Wherever I’m headed, be it a longer trip or a weekend away, I always check to see if there is a Relais & Chateaux property nearby. For those not familiar, Relais & Chateaux is a collection of luxury boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants located all over the globe. While each property is individually owned and managed, it must maintain the high quality and service standards of the Relais & Chateaux designation.

About the Inn

The Fearrington House Inn is a small boutique hotel located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, about a 30 minute drive from Raleigh-Durham airport and only 8 miles from downtown Chapel Hill.  The Inn itself is comprised of 32 guest rooms, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant featuring “farm-to-fork” cuisine, and a luxurious spa. Family-owned and managed since the early 1970’s, the Inn is set on a former dairy farm at the center of Fearrington Village.

The Rooms

The rooms exude southern charm; beautifully furnished with dark wood and elegant textiles, they are the perfect combination of luxury and comfort. The room rate even includes a gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea service, and complimentary water and snacks. But my absolute favorite touch was the turn down service, which included a hand crafted chocolate and a bottle of Port!

Fearrington Village & The Farm

Just a short walk from the rooms is Fearrington Village, which has plenty of options for dining and entertainment:

• The Granary – casual restaurant for lunch or dinner
• The Goat – small cafe perfect for a mid-morning coffee and scone or an afternoon gelato
• Roost Beer Garden – opening at 5 pm, this outdoor spot features wood-fired pizzas, local beers on tap and live music
• Dovecoat Style – clothing and accessory boutique, with a large section of gifts and housewares
• McIntyre’s Books – one of the few remaining independent bookstores in the US

Venturing farther out, there are miles of walking and running trails that span the property, which includes a large residential neighborhood. Guests of the Inn also have access to the community pool and fitness center. But what makes the setting so special are the Beltie cows and “fainting goats” dotting the rolling green hills.

The Fearrington House Inn is the perfect pastoral refuge to relax and rejuvenate away from the bustle of the city.