Fearrington House Inn: Life’s Better in Black and White

The historic Fearrington House Inn offers plush rooms, fun shops, and the most photogenic cows. | By Stephanie Burnette

The countryside of Chatham County is idyllic, and Fearrington House Inn sits just a bit outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Fearrington Village, which consists of the inn and its award-winning restaurant, pert shops, and a market and coffee bar, exudes the kind of warmth we all hope to experience on a jaunt away for a long weekend.

The first thing you need to know about are the Belties. The signature black and white cows of Fearrington are part mascot, part big furry pets, and part movable, photographable backdrop. They are Scottish Belted Galloway cattle, and they meander the rolling pastureland along with a dozen black and white fainting goats, heirloom Columbian Wyandotte chickens, and three donkeys (Mary Alice, Jasper, and Charlotte), who stand watch protectively over their Oreo-patterned friends.

In homage, the resort’s signature colorway is black and white, and all the Fearrington branded items—like umbrellas and tea towels—sport the Belties, along with striped grosgrain ribbon.

The next thing to know is that Fearrington House Inn is a Relais and Chateaux property, and the level of hospitality is apparent from check-in. The Inn is a collection of buildings nestled among courtyards and gardens. Some rooms are set in historic buildings, and some are newer, and every stay is special in its own way. I stayed in two suites and couldn’t decide which I loved more. Little details like heated bathroom floors, deep bathtubs, luxury bedding, and custom designer furnishings create an experience that’s extra-plush. My first suite had its own pond and garden with a covered patio. The second suite had a private screened porch nestled in the treetops.

The farm dates to the 1770s. The family home burned down around 1920, and the current homestead was erected seven years later by John Bunyan Fearrington, who converted the farm into dairy land.

Avid travelers R.B. and Jenny Fitch purchased Fearrington in the 1960s and began to envision a village—a destination to visit the Carolina countryside, or a place to build a home. Today, there are about 2,000 residents in nearby neighborhoods, and it’s fun to chat with locals at the coffeehouse or bookstore, or at one of the boutiques.

Outside of the Inn

Fifteen acres of manicured grounds, herb gardens, cutting gardens, and culinary beds are quietly curated by a full-time garden staff, keeping everything verdant and aspirational. My phone is filled with landscape shots, including ideas for fountains, container plantings, and flower bed design.

There’s also a floral staff on property for all the events that take place at the barn, the covered porch, and in the private dining rooms at the restaurant. I watched in awe as the Fearrington team set up for a seated dinner in the covered pavilion, which boasts is own massive wood-burning fireplace. The flowers running down the table were stunning with a mix of seasonal roses and garden flowers.

The restaurant and its bar, under the leadership of chef Paul Gagne, is simply a treat. Sommelier CJ Robinson will happily pair the four-course tasting menu with global wines, and I would highly recommend it. Make sure to get dinner reservations for the dining room, and do not pass up having the resort’s signature dessert, a dark chocolate soufflé sauced tableside.

The current bar menu includes a lobster toast—which I can’t stop thinking about—built on brioche, and handmade pasta, and a burger that you’ll order more than once during your stay. This is also where high tea happens, which feels really special. I chose to take tea upstairs and was seated by the window overlooking the main entrance. The array of treats, including clotted cream and herb-tinged macarons, was its own substantive experience. It was an amazing spot to catch up on some emails and look out onto the bucolic world the Fitches created.

The last thing you really want to know about is the bookstore at Fearrington. McIntyre’s Books is one of the most charming, joy-filled bookshops I’ve experienced. Its children’s section is stellar and there are stunning coffee table books and gifts, but mysteries are McIntyre’s specialty. Peter Mock is McIntyre’s lead buyer, and he’s spent decades honing his discerning eye. He is also the sole judge of The Beltie Mystery Prize, given each February during Fearrington’s renowned mystery festival, named Crime Scene. Significant mystery authors attend each year, much to the delight of festival goers.

I hope you’re well-armed with how to maximize a stay at Fearrington, and there’s even more to experience once you arrive. It is a place to feel pampered, and one we’re lucky to have just a few hours away from home.

Get to Know Fearrington

Steps from the rooms of the inn is a village filled with unique, curated shops and plenty of pretty spots to sit a spell.

The Belted Goat
A spot for dry goods, coffee, prepared foods, kitchen gifts, gourmet items, and so much more. Stop in for a sandwich and look for tastings and classes, too.

Dovecote
Forget something? Not to worry, Dovecoat is a full-service boutique bursting with top-label separates, dresses for all occasions, and accessories, including shoes and bags.

Nest
If you remember Emily Austin or Foxfire Gallery, then put Nest on your list for lovely tabletop items in stylized vignettes; you can even shop for Fearrington furniture here.

The Spa at Fearrington
A host of bespoke spa treatments happen here, and the boutique is filled with luxury products like Moulton Brown and Elemis. There’s also a lounge for small parties.

Sprout
Don’t forget a surprise for the kids, and maybe your pet, too. Found inside Nest Home, find curated gifts for the little ones here.

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