Woman in doorway at luxury country inn near Washington DC - Shenandoah Valley Inn

Experience the Essence of Provence in Northern Virgina

The Borel family and the wonderful staff at L’Auberge Provençale invite you to experience the essence of Provence, without a passport—the food, the gardens, the countryside, the cheerful décor—recreated here at our Shenandoah Valley inn. From the charming ambiance of the Main Inn to the serene elegance of Villa La Campagnette, we can’t wait to share the beauty and tranquility of our special corner of Virginia with you.

Inn and restaurant with garden in North Virginia of the Shenandoah Valley

We invite you to experience the essence of Provence—the food, the gardens, the countryside, the cheerful decor—recreated here at L’Auberge Provençale. We look forward to having you in our beautiful Shenandoah Valley bed and breakfast.

About Our Two White Post, VA Properties

Two Luxury Properties, One Unforgettable Experience
Elegant room with a king-size bed, cozy seating area, and natural light streaming through the windows - Northern Virginia Inn

About the L’Auberge Provençale Experience

At L’Auberge Provençale you will join those who have built lasting memories here at our award-winning inn. Enjoy the well-appointed rooms and suites, the faux-painted walls, the unmistakable Provence fabrics gracefully moving in the breeze, the slower pace of the South, and the pastoral views of the surrounding countryside.

Awaken to the aroma of freshly baked croissants and the warm smiles of our gracious staff. Following our signature gourmet breakfast, set out to explore the countryside and embark on all manner of area adventures and experiences. Returning to your room, you’ll find luxurious and modern amenities for your comfort and convenience. Some rooms offer indulgences like a private patio, aromatherapy steam showers, fireplaces, and more. Each room is individually decorated with French Country antiques and original artwork which provides a unique Provence experience for the discerning traveler.

Villa with pool for L'Auberge Provençale guests - Virginia boutique hotel

About The Villa La Campagnette

Villa La Campagnette, part of the charming Virginia inn experience offered by L’Auberge Provençale, is a tranquil retreat located just three miles from the Main Inn. Nestled on 18 landscaped acres, the property is a celebration of natural beauty and European-inspired elegance, offering guests a secluded oasis surrounded by pastoral farmland.

The Villa is a haven for those seeking relaxation and an authentic Provencal ambiance. Its centerpiece is a large, private brick patio that features a sparkling seasonal swimming pool, accessible to all guests staying at either the Villa or the Main Inn. The setting evokes the sunlit charm of a traditional European villa, with terra cotta pots and urns brimming with vibrant seasonal blooms, enhancing the colorful and lively atmosphere. Guests can also unwind in a cozy parlor with a working fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings or a quiet moment of reflection.

The intimate nature of the Villa is reflected in its accommodations—just three spacious and thoughtfully designed suites. Each suite is filled with natural light and decorated with Provence-inspired French Country fabrics, eclectic artwork, and charming country antiques, creating a warm and inviting space. The Villa’s exclusivity makes it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and privacy, as well as for small gatherings such as family reunions, girlfriend getaways, or retreats with close friends.

Guests at Villa La Campagnette enjoy personalized service, with check-in available directly at the Villa from 3 to 5pm. This serene and elegant property offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and refined luxury, transporting visitors to the heart of Provence while embracing the pastoral beauty of Virginia’s countryside.

 

The Storied Past and Present of the Land and L’Auberge

Experience the Legend From 1700 Until Today
Mount Airy post at entrance of historic B&B near Washington DC

Creating Hospitality Rooted in History

Lord Fairfax had his home at Greenway Court in White Post, Virginia. In the 1740s, young Charles and George Washington were hired as surveyors of the vast Northern Virginia holdings of Lord Fairfax. The 880 acres of land surrounding L’Auberge Provençale was given to Samuel Bell, an Irish sheep farmer, who set about building the main manor house then called Mt. Airy, completing the native field stone structure in 1753.

The building was sold to Mordeci Redd in 1753 and the two trustees of the house were George Washington and Fielding Lewis (who later married George Washington’s sister). When someone asks if George Washington slept here, our answer is probably…but as a trustee, he certainly was familiar with and walked the halls of Mt. Airy, particularly since the property was only about a mile from the offices and barns of Lord Fairfax.

Woman by fireplace with book and wine at luxury Virginia inn

The Progression of L’Auberge Provençale

The history of Mt. Airy is deeply intertwined with its setting in Clarke County, Virginia, a region renowned for its rural charm and agricultural traditions. The Borel family purchased Mr. Airy in 1980 and opened its doors as a restaurant offering a dining experience that emphasized fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often grown or raised on-site. This approach not only showcased the flavors of the region but also promoted sustainability and a deep connection to the land. The Borel family cultivated their own vegetables in expansive gardens, managed orchards producing seasonal fruits, and maintained a greenhouse to ensure year-round availability of certain crops. These practices set the restaurant apart as a true innovator in farm-to-table dining, long before the concept became a widespread culinary trend.

In 1983, accommodations were added, evolving the property into an inn where guests could fully immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Clarke County. The decision to locate in Clarke County was driven by its unique rural character, a feature that remains largely unchanged. With 96% of the county still dedicated to agricultural use, the area continues to offer a serene and authentic escape, preserving a way of life that values open spaces and sustainable practices.

The legacy of L’Auberge Provençale is a testament to the Borel family’s vision and their commitment to blending hospitality with a reverence for the natural world. Through its culinary offerings and welcoming accommodations, the inn became not just a destination but a cornerstone of the local community and its enduring rural spirit.