Airlie’s Story
It’s In Our Nature
Acres and acres of breathtaking grounds and stunning architecture, set within the rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country. Lush, verdant farmlands, and every possibility of recreation and leisure. And a legacy of innovation — built on sustainability, progress, and connection. With elegance and charm, Airlie Hotel is a village unto itself, and a haven where the past, present, and future harmoniously intertwine.
Airlie’s History
1899
Airlie House was built by sportsman and writer Harry Connelly Groome, a Philadelphia native who purchased this land and built a three-story Georgian Revival home, gardens, and farm. The name "Airlie" was inspired by a castle in Scotland.
Airlie’s History
1907
House & Garden Magazine dedicated a feature to Airlie House and its formal gardens, the layout of which has remained largely unchanged to this day.
Airlie’s History
1924
The original Airlie House lost to a catastrophic fire, then rebuilt as a two-story manor home which remains on the property.
Airlie’s History
1959
Dr. Murdock Head purchased the Airlie estate, and founded Airlie Conference Center. It would officially open in 1961.
Airlie’s History
1962
Just a year after opening, LIFE Magazine referred to Airlie as an "Island of Thought," a place for world leaders, great thinkers, and captains of industry to meet and create in a distraction-free setting. Notable groups included NATO, White House Fellows, American College of Surgeons, and NASA, among many others.
Airlie’s History
1962
The NAACP held its first annual Civil Rights Conference at Airlie, the only space south of the Mason-Dixon line that would host an integrated gathering at the time. Later in the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. met with other civil rights leaders at Airlie before planning protests in the nation's capital.
Airlie’s History
1969
Senator Gaylord Nelson introduced the idea of "Earth Day" to a group of medical and law students participating in a conference here. The first national celebration of Earth Day took place on April 24, 1970. In 1993, Gaylord Nelson returned to Airlie to plant an Earth Day Tree, to recognize and mark where it all began.
Airlie’s History
1970s - 80s
Airlie Productions, a film company established at the center, released over 250 documentary films to promote education and positive change in the world. The films received more than 20 Emmy Awards.
Airlie’s History
1990s
Airlie served as home base for Dr. Bill Sladen's research into the migration patterns of trumpeter swans and Canadian geese, as featured in the late-'90s movie Fly Away Home.
Airlie’s History
1995
On Earth Day, the Peterson Butterfly Garden was dedicated to Roger Tory and Virginia Peterson. Peterson developed the Peterson Identification System for identifying animals, was the author and illustrator of many guides and books, and received a number of awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Today, the garden features 46 varieties of butterfly-attracting plants native to our region.
Airlie’s History
1998
Our most delicious commitment to the environment, the four-acre Organic Garden (then titled "Local Food Project") was established. The garden has been providing the best possible ingredients for our kitchens, long before the phrase "farm-to-table" became restaurateur canon.
Airlie’s History
2014
Airlie Hotel opened to the public, inviting visitors and guests to the historic property and grounds for the first time in its history.
Airlie’s History
2016
Airlie unveiled its Virginia LOVEwork, one of just 300 in the state, and made of 90% recycled materials. This same year, Airlie was gifted to American University by the family of Dr. Murdock Head.
Airlie’s History
2017
Harry’s restaurant opens, as does Airlie Berkshire Farm, our 95-acre commitment to sustainability, and to our community.
Sustainability at Airlie
Rooted in a legacy of environmentalism, we feel a special connection to the land, and work tirelessly to safeguard it. Our commitment to conscious practices places Airlie solidly at the forefront of sustainable business development and green hospitality.
Learn MoreActivities at Airlie
Bicycling
No rentals. No reservations. Simply grab one of our complimentary-use bikes parked conveniently around the resort and go for a ride.
Grounds Exploration
Native wildlife. Historic stone gates. An original sundial. There's a hidden treasure around every corner of Airlie’s stunning grounds.
Swimming Pool
Open seasonally, our resort pool is available for guest use for refreshing dips, spirited swims, or simply lounging on the pool deck.
Fire Pits
When the day is done, there’s no better form of relaxation than time spent by a fire pit. Enjoy quiet reflection and nature’s soundtrack.
Fitness in a Bag
This revolutionary fitness concept brings your workout routine to Airlie's stunning scenery. Essential workout equipment is made portable, allowing you to maintain your health and wellness while here.
Archery
Guests 16+ can take aim with a recurve bow and send those arrows sailing right toward a bullseye on our outdoor archery range.
Game Room
What's your pleasure? Rack up a game of billiards or play to win at a variety of board games — all for complimentary use by our guests.
Tennis
Game, set, match. Complimentary tennis racquets and balls are available for use on our well-maintained courts.
Volleyball
Serve up healthy competition with family, friends and teammates. Airlie volleyball courts and balls are complimentary for guest use.
Topgolf Swing Suite
Enjoy the Topgolf Swing Suite experience at Harry’s: playful competition. multi-sport games, and a menu of delicious hyperlocal snacks.
A Celebrated Destination
Airlie has faithfully maintained its authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity for more than a century — and we are proud to be designated a Historic Hotel of America.
Historic Hotels of America