Barnsley Resort
Barnsley Resort is the ultimate retreat to unplug and enjoy all the pleasures and pursuits we have to offer. With more than 3,000 acres in North Georgia, we appeal to the traveler who craves a connection to an outdoor lifestyle, is inspired by nature and intrigued by history. From golf to horseback riding, from shooting to hiking, we have something for everyone. Throw in cozy, rustic accommodations, a range of delicious dining choices, a spa, shops and more, and you'll understand why Barnsley's authentic, active, genuine lifestyle draws people here over and over again.
The original manor, called Woodlands, was an estate built by Godfrey Barnsley in the 1840's. Originally from Liverpool, England, Barnsley became known as one of the 10 most affluent men in the South through the shipping business and cotton trade. After marrying the love of this life, Julia, originally from Savannah, Georgia, he soon purchased land that had once been inhabited by the Cherokee Indians to begin construction on his Italianate villa in the North Georgia foothills. After many historical events though, from passing of his wife in 1845 to being a battle site in the Civil War in 1864, the estate and gardens go into disrepair. Read more about this and how it was eventually revived when Prince Bavaria purchased the estate in 1988 on their website and in the Barnsley Musuem located within the original kitchen wing of the home.
The Manor House Ruins, originally called Woodlands and the remnants of the original 19th century Italianate villa built by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife Julia, was love at first sight for us. It is not only romantic and beautiful with a history deeply rooted in the south, but the Resort as a whole provided exactly what we were looking for—an all in one where our guests could park their car on Friday and not worry about it until Sunday and where it was more about family and friends getting together then it was about the wedding itself. Our goal is to create a fun, laid back, come as you are wedding weekend and we feel Barnsley can help provide that for us!