About the Inn at Brierley Hill

In 1993 Carol and Barry built the Inn at Brierley Hill as a quiet Shenandoah Valley destination. Awed by such romantic vistas you will barely notice you’ve arrived at your destination. At the time the property was built, the Canadian couple envisioned their brand new bnb as an upscale English country inn. They fell in love with the area and its change of seasons. Barry, a lawyer. and Carole, formerly the director of the National Canadian Figure Skating Association, planned carefully. Carole worked with templates (cutouts of furni-ture) and graph paper to ensure a perfect fit for all appointments. Within five-and-a-half months, Inn at Brierley Hill appeared on this bucolic spot. The Inn was named after an antique clock (circa 1865), purchased in Vancouver. When the family’s *inn-naming committee” finally drew a blank, Barry ended the debate by turning to an antique timepiece for inspiration. Inn at Brierley Hill was inscribed across the face of the antique clock. The clock is noted to have originated in the Staffordshire district of England, near the village of Inn at Brierley Hill. This clock continues to adorn the wall of the kitchen office today. Through the years the fixtures, furniture and decor have changed but never the spectacular views and the unique lodging experience provided by caring innkeepers that have hearts for hospitality.

As of November 2023, Brad and Yelena became the new owners of the Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast, now called the Inn at Brierley Hill. Brad and Yelena’s shared passion for travel and hospitality led them to purchase our sister property, the Iris Inn and Cabins in January 2020. Their vision for their portfolio of unique inns and boutique hotels is to enhance the guest experience in every way possible. Yelena’s elegant tasteful additions including local art combined with Brad’s quest for technology has led to a unique fusion of art and modernization. Using the backdrop of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains as their inspiration they have added to the magical quality of the property to create a rejuvenating getaway. Brad and Yelena will translate their love of nature into the Inn at Brierley Hill.

Our portfolio expanded in 2024 with the addition of Afton Mountain Vineyards, a distinguished winery nestled just 15 minutes from The Iris Inn and Cabins. This exceptional property features 24 acres of carefully tended vines, originally planted in 1978, creating a legacy of winemaking excellence that spans nearly five decades.

Under the expert guidance of our French winemaker Damien Blanchon, who brings both formal education in viticulture and enology and over a decade of hands-on experience at Afton Mountain since 2011, we consistently craft award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. His European expertise combined with intimate knowledge of our vineyard creates wines of exceptional quality year after year.

The vineyard welcomes visitors and is open to the public Thursday through Monday for tastings and special wine events, offering an authentic glimpse into our winemaking process. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, five charming cabins on the property provide the opportunity to live among the vines and experience the rhythms of vineyard life firsthand. The picturesque setting also serves as an enchanting venue for vineyard weddings and special celebrations.  Contact events@aftonmountainvineyards.com for more information.

Afton Mountain Vineyards represents our commitment to excellence and adds another jewel to our collection of distinctive Shenandoah Valley hospitality properties.