High Meadows is a unique house - actually a combination of 2 houses - listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a Virginia Landmark. Built in 1832 by the surveyor of Scottsville, Peter White, the north house is a lovely example of Federalist design. Original windows, 2 handcarved original fireplace mantels, heartpine floors, and nails thought to have been made at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello make up much of the character of this portion of the Inn. The main house, built on the south side of the Federalist home, was built by Scottsville businessman Charles Harris in 1882, when he acquired the land from Peter White's widow, Elizabeth. This was intended as his 'country home' - to replace the other house, which would be razed upon completion of the Italianate Victorian.

Charles' wife had other ideas, however; and when their home was completed, she refused to move into that portion, asserting that BOTH homes were perfectly suited to house their ever growing family - they ultimately had 7 children! For several years (as the stories go) Mrs. Harris lived in the North house, and Mr. Harris in the newly built Victorian. Finally, a relative devised the unique 'longitudinal hall' that connects both homes, and served many years as the gathering space for several generations of Harris children. The family enjoyed the property known as 'Fair View' well into the 20th century.

After the death of Mrs. Harris, the home and acreage landed in the hands of a local family who farmed here for many years, until, in the mid-80's, it once again came on the market. Described in the Washington Post as a 'gem waiting to be discovered', it was purchased by a visionary couple to realize their dream of becoming innkeepers. A gem indeed - after much detailed and loving restoration by Peter, Jae & Kevin Sushka, that family opened High Meadows Vineyard Inn to overnight guests in the summer of 1986. Along with the ambition and foresight to realize the growing European-influenced bed and breakfast trend here in the United States, the Sushka's also were one of the first people to embrace the rebirth of viticulture in Virginia. Under the guidance of Gabrielle Rausse, a vineyard of just over an acre was planted. Pinot Noir vines...notoriously a fickle choice in our state & climate, have flourished and continue to produce a nice quantity of fruit that Gabrielle tranforms into lovely wines for High Meadows each year. In fact, as a noted restaurant was added to the inn, Peter was also a pioneer in creating Virginia vintner dinners, and in 1998 was awarded one of the very first 'Virginia Wine Restaurant of the Year' awards!

After over 15 years of innkeeping, the Sushka's were quietly letting past guests and friends know that the time had come to pass the reins. In 1999, while planning to sell the inn, a proposition from guests of many years: A partnership to take High Meadows into the 21st century.

So began the addition of Jon Storey and Rose Farber as innkeepers and members of the High Meadows family. For over 5 years, the restaurant and inn flourished under Jon & Rose's guidance...at one time, a staff of over a dozen was needed to serve the inn and it's many annexes (there were 12 rooms!), and the full service restaurant.

Then, in 2006, the decision to sell the inn was made. With no takers, the inn closed in October of 2006...once again becoming that 'gem waiting to be discovered'.

It didn't take long! Cynthia Bruce & her mother Nancy had long been planning for the day they would own the bed and breakfast of their dreams. Both women had worked in many beautiful inns in Asheville, North Carolina prior to moving to Vermont & Boston, respectively. Despite the beauty of Vermont, and the addition of 2 wonderful children to the family, fate decided that Virginia was to be the place to settle...and High Meadows was discovered one day while Cynthia was working as an assistant to a local realtor. Within a few months, arrangements made and bags packed - Cynthia, Nancy, Francis & Sophia moved into the house and began a cheerful reclamation of this beautiful property.

Sunny, bright colors were brought in - but acknowledgment to the history of the homes has remained. Period antiques and decor that highlights the beauty of the original faux finishes and architecture have given yet another life to this unique and beautiful property - one that guests and visitors can share and enjoy for many years to come!