We just got home from our weekend stay at the Mayhurst Inn, and I miss it already. We met friends there who we don't get to see very often so we were looking for a relaxing place where we could sit and visit as much as we wanted. My husband and I had been to Mayhurst before so we suggested that we stay there. We had a great time, and it was so relaxing and comfortable. Pat and Jack are great and make you feel like you are visiting friends and not just at an impersonal inn. The wine tasting is a wonderful touch, and it helps you decide which wineries in the area that you want to visit. The rooms are so clean and comfortable, and the breakfast is always very tasty. I've been to many B and Bs, but this is the only one I've gone back to a second time, and after this weekend, I'm sure there will be a third and fourth time too. They even let us sit and visit on the back porch for as long as we wanted after we checked out. Great place and owners!

This large, beautiful southern mansion and the 27 acres of shaded grounds exceeded our expectations. Both appear meticulously maintained. As the house comes into view from the tree-lined drive, you get a sense of seclusion from the outside world, and of stepping back into a more genteel time. The owners, Jack and Pat, welcomed us graciously even though we arrived after 9pm. After wine and a few minutes talk in the parlour about Stonewall Jackson amidst bookcases filled with civil war books, we were settled in the Generals' room, the only bedroom on the main level (overlooking the back and side gardens.) The southern plantation decor was just lovely: fine fabrics, wallpapers, antique furniture, impressive wood mouldings, shutters, oriental rugs, original hard wood floors. The bed was comfortable with plush linens. The bath was a bit cramped but plenty of space in the shower and good water pressure. Excellent central air conditioning system. The only tv was in the parlour, but we did not miss it. There are history and travel books throughout the house. Prior to leaving I viewed the second floor bedrooms, which are somewhat roomier; they all look just as pictured on the website. I think I would splurge and choose the Southern Charm or Madison Room on a future visit. The Italianate bedroom had a huge, ornate bathroom almost the size of the bedroom, lovely, but we like the Old South feel of the other rooms better. All have lovely views of the grounds.

The owners are just so hospitable, unobtrusive, and very knowledgeable about the area's history. They served a wine and cheese happy hour on the back veranda, and there are soft drinks and bottled water available in the parlour apparently at all times. There were other couples there, but with several seating areas both in and out of the house, including a large brick patio with several tables (which no one used while we were there) and separate tables for breakfast, we never felt any forced social interaction; my husband and I are rather hermit-like.

We ate two breakfasts in the lovely downstairs dining hall; both were delicious, served on pretty china. One was fresh berries and waffles with syrup, the other a wonderful baked apple and eggs benedict, all prepared by Jack and Pat.

For dinner Jack made reservations for us at Tollivers, a quick nine miles away...gourmet food in an elegant, understated remodled older house...and reasonably priced ($21 crab cake entree). Just a lovely evening. Jack and Pat also provided us with discount tickets to Monticello and Montpelier and gave us a map to some excellent area antique stores.

My husband and I loved the tranquility, beauty, and space of this B&B and hope to return to central Virginia some day just to stay at Mayhurst.

Great experience; highly recommended. The Inn is visually stunning and beautifully restored. The grounds are lovely. One feels transported back to the 19th century. Our room was spacious and clean with modern amenities. The owners - Pat and Jack -are friendly and easy-going. They cheerfully offered great tips on local attractions, wineries, and restaurants. We followed their advice and were consistently impressed. We never realized Orange and environs had so much to offer. Wine and cheese was offered in the drawing room each evening while guests chatted about local experiences and owner provided insights and recommendations. Great location to explore Virginia wineries, restaurants, Monticello, Montpelier and just plain get-away.

For history lovers there is no better place to stay then Mayhurst Inn. The beautifully restored historic home once had property that was contiguous with James and Dolly Madison's nearby Montpelier. It is the the perfect location from which to explore the Madison home, Charlottesville and Monticello, Civil War battlefields, and surrounding towns like Culpeper.
The property itself is beautifully decorated, and each room has its own distinct charm. We were thrilled to be the the Generals room on the main floor. It was in this room that General Robert E. Lee stayed when he was a guest of the Willis family. A.P. Hill and Stonewall Jackson were also guests at this house.
Each room has a fireplace, and I have never slept on a more comfortable bed with softer sheets than during my stay at Mayhurst. Even my husband commented on them.
Breakfasts were fabulous and included Eggs Benedict and Belgium waffles. Our hosts were wonderful sources of information for area attractions and restaurants. Although we did not explore them, other guests enjoyed wine tasting at the various vineyards in the area. In the evening we were served a claret that was reminiscent of the one Jefferson tried and failed to grow at Monticello. We look forward to a return visit.