The Inn at Gristmill Square Review
While this little remote enclave of buildings in Warm Springs VA may initially appear to be doll-and doily-cutesy, fear not. Collectively they hide the very upscale accommodations at The Inn at Gristmill Square. Even better, these rooms are located within a few steps of one of the best dining establishments in western Virginia: The Waterwheel Restaurant.
(If you feel like venturing out of your love-nest here, check out our Bath County VA post).
The Inn has the appearance of a small 19th-century colonial village, with lovingly restored historic buildings – including an elegant restaurant housed in a converted gristmill.
Located on a corner where the mill operated until 1971, with sole neighbors, the excellent Warm Spirit Spa, and US Post Office, The Inn at Gristmill Square incorporates 18 rooms throughout what were once a hardware store, blacksmith shop, Steele House, Miller’s House, and more.
First Impressions of Inn at Gristmill Square
I arrived on a cold November Monday, when Gristmill Square looked abandoned. However, as soon as I entered the small farmhouse that serves as reception, gift shop, and one room upstairs, a staff member and the owner, Kate Loeffler, both greeted me warmly.
It’s been said that Kate and her husband, John, have transformed this inn into a destination for the Allegheny Highlands. It was actually selected as one of the top B&B’s in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine. I’d say it’s one of those out-of-the-way surprises that I, as a travel writer, always hope to find.
Rooms at Inn at Gristmill Square
I immediately realized that these rooms contrast with their rustic exteriors. In keeping with the theme of the place, decor is country-chic, but not in a flouncy or splashy way. Guest quarters are elegant: oriental rugs on hardwood floors, easy to open and close cotton curtains, blond-wood and antique furniture, uber-comfy beds.
I stayed above the office in the Payne House’s Turley Suite, so large, it takes up the full top floor. I was immediately blown away by the sun-drenched bedroom and bathroom. Sunlight streamed in thanks to a skylight over the bed, and massive floor to ceiling windows and a second skylight in a bathroom built for romance.
Octagonal tiled white tile floor, navy blue soaking tub, and a large deep-sea-blue mosaic-tiled shower – it’s a bathroom so sizeable, it could be a NYC studio apartment on its own.
The suite itself has all the modern comforts of home: a flat screen TV; fireplace; coffee maker; and extra seating. Wi-fi, which can be squirrely in these mountains, works just fine here.
Breakfast at Inn at Gristmill Square
A bountiful and most delicious breakfast, created by the chefs at The Waterwheel Restaurant next door, is delivered to your room in a basket, little-red-riding-hood style, at a time you choose. It consists of your preferred morning cuppa, and possibly hot quiche, blueberry muffin, and a mason-jarred granola/yogurt. More than enough to get you through till dinner.
Waterwheel Restaurant
You couldn’t be more in luck – as one of the highest rated restaurants in the area is right outside your inn-room door.
Gift Shop at Inn at Gristmill Square
A mini gift shop entices guests checking in. Check out a variety of gourmet items, wine and beer, logo’d clothing, handmade jewelry, and much more.
The Property
Relax on an Adirondack chair and veg out by the stream that courses through the middle of Gristmill Square. In warm season, the Inn’s large outdoor pool beckons.
Or, if you prefer, the Historic Warm Springs Pools (owned by the Omni Homestead) are located less than a mile away. Be sure to make reservations, though, before you head out there.
