Travel

The Inn at Little Washington Unveils Newly Renovated Guest Cottage, the Cardinal’s Nest

Peek inside the charming cottage, which dates back to the 1700s.

By Dawn Klavon September 19, 2024 at 11:30 am

It seems impossible, but somehow the exclusive Inn at Little Washington just got a little more bougie.

The longest tenured Forbes 5-Star hotel in the world, nestled in the rustic hamlet of Washington, unveiled its newest over-the-top guest house on September 12 after a meticulous, year-long renovation. Named The Cardinal’s Nest, the charming cottage looks like something straight out of Town & Country. The freestanding house with a private garden is just across the street from the main inn and its three– Michelin star dining room.

Aerial view of the Cardinals Nest — *Courtesy Inn at Little Washington*

It is named after the first Relais & Châteaux property, La Cardinale, which opened 70 years ago in France. The name is also a tribute to Virginia’s state bird, with an interior color palette inspired by the plumage of the female cardinal.

“Our newest cottage is one of my favorites,” says chef and innkeeper Patrick O’Connell. “It casts a spell and takes you back in time to another century when life was far simpler. You feel calmer as soon as you step into this luxurious restoration.”

Living area at the Cardinals Nest — *Courtesy Inn at Little Washington*

Built in the late 1700s, The Cardinal’s Nest’s original structure is one of Little Washington’s oldest surviving buildings. After a thorough renovation, the cottage transports guests to another era, with exquisite service and amenities. The luxury accommodation features two spacious king bedrooms, two full baths with deep soaking tubs, a living area with a vaulted ceiling and an original stone fireplace, a kitchen, and a private garden with a cedar hot tub.

Bedroom at the Cardinals Nest — *Courtesy Inn at Little Washington*

Guests will have to save their pennies to stay at The Cardinal’s Nest; a weekend stay in October averages close to $5,500 a night. The Inn is offering a special deal: The first 50 visitors to the Nest will receive a commemorative giclée print of artist Tom Neel’s original rendering of The Cardinal’s Nest. There is also the “Early Bird Gets the Worm” package, a limited-edition experience that includes a two-night stay with a special introductory rate, including dinner in both the main dining room and the more casual Patty O’s Café.

Feature image courtesy Inn at Little Washington

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Dawn Klavon

Contributing Writer

Dawn Klavon is a seasoned writer and reporter with more than 20 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism. She contributes to a wide range of publications, including Northern Virginia Magazine, PEOPLE, Virginia Living, Bethesda Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and several military-focused outlets. Earlier in her career, she reported for multiple San Francisco Bay Area television stations, including KLXV, KKPX, and KFCB. She holds an MLA from Harvard University and a BS from Boston University.