I introduced you to Pursell Farms last week. I left off in 2006 when Pursell Technologies was sold so the family could transform The Farm into the premier regional family farm resort.
As with everything else, they have exceeded all expectations. This in not just a premier regional family farm resort; this is a true World Class Resort that happens to be on a farm.
Whether you’re staying in a cottage, a cabin, the lovely Hamilton Place (built in 1854 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), or the handsome Parker Lodge, you won’t be disappointed. “Everything we’ve built to date has been very high quality and memorable. We didn’t cut many corners. Since we live out here and work here every day, everything is a reflection of our family,” David Pursell said. “Our staff here is also an extension of the Pursell family. They care a lot about everyone’s experience here.”
Pursell likes to say that their family has built a business by “weaponizing” Southern Hospitality.
One of the reasons they are so adept at delivering southern hospitality is because they live on the property.
“My wife calls it living above the storefront,” noted Pursell. “We are always going to be the worst critics.”
He says it matters more to them because it is a family-owned business. And their involvement has only increased with some of his children and their spouses having assumed active roles.
“Everything we do is a reflection on the family,” he explained. “The family is our brand now. We don’t have a fertilizer product, per se. So, we want to do things well – excellently – and we love hosting people.”
Man or woman, there is something for everyone at Pursell Farms.
ACCOMMODATIONS
At Pursell Farms, pastoral views and Southern-style heartfelt hospitality are part of every stay. With furnishings and decorative touches personally selected by Ellen Pursell, all accommodations welcome guests with a blend of understated elegance and cozy comforts.
From luxury cabins and small cottages to historic homes, Pursell Farms offers a variety of options for guests to relax and enjoy. The Inn at Pursell Farms is a country estate-style inn that boasts picturesque views of the property’s meadows and woodlands. For those hoping to be surrounded by even more nature, there’s Parker Lodge, which is nestled in the woods and overlooks Lodge Lake and the 17th green. Cabins and cottages are also on-site, with Master’s Row Cabins and Cottages — each offering four guestrooms and just steps away from the putting green and chipping course. Architect Circle Cottages include two cottages that overlook the 18th fairway. For a serious old-South feel, there’s the historic Hamilton Place Home, a restored antebellum raised cottage that was built in 1852. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic home was constructed in the Greek Revival style. The oldest home on the farm is Orvis Farmhouse, which was built in 1830 and has been meticulously restored.
DINING
Old Tom’s Pub, located on the lobby level of The Inn, is a great spot to grab a drink, enjoy lunch, or visit for a casual dinner after a day on the farm! Old Tom’s Pub has a pool table, shuffleboard, chess and other board games.
Arrington is a fine dining restaurant located on the ground floor of The Inn and overlooking the 18th fairway with pastoral views as far as the eye can see. The chefs take pride in ensuring every meal served is fresh, farm-inspired and a memorable experience for each guest.
The Clubhouse Grille located in the Golf Shop (along with Marble Valley Mercantile) is perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat before or after your tee time.
NON-GOLF ACTIVITIES
The Spring House Spa at Pursell Farms offers a wide variety of treatments, including the Spring House Signature Massage, designed to rejuvenate and detoxify, and the Hot Stone Massage, aimed at melting away tension and helping tired muscles feel refreshed and renewed. Our boutique spa menu includes treatments designed for relaxation and renewal.
Orvis Adventures – ORVIS at Pursell Farms has created highly experiential shooting grounds that deliver an unparalleled sporting experience. ORVIS sporting clays, wing-shooting and fly-fishing schools, upland hunting memberships, and clubhouse facilities are the hallmarks of this one-of-a-kind destination. The shooting grounds are ideally suited for individual sporting pursuits and corporate recreation.
UTV Mountain Experience – Climb steep grades through the woods, race down old logging roads, splash through puddles, learn some Alabama history, and take in bird’s-eye views from the top of the mountains on a guided UTV ride. The UTV Mountain Experience is the best way to explore sections of The Farm, that not many people have had the opportunity to experience.
Yoga on The Mountain – Revive your body, mind, and soul with a peaceful yoga session on the mountain to ease stress, find balance, and leave feeling renewed. Experience yoga in rare privacy at Secret Place on Chalybeate Mountain with its expansive, pastoral views overlooking Pursell Farms, the Appalachian Foothills, and Lay Lake.
Golf Cart Rentals – Experience The Farm by cruising around the property in a Golf Cart.
Biking – Peddle across the bike paths as you take in the sights of The Farm, from the pristine waters at Jimmy’s Lake to sweeping mountain views. If you don’t think you can navigate the hills with your own foot power, you can opt for one of the electric bikes and let the bike do the work as you cruise around the property at speeds up to 20 mph.
Walking Trails – Almost 3 miles of walking and running trails offering scenic, panoramic views.
Bocce Ball – A Bocce Ball Court located outside of The Inn.
Pool & Sun Deck – Relax by the pool and catch some rays on the sun deck overlooking the 18th fairway and green.
Fitness Center – If you aren’t worn out from everything else, burn off some energy in the Fitness Center located in The Inn.
…To be continued next week as we explore a visit to The Farm and Farm Links Golf Club.
