Fenton Inn
Fenton Inn is a handcrafted European-style village inn with artisan architecture, bakery breakfast buffet, and direct access to Blue Ridge Parkway adventures. And works of art that it requires a return visit to take it all in.
About the Inn
A stylish European village nestled between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Wintergreen Mountain. This one-of-a-kind hand-crafted work of art combines classical museum-quality craftsmanship with European tastes, colors, and all the best modern amenities.
The architect mastered octagons while rebuilding Poplar Forest from Jefferson's own letters. Visitors discover complex shapes, towers, curving streets, and hidden details requiring return visits to take it all in.
Step onto the cobblestone streets and be transported back to Medieval Germany. The Inn is a complete village with a town square, clock tower, bakery, theater, gym, spa, store, and a handful of other buildings. Stroll Main Street and admire the half-timber facades inspired by Bavarian timber-frame traditions.
The various braces and figures on the buildings each have historical meanings—like the Grudger head protecting from evil and envy, to the Wildman of the woods in timber bracing used in central Germany. Inside the lobby, oak timbers soar in a full arch inspired by a Medieval English church.
Along the street, a curved window display is filled with historic tools from America and Europe, many used on museum restoration projects for Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee, and other Virginia landmarks.
Breakfast & On-Site Amenities
Wake to a wholesome breakfast buffet in the bakery including Belgian waffles, sausage, and eggs—or lighter options of fresh fruits, granola, and yogurt. Enjoy morning views of the National Forest as you plan your day.
Take a slow day and unwind. Enjoy mountain views from your breakfast table, stroll Main Street, and browse the Gift Store for local crafts. Explore the display windows featuring local nature and geology, or visit the bird watching spots.
Return to village life for a massage in our spa or relax in a comfortable reading chair.
Outdoor Activities
Hike from your room to Three Ridges along the Appalachian Trail. Bike or drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, less than half mile away. In winter, enjoy Wintergreen skiing, sledding, and ice skating. Summer brings swimming at Sherando Lake.
Go for a short hike in woods filled with old-growth chestnut oaks, mountain laurel, and tulip poplars. While you can hike thousands of miles on the Appalachian Trail from here, short hikes bring you to some of the most scenic spots.
Take time to look up—this area is a migratory highway for birds of prey including bald and golden eagles and many types of hawks. Year-round residents include nesting barred owls, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, ravens, and smaller songbirds.
Nelson County offers breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries plus music festivals, golf tournaments, cycling races, mountain bike events, and professional and amateur Spartan mud races.
History & Culture
History enthusiasts can take a short drive to see Mr. Jefferson at Monticello in Charlottesville. His second home, Poplar Forest, is in Lynchburg.
The Inn itself is a must-see destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, and European history. European elegance and spectacular views come together in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
