spent here are priceless. Cue in the ducks drifting across the calm water, and the view is better than any nature channel on TV. I just want people to come up here, have a good time and relax,” says Shaun. Wine lovers will appreciate Wilhelm’s wood shop-turned-Tasting Room that sits within arm’s reach of the B&B. From a wine enthusiast’s Speaking of wine, The Barkley Homestead is located within minutes of a number of Fair Play wineries, so take advantage! But be sure to return in time to watch the sun set over the pond and the vineyards. Of course, Shaun will be waiting with just the right wine to pair with the occasion! The bed & breakfast currently offers four charming rooms, with three available in the delightful Lake House just down the hill from the main house. The Lake House can be rented as a package, or two of the rooms adjoin. The three rooms each have private entrances, air conditioning, private baths including fluffy robes, and all the peace and quiet a guest could ask for. Expect frequent visits from Spooky and Uncle Joe, the resident felines whose “territory” includes the patios! |
The Ladies Room is adorned in soft pastels and includes a king bed, large bath, a retro red and white kitchen overlooking the tasting The Gentleman’s Quarters shows outdoor touches of woodsy hues featuring a king bed and living room complete with a wood burning stove and comfy sofas. French doors open onto a private deck overlooking the pond and terraced lawn area. The Patriot’s Room is inviting and cozy with a queen bed, and decorated in faithful shades of red, white and blue. The Gardener’s Room is secluded in its own quiet setting adjacent The inn is available for special events, including weddings, anniversaries, Mornings at The Barkley Homestead begin with a visit to the Indoor Great Room, where Shaun and Durinda expertly whip up a hearty home style breakfast that could rival Grandma’s. “People love breakfast,” says the chief cook and bottle washer. “When you send people out to go wine tasting, serving fruit, yogurt and muffins is not going to get it done. I always cook more food than we need and I tell people, if you go home hungry from here, it’s your own fault!” And when you start your day with a morning meal that includes a fresh egg omelet, home fried potatoes, bacon, sausage, French toast and fruit, the wine trail is definitely going to be wide open! After a day of wine tasting, try your hand at the horseshoe pit, enjoy a game of bocce ball on the lighted court, play a round of pool or watch satellite TV in the Indoor Great Room complete with a grand fireplace and sweeping views from the inviting sundeck. Or do like this wine writer did: grab a glass, a bottle of Barkley Homestead ’04 Cab, a comfy chair with a view, and take it from there. This weekend, pack your bags and head straight for the hills and The Barkley Homestead for a romantic getaway filled with delicious wine, refreshing peace and quiet, and those dreamy moments just waiting to happen. Hurry, before the sun goes down! The Barkley Homestead is located at 8320 Stoney Creek Road,
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