24 Hour Escape: Barnsley Gardens

June 03, 2015

I recently got the chance to take a quick little trip down to Georgia and experience the Barnsley Gardens Resort & Spa. To say this place is off the beaten path is an understatement. Is it worth it? Completely.

The resort is located in Adairsville, Georgia and is built on the original site of Godfrey Barnsley's Italian style home built in the 1840s. The original ruins still stand on the property, providing a slightly eerie yet beautiful backdrop.

Barnsley built the home for his wife, Julia, but she fell ill and died before its completion. Barnsley suspended the construction on the manor until he said he felt Julia's presence on the property wanting him to finish the home for him and their children.

Throughout the Civil War, the home was torn apart and ransacked by the Union Army. Barnsley lost most of his possessions during the War and moved to New Orleans before his death in 1873.

Barnsley's descendants continued to live in the home until a 1906 tornado blew the roof off. The house fell to ruins in the years after

Barnsley's descendants continued to live in the home until a 1906 tornado blew the roof off. The house fell to ruins in the years after.

The estate was purchased in 1988 leading to the stabilization of the ruins and restoration of the gardens. The modern resort boats 2 restaurants, a pool, fitness center, and full service spa. Visitors can partake in a variety of activities including paintball, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tennis, biking, and golf on the Jim Fazio designed course.