Appalachian culinary farmstead
White split-rail fences frame rolling pastures where mornings begin with truffle dog greetings and evenings settle across misted foothills.
“Blackberry Farm started as a six-bedroom inn in the 1930s and has since grown into a gorgeous 68-room resort set on a 4,200-acre farm...”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Generous Southern hospitality where guests navigate the rolling estate by dedicated golf cart.
Remarkable
A 4,200-acre mountain estate with Orvis-endorsed fly fishing along Hesse Creek and equestrian trails.
Remarkable
Southern Appalachian foodways grounded in heirloom seed gardens and farmstead cheesemaking.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Americas
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
In the interiors Blackberry Farm’s in-house design team strikes a delicate balance between elegance and approachability; the spaces feel true to the estate’s history.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set in the quiet western foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the estate borders thousands of acres of protected mountain wilderness.
The rooms
Cottages and estate suites feature stone fireplaces, regional antiques, and deep covered porches stacked high with seasoned Appalachian firewood.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers line the heated outdoor pool, looking straight out across the estate's quiet wooded foothills.
The spa
Treatment rooms at The Wellhouse host sound bowl therapy and holistic bodywork overlooking the wooded mountain ridges.
Yoga and pilates studio
Daily studio classes range from guided meditation and mat pilates to alignment yoga in front of large forest-view windows.
Restaurant
The Barn at Blackberry Farm
Dinners in the restored nineteenth-century timber barn draw on an underground cellar holding more than 160,000 wine bottles.
The aesthetic mixes rustic country chic with bright, functional modernity, delivering floral wallpaper prints, stone chimneys, and overstuffed sofas without ever going overboard.
At the table
The Dogwood serves evening meals overlooking the Chilhowee ridgeline, and the Main House dining room hosts morning farm breakfasts.
How it began
After training at The French Laundry, the late Sam Beall returned home to transform his parents' country inn into an epicurean benchmark.
“Its James Beard Award–winning restaurant, The Barn, as well as the more informal Dogwood restaurant, were early leaders in the farm-to-table movement…”
Walland
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.