Barnsley Gardens - Adairsville Georgia

Barnsley Gardens was the estate of Godfrey and Julia Barnsley, and while Margaret Mitchell did not model Tara after the home, she did incorporate Barnsley heavily into the character of Rhett Butler for "Gone With The Wind." Barnsley was a Savannah businessman who led the city's Chamber of Commerce. He was heavily involved in both shipping and cotton, and was one of the 10 wealthiest men in the South.

Godfrey Barnsley came to this country from Liverpool, England in 1824. His meager beginnings were short lived, as he became affluent by building a successful shipping business and cotton trade. He took Julia Scarborough of Savannah as his bride in 1828. It was in the early 1840's when Godfrey purchased almost 4,000 acres of land in the Northwest corner of Georgia.

Godfrey Barnsley wanted an estate worthy of the love of his life, Julia Scarborough of Savannah. So in 1842, Godfrey set to work. Gradually, the Italianate villa rose from the rolling north Georgia foothills. But before the house could be finished, his beloved Julia fell ill, and she passed away shortly thereafter. Devastated, Godfrey abandoned construction on the estate. Then one night, Julia appeared to Godfrey in the formal gardens and told him she wished him to complete the estate. With her spirit as his guide, Godfrey finished the spectacular house and gardens of Woodlands.

But hard times awaited. The War Between the States destroyed Godfrey's fortune, while soldiers from both sides ravaged the estate. The property had more hard times ahead. A tornado tore the roof from the house in 1906. Still, Godfrey and Julia's descendants lived on the estate until Woodlands was sold at auction in 1942. Broken and in disrepair, the property sat for years at the mercy of the elements.

The Barnsley Estate is now an upscale golf resort and is well worth the stay. You can play golf, visit the remains of the Barnsley Estate (destroyed by a 1906 tornado). Barnsley is a new kind of resort destination, with luxurious cottages, world-class amenities, attentive service and quiet serenity. The years have brought many changes to Woodlands, but the dream of Godfrey and Julia Barnsley remains.

Prince Hubertus Fugger purchased the estate and surrounding property in 1988 to amass 1,300 acres of land. Thus, the transformation into Barnsley Gardens, a luxury resort, began. In keeping with the Andrew Jackson Downing architecture and landscape design, a village of cottages was built to resemble a 19th century English style village. The gardens have also been fully restored and expanded. For example, over 150 types of roses thrive throughout the gardens. Additional amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course, three restaurants, the Outpost and a full service spa. A historical landmark, now preserved, will tell the story of Godfrey and Julia for years to come.

While the home was essentially destroyed by a 1906 tornado, the walls are still standing, and it is very enjoyable to walk through what remains of the various rooms. The gardens are extensive, and the development is unique with separate houses as the guest rooms.

Location:

West of Adairsville, Georgia. From Atlanta, go north on I-75 to Exit 306. Go west on GA 140 through traffic light, then take the second left on Hall Station Road. Go 5.5 miles, and then turn right on Barnsley Gardens Road. It is two miles to entrance on the left.

Date Round America Visited: September 2, 2007.

www.barnsleyresort.com