The all-inclusive Windy Hill Farm & Preserve in rural East Tennessee is an ideal place to explore and unwind.

by Bridget Williams / images courtesy of Windy Hill Farm & Preserve

Nearly a quarter-century ago, Knoxvillian George Sampson fulfilled a long-held dream by acquiring 650 acres nestled into a horseshoe bend of the Tennessee River near Tellico Lake in Loudon and named it Windy Hill Farm for the near-constant breeze that rustles the treetops of a hill crowned by a water tower. Initially used as a working cattle farm, the property began a transition towards sustainability in 2014 when Sampson's grandson, Steven Brewington, a newly minted UT graduate who'd spent many childhood summers on the land, spearheaded a new round of investment aimed at operating the property more sustainably.

Over four years, as they sold off the herd, pasture was converted to dense native warm-season grasslands interspersed with fields of millet, oats, and sorghum (kinds of food quail find particularly tasty) to create an upland preserve. The restoration project led to a rebound of the area's endangered Northern Bobwhite quails, and the property became one of the few in the South specializing in quail hunts.   Because hunters, who are led on tailored, guided hunts, harvest birds regularly from October to March at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve, it's necessary to supplement the wild populations with pen-raised quail, a common practice at quail hunting lodges across the South. Windy Hill welcomes canine companions in several dedicated pet-friendly rooms, so you can bring your own four-legged bird finder or die-hard lap dog. Curious about quail hunting but have never tried it? Windy Hill has hosts of experienced guides and can even equip you with a shotgun and ammo.

Evidence that capitalism and conservation can be complementary, Brewington gradually transformed the property into a boutique all-inclusive resort with luxury accommodations, an upscale restaurant, and a host of build-your-own-adventure activities on land and water that cater not only to wing shooters during hunting season (fall and winter) but also to those interested in just enjoying the respite offered by a few days in the great outdoors.

An easy four-hour drive from my home in Louisville, I could feel my blood pressure lower as soon as we turned onto the twisty rural roads in a region frequently referred to as the "Lakeway to the Smokies." The Watchhouse, perched atop a ridge with views spanning fields, woodlands, and the foothills of the Smokies, is the property's hub of activity. The main level hosts the reception desk, a small shop, and a vaulted living area with a balcony overlooking the lower-level terrace of Wilder Restaurant, where guests enjoy three included meals daily. As soon as we began to unload our bags, I was immediately reminded of why I love traveling in the South: everyone seems to have an innate sense of hospitality.

Lodging is spread among nine individual Water Tower Cabins grouped around a communal fire pit, the hotel-style eight-room Lodge, or the five-bedroom Farmhouse. The layout of each cabin is identical, with a vaulted ceiling accentuated by rough-hewn beams and a wall of glass along the backside (my favorite feature) that frames the pastoral and river views. One morning, I opened the drapes and was surprised to find a rafter of wild turkeys checking out their reflections. With a pair of comfy chairs centered in front of the pane, it would be the perfect place to spend a day catching up on all that reading you keep promising yourself you'll do. The "quiet" interiors were outfitted in colors reflective of the landscape—I could imagine the paint chips with names like "baled hay," "morning mist," and "field grass." The cloud-like bed was dressed in velvety soft sheets, and the bath towels were oversized and plush, all luxurious little things that evidence attentive ownership. 

Each guest is given a golf cart to explore the property, although we did most of ours on foot, hiking all five miles of designated hiking trails. Guests can purchase a pass with unlimited access to standard activities, including biking, beekeeping and honey tasting, forest bathing, kayaking and paddleboarding, garden tours, stretching and mobility classes, archery, and axe throwing. The fabulous Cindy Jones led our chosen activities—forest bathing and five-stand sporting clays. I chose the former on a lark, assuming that my fiancé and I would be unable to stay silent or present for the duration of the mindfulness trek. Still, thanks to Cindy's guidance, we quite enjoyed the ecotherapy excursion, which ended with sharing a pot of tea while a 45 played softly in the background in the cutest activities cabin. After talking with Cindy about everything on offer, I do regret not opting for the wine hike and beekeeping, the latter of which Cindy is particularly passionate about.

Meals at Wilder restaurant were an absolute delight. Affable Executive Chef Ben Warwick is a Knoxville native who has been at the property from its beginnings as a luxury resort. His kitchen, supported by a sizeable on-site garden, turns out well-proportioned plates full of interesting ingredients handled with a light touch and infused with global influence. "We have a lot of activities on site, so I never want guests to leave the table feeling they need to take a nap," he remarked.

At dinner, we sampled rabbit, lamb, and quail and were surprised to find a few of our favorite Oregon pinots on the interesting wine list. Service was sweet and sincere, and we enjoyed the authentic interactions. During a quiet period at lunch, we presented a couple of culinary challenges, which Warwick happily accepted and excelled.   Our visit coincided with Windy Hill's regular Friday summer concert series on the Wilder patio and under the branches of a majestic tree someone fittingly described as the "Jerry Bruckheimer tree." Wilder is open to the public, and the patio was packed with locals enjoying a special concert menu that included one of the best burgers I've had in recent memory. Larger concerts are staged on Windy Hill's Granary Stage.

Even though I had more than my fill at dinner, I looked forward to returning to our cabin each evening, knowing the firepit would be ablaze and s'mores kits at the ready. It was a sweet finish to our sleepaway camp for grownups experience.

Windy Hill Farm & Preserve is open for reservations Thursday through Sunday. Rates start at $475/night for a lodge room and $700/night for a cabin, including daily meals for up to two people (windyhillfarmtn.com).