This won't be a "review" as much as it will be a love letter to Snug Hollow Farm. My husband and I spent one of the nicest weekends we have ever had together at this gem of a bed and breakfast, and my only regret about doing everything I can to get the word out about this place is that I won't be able to get in the next time I want to visit.
There are t-shirts in the Snug Hollow gift shop printed with the words "3-miles back on a 1-mile road" and that isn't far from the truth. Once you turn on to that 1-mile road, it stays asphalt for a few yards, then turns to gravel, then it rises and falls, winds and winds, until you think you might be lost and begin to question the sturdiness of your vehicle...then the property comes magically into view. I dislike reviews that describe something as "indescribable" or "there just aren't words..." because there are several thousand words I might use to describe this place and the challenge here, for me, is to choose the words that will help you see what I saw and want to pick up the phone and make a reservation at Snug Hollow Farm.
There I was at the dentist office, of all places, trying to take my mind off my imminent torture by leafing through an issue of Southern Living Magazine. An article entitled "The South's Charming Inns" caught my eye, and right there, in full color, was my solution to a long-standing problem. I hate the holidays...absolutely can NOT stand the entire Christmas thing, beginning with black Friday weekend and ending with the inevitable post-holiday diet. I have long been looking for a way to celebrate the season (not the holiday) in a way that feels genuine to me, and a weekend away, unplugged and snuggled into a giant bed from which I can look out over acres and acres of rolling hills was exactly what I wanted.
The Inn has a large main house with several bedrooms and from which all the meals are served (Snug Hollow serves full breakfasts and dinners). The fare is hearty, delicious, and vegetarian, which gave my husband only a moment's pause before he tucked in to one of the best lasagnas he has ever tasted, accompanied by fresh rosemary bread. Every dish we tasted was better than the last, and Snug Hollow makes full use of its glorious summer garden by canning vegetables and preserving herbs to use year-round. We supped the first night on pasta with lemon cream and a delightful medley of caramelized vegetables, followed by a jam cake with bourbon glaze, pomegranate seeds and freshly whipped cream. Somewhere in there was also a bean soup that was so outstanding in its simplicity and flavor that I immediately asked about the recipe. Our breakfasts included delights such as Greek yogurt and fruit compote served shortcake style, fresh eggs with crispy fried potatoes, biscuits with a vegetarian gravy (one of the best biscuits and gravy I have had in the South), and fruit pancakes with warm syrup. Luckily, Barbara Napier, the Inn's owner and my new best friend, has compiled her recipes into a cookbook that is available for sale and now lives permanently on my kitchen counter.
The main house has three separate bedrooms, and there are also several charming private cabins available. I chose The Pearl in the main house, mainly because it boasted a Jacuzzi bathtub. I have never, not once, walked into a room at an inn, a B&B, a hotel - anywhere - and just cried tears of true joy and happiness...until I visited Snug Hollow. The Pearl was everything I could have wished for in a temporary hideaway from the world, from the king-sized bed covered in quilts and fluffy pillows to the porch overlooking the most magnificent view, to the smaller twin bed alcoves that made me wish I had young daughters again so that we could snuggle up together and read stories. The bathtub was deep and huge and we enjoyed the sound of laughter coming from downstairs and watched the stars come out while soaking away our stress. We hiked all over the property, were tempted into mischief by a small boat near a large pond, and were awakened the first night by a pack of playful coyotes. We listened to the coyotes playing in the moonlight and we both felt so, so lucky to be there.
I'm not going to talk about the amenities like wifi and cable tv, because we didn't want them. We spent two lovely evenings reading in front of a roaring fire before turning in for the night. Everywhere you look in the main house there is something magical to see. Every nook and cranny is filled, it seemed to me, with love and comfort, books and comfy chairs, music and warmth. I didn't want to talk too loudly here. I didn't want to talk at all. I just wanted to soak in the peacefulness of this place that draws you in, hugs you, then sends you back out into the world relaxed and refreshed.
Thank you, Barbara, and all the wonderful women at Snug Hollow Farm, for an absolutely perfect weekend. read more