
North Georgia foothills History, romance and outdoor adventure
Barnsley Resort is a place that—literally—wears its heart on its sleeve. Godfrey Barnsley poured his heart and soul into this grand, Southern estate; a gift for his beloved bride two centuries ago. Today our Southern traditions and storybook setting seduce travelers from near and far. Barnsley Resort is the ultimate retreat to unplug and find balance. If you crave a connection to an outdoor lifestyle, nature and history and yearn to pursue your passions, then welcome.
This North Georgia resort offers visitors the pleasures and pursuits of a fine Southern estate: exceptional cuisine, a championship golf course, a sporting club, relaxing spa, excellent horseback riding and trails and wilderness for hiking, walking and biking. Ideal for leisure vacations, romantic getaways, business meetings and sparkling events, this celebrated retreat is just a short drive from both Atlanta and Chattanooga.
history in the makingbarnsley resort historic timeline
A Rich Celebrated History
Behind Barnsley Resort's storybook setting is a true story filled with as many twists and turns as a work of fiction. The original manor, called Woodlands, was an estate built by Godfrey Barnsley for his beloved wife, Julia. Godfrey Barnsley began construction on his Italianate villa in the 1840s in the North Georgia foothills. Unfortunately, however, Julia passed away before the home was completed. Both the home and its elaborate gardens were inspired by the work of Andrew Jackson Downing, a pioneering landscape designer and proponent of Italianate and gothic revival architecture.
Following please find some of the historical highlights of Barnsley Resort.