The Official First Guest

Joy and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit with you and Brett for the opening night of the Belle Grove bed-and-breakfast. Talking with you both and watching the sunset on the Rappahannock from the second-floor porch during that pleasant evening was a memorable one. To stay in the James Madison suite that first night was an honor and a pleasure for one who served as navigator on the USS James Madison, (SSBN -627). The breakfast you prepared and served was most delicious and innovative. Your accommodation of Joy's dietary gluten intolerance was noteworthy. Our only regret is that Pres. James Madison was unable to come down from above to join us at the head of the table for breakfast at the place of his birth!
Ed V
8/2/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

Visiting Belle Grove

My first time to Belle Grove was to photograph a Bride a month before her wedding. We had the plantation to ourselves and I got my own private tour before we started shooting with Michelle. Her passion for the plantation was evident in the amount of information she had for every part of the house down to the specific dates and names of everyone who has come through this place in history. She caught my attention with all the details of the tour and I felt at home. She was absolutely wonderful to work with and had everything ready for us to do the shoot. We even included her dog in a couple photos! I came back a month later for the wedding and found the same reception when I arrived. The plantation had finished the work they were doing to spruce up the place and it was breathtaking. The photos came out beautifully and we used absolutely every part of the house that we could. I can't wait to come back with my family and enjoy the sights and sounds of Belle Grove!
Rebekah B
7/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

Bridal Weekend

My family is from King George County and our first visit to Belle Grove was out of curiosity since the plantation had been closed to the public for so many years. At the time of the first visit, I was planning my wedding and fell in love with the architecture and charm of the home. I knew that this was the perfect location for my bridal photos. With the permission from the Darnell's we not only used the beautiful Belle Grove for the photographs, but also as the location for our rehearsal dinner. I must say that all of my guests enjoyed Belle Grove, even the ones who were local. Belle Grove and the services offered definitely exceeded my expectations. It certainly was the icing to the top of the cake! My first stay at Belle Grove Bed and Breakfast was absolutely perfect. My husband and I spend our first night as husband and wife on the plantation. The house and the grounds were gorgeous.Any picture you may have seen simply do not do it justice. The Madison suite, where we stayed, was lovely. Every detail for a luxurious stay was planned, right down to amazing meals. We enjoyed breakfast on the grounds and the food was out of this world! It was truly the best I've had.The owners took special care of us and made sure our stay was extra special. We hope to come back and visit in the future and are excited to see Belle Grove continue to grow. I would highly recommend Belle Grove to any one who is interested in spending a night or two in this truly exquisite southern home.
Brittney H
7/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

A Tour and so much more

If you haven't been to Belle Grove Plantation yet, you are missing one of the gems of Virginia.... not just the plantation itself, but the entertaining owner herself, Michelle Darnell. Michelle, not only bursts at the seams with her knowledge of the plantation and the comings and goings of the famous in history who frequented the plantation , but she has a knack to take you back in time to actually see the colonists walking through the home and on the grounds...on the balcony sipping their daily mint juleps. The plantation boasts historical beauty and magnificence made to be as amazingly close to the era it came from. Situated with a gorgeous view of the Rappahannock River, James Madison himself played in the yards of this home which was his birthplace.! Michelle greeted me with enthusiasm and graciously walked me through the Plantation bewitching me with the tales and history of the home. We sat down to taste some of the cake I had brought with me only to talk for hours! Michelle is as interesting as the place itself and uncannily down to earth for a place of such historical importance . I am so looking forward to seeing all of the events that are coming to this property and watching it come more to life bit by bit!!
Karen S
7/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

All this and a Riverview!

My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Belle Grove Plantation on the Rappahannock River before it was opened to the public. From the moment we turned onto the tree-lined lane leading up to the mansion and we left traffic and clutter behind for a peaceful frame of mind as we took in the farm fields, the massive old trees and wide green lawn. The place is just spectacular! Even the architectural design of Belle Grove seems to be open arms bidding the visitor “welcome, come on it!” Brett and Michelle greeted us and gave us a tour complete with a wonderful history lesson - which we loved! The rooms are beautiful and so big. You really do have a sense of being back in the 19th century (but thankfully with all the modern conveniences like air conditioning and beautiful modern bathrooms!) I love the library, I love the parlor and the dining room and the bedroom suites are beautiful, but I think my favorite spot would be the upstairs grand hall. What a lovely place for a small party or a wedding or just to sit with a book and a glass of lemonade! With the doors open, the natural cross ventilation is just heavenly. And all of this loveliness with a view of the river! I love Belle Grove and hope to visit again soon. I applaud Brett and Michelle and all they are doing there, and I would enthusiastically recommend it for any occasion.
Glenda E
7/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

Private Tour

I was fortunate enough to get a private tour of Belle Grove Plantation before its official opening date. The owner Michelle Darnell patiently shared the history of her plantation, and what really touched me was how passionate she was and how much work her and her husband Brent put over the last few years to realize their dream. If I wasn't living 15 minutes away from Belle Grove, I'd actually stay there for a quick getaway!
Minh T
7/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

Delightful Visit

My trip to Belle Grove Plantation was one filled with delight. Belle Grove Plantation is welcoming spot from the first time you step into the hallway until you leave. The proprietors are friendly and knowledgeable not only about the history of Belle Grove Plantation, but also the area. Belle Grove Plantation has returned to its former beauty. The rooms are beautifully appointed and help complete your feeling of welcome while providing a historical setting. The architecture is amazing (especially the curved doors) as the is view is breathtaking. This is a must for anyone who is a fan of James Madison, but also anyone who enjoys historical homes. Make plans to visit here, you won't be disappointed.
Vicki D
7/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service

History and So Much More

Thank you so very much for the wonderful tour of beautiful and historic Belle Grove Plantation. I greatly appreciated Brett and Michelle taking the time from their day and all of the renovation projects they had going on to share all of the exciting history this magnificent home holds. Brett and Michelle’s passion for restoring the birthplace of President James Madison and opening it up for the world is truly a labor of love. From the foundation to the decor I can sense their enthusiasm and the responsibility they feel for Belle Grove and to ensure that this historic treasure will be preserved for generations to come. I am greatly anticipating my next tour to see what other wonderful stories they have to share with me. Thank you to Michelle and Brett for the wonderful hospitality and for sharing beautiful Belle Grove Plantation with the world.
Kristen A
6/1/2013

My ratings for this property
	Location
	Comfort
	Condition
	Cleanliness
	Service