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Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Winter Getaway at Belhurst Castle

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2019-01-26 19:40:00

Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, in the town of Geneva, is a whimsical castle with a storied history only outshone by the comfort, elegance and luxury it offers its visitors today. With world-class accommodations, gourmet dining, a relaxing spa and salon, and a unique and elegant winery all in one place, Belhurst Castle and Winery is an ideal getaway any time of year for those who want to lose themselves in romance, magic and mystery.
 
 
Belhurst includes a historic 1880s stone castle and grounds overlooking the sparkling shores of Seneca Lake, situated on acres and acres of perfectly manicured grounds. The castle itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and with good reason. The original structure that stood here was built in 1820 and known as the ‘Hermitage’, where a reclusive man known as Henry Hall resided.


Legend has it that Hall was actually an Englishman named William Henry Bucke, the former treasurer of London’s famous Covent Garden Theatre, who stole a hefty sum of money and ran away to Belhurst with his mistress. As the story goes, authorities caught wind and pursued the pair through the property’s underground tunnel system, but a rogue wave from Seneca Lake rushed in and flooded the tunnels, washing the fugitives away. We may never know what became of them, but some guests swear they can hear their ghosts haunting those tunnels today.

 
Ghost stories aside, Belhurst retains an air of elegance and mystery that’s hard to match. Voted number three in USA TODAY’S Top 10 Wine Country Hotels list, and also voted one of the Most Romantic Places in New York State, this is the perfect place to go when you want to treat yourself to the luxury of getting away from it all. Lodging options are incredibly unique, with 47 guest rooms across three different hotels on site that each provide a special glimpse of the resort’s character.


Guests can actually stay inside the historic castle, at the Belhurst Castle Chambers, which features 14 rooms, each one with a unique and luxurious flair. Rooms boast period furnishings and private fireplaces, and on the second floor, there’s a complimentary wine spigot that allows visitors to relax with a glass whenever they like. In the resort’s Vinifera Inn, modern touches accentuate a classic feel complemented by lake views, fireplaces and Jacuzzis for the height of luxury. More historic lodging is available just down the road at the resort’s White Springs Manor, a 1900’s Georgian Revival Farm Mansion where the charm of history meets modern amenities.
 
 
Of course, this is more than a place to lay your head. There are two restaurants on site at Belhurst, and the meals they serve are each more delicious than the last. Edgar’s, the steakhouse, serves breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch, featuring gourmet entrees like seafood, steaks and chops. The more casual option is Stonecutters, a restaurant that offers views of the lake from almost every seat in the house, as well as a huge indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit, and tables outside overlooking the lake.


Once a month, Belhurst offers a gourmet six-course wine pairing dinner. The wines, of course, are from the on-site winery, where visitors can sip and savor more than 20 types and flavors, including proprietary wines that can’t be found anywhere else; if wine isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy craft beer here. If that’s not enough indulgence, a visit to the on-site Isabella Spa Salon is sure to melt away any trace of stress may linger from the world outside the resort, with soothing massages, facials, hairstyling and more.
 
 
However you prefer to be pampered, a weekend at Belhurst should be more than enough cure the winter blues and help you relax and unwind. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, enjoying time with friends or family, or treating yourself to a solo trip, just make a reservation and pack your bags; when you arrive, all you have to do for the rest of your trip is enjoy the experience!


Photo credits: Belhurst Castle and Winery

 

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