Hotel Snapshot
Emerald-green fairways hug the road leading to Barnsley Resort, and a quick turn through the gates opens up to 3,000 acres of North Georgia countryside, just over an hour from Atlanta. This sprawling resort couples old with new, luxury with the great outdoors.
The story began in the 1840s, when Englishman Godfrey Barnsley built an Italianate villa for his wife. Today, the ivy-covered ruins of their manor still anchor the property, adding a unique contrast to the ultra-chic cottages, cozy inn rooms, and bustling restaurants that have transformed this historic estate into a full-service resort. With a championship golf course, miles of hiking and horseback trails, and saltwater pools, Barnsley somehow manages to feel both laid-back and luxurious at the same time.
Design & Character
Step onto the grounds and it’s immediately clear: this is no ordinary getaway. Barnsley feels like a quaint English village dropped into the North Georgia countryside, with cozy cottages arranged like a small Southern hamlet and interiors that perfectly balance rustic elegance, complete with wood-beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces, and curated antiques. Paths dotted with cottages lead past twinkling street lamps and fire pits, setting the tone for s’mores under the stars.
The Manor House Ruins sit right on the property, yet are tucked far enough away to feel like a secret. Everywhere you turn – from forested trails and shaded walking paths to the Meditation Garden and newly built Biergarten – there’s always something new to discover, making every corner of the resort worth exploring.
The Rooms
Barnsley has 140 rooms, split between 85 newly renovated English-inspired cottages and 55 inn rooms. The cottages are cozy yet spacious, complete with wood-burning fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, plush bedding, and private porches perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks. The inn rooms, located in the main building, put everything just a short walk away, from the restaurants and pools to trails and gardens. Some rooms are pet-friendly too, with bowls, treats, and a signature Barnsley bandana ready for four-legged guests. Whether you choose a cottage tucked into the woods or a chic inn room, every stay is stylish, comfortable, and unmistakably North Georgia.
The Food & Drink
Made for those with good taste, Barnelsy has a handful of dining offerings. Jules, the resort’s new signature restaurant, can be found in a 19th-century farmhouse with a menu that celebrates Southern ingredients (many sourced from the resort’s own farm, gardens, pastures, and fields). For something more casual, the reimagined Biergarten is the social hub, serving German and European brews alongside hot pretzels, bratwurst, wings, and slow-smoked barbecue, with weekend live music, lawn games, and TVs for catching big games.
Right between the Jim Fazio-designed 18-hole course and the village green, Woodlands Grill has all-day dining with everything from Southern classics to desserts, plus an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Add in the weekend Bourbon Infusion Ritual and seasonal events like the All-American Cookout and the fall Swine festival, and it’s clear Barnsley has something for every taste bud.
The Amenities
When it comes to amenities, Barnsley Resort doesn’t hold back; it’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure resort. There are two pools (one with cabanas and another with a brand-new lazy river) and a 10-acre lake perfect for canoeing or catch-and-release fishing. Sports fans will love the pickleball courts, while golfers can take a swing at the championship course. For something a little different, the Beretta Shooting Grounds has a got it all, including clay courses and seasonal wingshooting. Add in horseback rides, a full-service spa, and a fitness center, and guests have the perfect mix of activities.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Barnsley is the destination. Set right in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s not much around, which is the whole point. However, for those who want to explore, it's just over an hour from Atlanta, making it easy to take a day trip to the Booth Western Art Museum, Lake Allatoona, or the small nearby towns.
Fast Facts
Location: Adairsville, GA
Vibe: Southern elegance meets history and adventure
Rating: Four-star
Room Count: 140 rooms (85 cottages, 55 inn rooms)
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The activities alone make Barnsley Resort worth the trip. Whether it’s horseback riding, hiking, or biking, or getting your aim on with archery, axe throwing, and the Beretta Shooting Grounds, there’s always something to do. Throw in the Jim Fazio–designed golf course, pickleball, fishing, and kayaking on the lake, the saltwater pool with cabanas, lawn games, seasonal events, and a spa, and it’s easy to see why adventure and relaxation go hand in hand here.
Dining: Woodlands for all-day meals; the Biergarten for laid-back bites and brews; Jules for a Southern-inspired fine-dining experience.
Amenities: Spa, fitness center, saltwater pool with cabanas, championship golf course, pickleball courts, hiking and bike trails, horseback riding, Beretta Shooting Grounds, and pet-friendly accommodations.
Nearby Attractions: Downtown Adairsville; historic Civil War sites; Blue Ridge Mountains.
Airport: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
