GODFREY BARNSLEY WANTED AN ESTATE WORTHY OF THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE, Julia Scarborough of Savannah. So in 1842, Godfrey set to work. Gradually, the Italianate villa rose from the rolling north Georgia foothills. But before the house could be finished, his beloved Julia fell ill, and passed away shortly thereafter. Devastated, Godfrey abandoned construction on the estate. Then one night, Julia appeared to Godfrey in the formal gardens and told him she wished him to complete the estate. With her spirit as his guide, Godfrey finished the spectacular house and gardens of Woodlands. But hard times awaited. The War Between the States destroyed Godfrey’s fortune, while soldiers from both sides ravaged the estate. The property had more hard times ahead. A tornado tore the roof from the house in 1906. Still, Godfrey and Julia’s descendants lived on the estate until Woodlands was sold at auction in 1942. Broken and in disrepair, the property sat for years at the mercy of the elements. Finally, in 1988 the estate was purchased by Prince Hubertus Fugger, who promptly restored the Historic Gardens and the remains of the Manor House Ruins. Barnsley Gardens was born. Today, Barnsley is a new kind of resort destination, with luxurious cottages, world-class amenities, attentive service and quiet serenity. The years have brought many changes to Woodlands, but the dream of Godfrey and Julia Barnsley remains.

Now you can share that dream, if only for a while.

2007 Travel & Leisure 500 World’s Best Hotels

2007 Lexus Drives Program in Partnership with Michelin

Condé Nast Johansens 2007 Recommendation

Zagat Survey’s Top American Golf Courses
2007/2008, rated Extraordinary

Barnsley Gardens Resort is a Preferred Boutique Hotel.

Photograph by Dorothy Wheaton (c) Barnsley Gardens Resort