Fountain in outdoor garden of the inn at Willow grove

Our Story

On the way to get groceries...

As Orange Country residents for more than a decade, David and Charlene Scibal had long admired the Willow Grove estate as one of many beautiful antebellum landmarks in the historic town of Orange. One Fall day in 2008, on a late afternoon grocery run, David’s head turned when he saw a “For Sale” sign outside… and within 24 hours, the property was on its way to a renovation project of massive scale.

“Charlene and I had always loved the beautiful Willow Grove house. When I saw that sign, I forgot all about my grocery list,” recalls David. “I knew this was an opportunity to bring an old beauty back to life in a new way, and I couldn’t wait to tell Charlene.”

What began as a pet project grew in scale and scope over time - as renovations are wont to do. Two years and a few headaches later, the end result was a truly astonishing transformation - and The Inn at Willow Grove was born.

A storied past

Even from its earliest days, Willow Grove manor house was incredibly special. In 1778, one of Virginia’s most prominent land surveyors named Joseph Clark constructed the original federal style house. (Clark’s reputation was so great that the widowed Dolly Madison even had Clark survey Montpelier estate prior to its sale in 1844.) Designed to serve as a farmhouse, it featured some of the best American-inspired Neoclassical architecture in the state. In fact, in 1820, the original frame portion of the structure was valued at $1,125 (for reference, a “nice” home at that time was usually valued at about $200!)

The Clark family expanded the house in the mid-1800s, when the brick structure with Jeffersonian columns and hanging porches were added by the same craftsmen chosen by Thomas Jefferson for the University of Virginia campus. For many years, Willow Grove served as a working farm, with the manor house serving as a central nucleus for a working Smokehouse, Weaving House, Ash House, Spring House, and the largest Schoolhouse in Orange County at that time.

Willow Grove also saw some action during the American Civil War. Trenches and gun emplacements were developed near the house, and a cannon ball was found lodged in the manor house’s eaves many years ago.

Schoolhouse Cottage with lit exterior in Inn at Willow Grove

An exquisite present

In the years since its 18th century beginnings, the property has changed hands many times and has undergone any number of renovations and expansions. Most recently, Willow Grove operated as a bed & breakfast for over 20 years before the current owners David & Charlene Scibal purchased the property in 2008 and began a massive, multi-million dollar top-to-bottom renovation that was completed in 2010.

Today, The Inn at Willow Grove serves as a world-class destination resort, featuring a luxurious boutique hotel, full-service day spa, and Forbes Travel Guide Four Star-rated restaurant and gastropub. With 25 elegant rooms and suites in the manor house and surrounding cottages, a unique "urban meets rustic" style, and gracious personal service, it's a truly special getaway that invites guests to escape, unwind and indulge in luxury.