Family-Friendly Country Luxury: A Site Inspection at The Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA

Accommodations Wing

Salamander is a rare retreat in the DC area, just off the Middleburg Main Street where there is literally something for everyone. You can come here and be as busy and engaged, or relaxed as you want. The vibe at Salamander is upscale, country luxurious with cute British country and equestrian touches everywhere. The resort grounds are vast and there is ample aboveground parking and a generous portico area. Guests are welcome to borrow the on-site Lexus fleet, or be chauffeur-driven to sites nearby—wine or cider tasting, dinner in Middleburg, or a spot of shopping.

Living Room

The entryway is also very generous—you arrive in the Salamander “Living Room” which is styled like a warm blue-hued country estate room. Doors open out onto a patio and the back lawn where you can go walking, play chess or frisbee golf, or visit the horses at the equestrian center. Adjacent to the Living Room is the “Library” which is darker-toned and more intimate but not snobby—there are reams of books, horsey touches, awards, and the sense that this is a welcoming place to curl up on a cold night with a cup of tea and a book.

Library

The accommodations wing spans four floors and has 168 guest rooms, of which 17 are suites. Each room is full of light, and has a private patio or balcony, and a view of the grounds. The ground-floor rooms are generally reserved for those who have brought their canine companions, as there is a walk-out from each room. The two Estate Rooms are King or double Queens, and some come with fireplaces. The Suites are generously sized and offer separate living and sofa areas, a sofa bed, and some have 1.5 baths and a kitchenette. For families, I would recommend a Grand Prix Suite or the Owner’s Suite. The room decor is understated, luxurious, and equestrian-themed, like the rest of Salamander, but nothing feels too overdone or pretentious.

Estate King Room—available with or without a fireplace

In terms of dining, Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill is the main dining option and has indoor and outdoor seating available. During the morning, they also have coffee, tea, and pastries to-go. In the evening, in addition to dinner at Harrimans, the Gold Cup Wine Bar is a cozy place to hang out and play billiards. On Saturday afternoons, you can have a proper afternoon tea at Harrimans—children are welcome too.

Harrimans Restaurant and Ballroom Wing

Private Dining Room at Harriman's

Salamander is known for its equestrian programming and center. The equestrian center is open to visitors most days, and is a large and very exceptionally clean and cheery place to me. It’s definitely not a smelly stable—my thought was that these horses, ponies, and miniature horse (and local celebrity) Cupcake are definitely living their best lives here. There are miles of riding trails, riding arenas, and a variety of equine experiences from lessons, group or private trail rides, or pony rides for kids ages 2–4.

Equestrian Center

Salamander is at the top-end of the market, and for a reason. I am repeating myself at this point, but there’s truly something for everyone—whether it’s treetop zip-lining, a round of pickleball or tennis, a guided hike, or even a cooking class. The property makes it easy to be active or relaxed, with everything from putting greens and lawn games to wine tastings and fitness classes. I was especially impressed by the complimentary rentals—Shinola and mountain bikes, sporting gear, even fishing poles. As an example, their seasonal offerings this month include the Middleburg Film Festival, haunted walks, sound bath workshops, foraging hikes, and pumpkin carving.

Cupcake the Miniature Horse

My takeaway is that for busy families who desire a staycation or vacation closer to home, Salamander’s offerings are unique for this area. The resort has such a breadth of activities and options, and they have removed the usual friction points of family travel simply because there is something for everyone. I saw families with kids of all ages, as well as couples, so it is not the kind of five-star resort where you feel guilty bringing little ones. Even the equestrian experiences are geared towards families with special family group “Horses 101” programming, or grooming and taking mini horse Cupcake on a country ride in her cart. I am not particularly horsey and I was in horse heaven.

Camp Salamander is offered daily for kids ages 4–10, and rates start at $99 for a half day, and $150 per child for a full day. Kids Night Out is also offered on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5–8 pm. There are also additional activities and a babysitting service if needed.

Beyond their accommodation offerings, Salamander also hosts special events like weddings, meetings, and they have an on-site ballroom near the Harriman’s Grill. They are particularly busy during the summer months and holiday season, so book early if that is of interest to you.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Middleburg page.