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INN OF THE MONTH

VIRGINIA'S BAILIWICK IS FOR INN LOVERS

Virginians are famous for their own brand of southern hospitality. It's lovingly warm, it's friendly, and it's oh-so-southern. That's especially true at the inns throughout the state and it's no coincidence that the state slogan is "Virginia is for Lovers."

Virginia hospitality is famed, but many Virginians are just plain famous. From George Washington to George Mason, the Old Dominion has produced many people of note. Now there's a noteworthy inn devoted to these prominent Virginians, all romantics at heart. Anne and Ray Smith opened the Bailiwick Inn in 1989 for all Virginia lovers.

Located in historic downtown Fairfax, just outside our nation's capital, Ray and Anne have taken a unique thematic approach to innkeeping. Each of the fourteen rooms is named after a Virginian of distinction. In this, and in many other ways, the Bailiwick is a memorial to venerable Virginians. The house is full of memories and stories and amateur Virginia historian Ray can happily tell them all.

Fairfax has developed into a magnet for the corporate community and the Bailiwick has become a magnet for business visitors, as well as the many tourists and romantic couples in search of Virginia's past and people.

The inn is situated on one of the nation's oldest toll byways--the old "Ox Road." It was built in the popular Federal style sometime in the early-1800s, directly across from the Courthouse. Ray says, "We decided on the name Bailiwick because one of it's oldest meanings is 'the area around the court.'"

George Washington, a Fairfax County resident, filed his will in the Courthouse. Also across from the inn's front lawn, Captain John Quincy Marr of the Warrenton Rifles became the first Confederate casualty of the Civil War. This history is still in the making at The Bailiwick.

Much of that history comes alive in the design of the guest rooms. These rooms are the constant focus of any guest. Ray and Anne worked with seven distinctive designers to decorate the unique rooms in the house. Anne says, "We felt that this area and state had produced so many prominent people that it would be an ideal theme for decorating the inn." The entire renovation was accomplished in an incredible four month period.

The names of the rooms ring as a veritable "Who's Who" of the Old Dominion: Robert "King" Carter; Nellie Custis; Antonia Ford; Lord Fairfax; Patrick Henry; Thomas Jefferson; Robert E. Lee; James Madison; John Marshall; George Mason; James Monroe; John Mosby; "Extra Billy" Smith; and, last, but also first, George Washington. In an almost paternal manner, Ray and Anne refer to each room by last name.

Each room was carefully created to evoke the setting of the particular Virginian honored. That meant entire recreations of rooms, the use of the original wallpaper design from the same firm of 160 years earlier, or other unique touches. The rooms include period furnishings, artwork, memorabilia, and books to reveal more of the life of that individual. There's even a well-prepared biography awaiting the guest. It's as close as a guest will ever get to meeting these venerable Virginians.

The rooms each have their own personality and there are already visitors striving to stay in all fourteen. There have also been scholars and Virginia history buffs who choose specific rooms to enjoy the ambiance of their favorite Virginians. Inviting featherbeds, goose down pillows, fireplaces, modern private baths, and many other amenities await visitors to another time and place in Virginia.

The George Mason serves as a perfect example of the Bailiwick experience. Historians may debate whether George Mason was the "Father of the Bill of Rights," but there's no doubt at the inn. A nearby university bears his name and his beautiful home, Gunston Hall, has been preserved for all to see and enjoy. That is, if you want to leave your own little George Mason mecca.

Admired for his intellect by Jefferson, Henry, Washington, and other leaders of the time, Mason was essentially a homebody, unlike many repeat guests of the Bailiwick. He engaged in politics only to work for his beloved Virginia. He drafted the Virginia Bill of Rights, setting the stage for the Bill of Rights we now enjoy.

The second floor front corner room duplicates the original salmon colors, as well as the furnishings, of Mason's mansion. The crown moldings are the egg and dart motif and the book cases closely resemble those found in the house. The chaise lounge is a reproduction of an 1820 Sheraton piece and a small table with drawers and drop leaves is in the Empire style.

Guests inevitably curl up in the chaise lounge and proceed to read the background and books about George Mason. In just a few words, you're transported back to 1776 and the Bailiwick Inn has cast it's Virginia spell. As with all of the Bailiwick's rooms, the George Mason is ideal for a romantic interlude. The crackling fire, a bottle of champagne, and a comfortable featherbed all evoke images of love, Virginia-style.

Just like the George Mason, the other rooms have a unique style. The Antonia Ford, named after a Confederate spy arrested nearby, has a Chippendale sitting room and a large and airy bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. The Thomas Jefferson is modeled after his own bedroom at Monticello, with a rich red and gold theme. The George Washington recalls his private retreat at Mount Vernon, done in deep greens. Lucky guests may get a peak at other rooms during afternoon tea.

But no matter where you sleep, you'll be treated to the Virginia hospitality of Anne and Ray. It starts when you enter through the large "faux" walnut front door, where you'll be greeted by Anne, Ray, or one of the other enthusiastic innkeepers. The large parlors to the left serve as sanctuaries, luring guests to sit and chat about the house and the feeling of Virginians past and present. The two portraits over the fireplaces are of Anne and Ray, which were "copied" from earlier period paintings and were gifts from the designers.

Along with the parlors, many of the features of the original house were preserved and restored. To ensure authenticity, the designers were greatly aided in research by the staff of the Virginia Room of the nearby Fairfax County Library. Dentil crown moldings were installed and the heart of pine floors in the original portion of the house were matched by planks of pine for the back of the house.

The ceilings and walls were glazed and "ragged," a technique popular in the 1830s. The swags and jabots adorning the large windows were also treatments typical of that period. The halls have been papered in "toile" (originally a fine cretonne fabric printed in a single color).

Guests typically have a full, fresh breakfast in the airy and sunny dining room and afternoon tea in the parlors. The dining room was inspired by Belvoir, the home of William Fairfax and headquarters for Lord Fairfax VI during his early visits. Gardens designed to reflect the era in which Bailiwick was constructed were added to both the back and front of the house.

If you can pull yourself away from your room and the hospitality of the inn, the area as much to offer. The inn and the city Fairfax were named to the National Historic Register and features many quaint shops, fine dining, and several other historic homes and sites. George Mason University is just down the street and the Manassas Civil War Park is nearby. The nation's capital is just 20 minutes east by Metrorail.

But you may find yourself just wanting to bask in the atmosphere of this very Virginian experience. If George Washington had business conduct across the street at the courthouse, you certainly know where he'd want to stay.

The Bailiwick Inn, 4023 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703/691-2266 or 800/366-7666. Fourteen guest rooms, all w/private baths. Rates from $95 to $175, including full breakfast and tea. Cancellation policy. American Express, MC, Visa.

QUOTE POSSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE IN LAYOUT

"To be a Virginian, either by birth, marriage, adoption, or even on one's mother's side, is an introduction to any state in the Union, a passport to any foreign country, and a benediction from above."-Anonymous

"Wake up to bread baking and fresh coffee roasting, and the chirp of birds splashing in the garden out your window. Walk the historic streets where George Washington and "King" Carter once walked. Take tea with us in the brick-walled garden filled with flowers. Settle back in a leather chair by the bookcase as wood crackles in the fireplace. Sink into a plump featherbed, snug up to a goose down pillow--but don't forget the chocolate on your pillow! It's all part of the slow, relaxed rhythm here at The Bailiwick Inn. Where every day and night is as warm and comfortable as home. We love our house, but most of all we love to share it with people like you."--Anne and Ray Smith