The Merritt Hutchinson Resort and Conference Center

LYNCH STATION, Va. - - June 20, 2002 - - Early daylight creeps across the stillness of The Merritt Hutchinson, a new and luxurious country manor resort situated in the foothills of Virginia's famous Blue Ridge Mountains. The distant bark of dog on duty and the soft clatter of morning dishes signal guests that life on this 1,400-acre retreat is about to begin.

The Merritt Hutchinson is a most unusual proposition. Tucked away on a dusty country lane about a half-an-hour south of Lynchburg, Virginia, six commanding iron and brick gates open to reveal rolling hills and lakes delineated by a white, wooden fence for as far as the eye can see.

Homesteaded more than a century ago by Englishman M.T.C. Merritt, the original plantation and much of the surrounding land is now owned by his granddaughter, Ann Hutchinson. A successful visionary and real estate developer, she has spent the last three years creating this unique, world-class resort.

"Everything about The Merritt Hutchinson conveys real Southern hospitality," says Ms. Hutchinson. "Although the resort is brand new, it is instilled with the refinement and heritage of the old South."

Guests settle into luxury rooms, suites or full-sized apartments in four exclusive entities: The Equestrian Lodge overlooking a regulation-size riding ring; The Chalet, with a vista of the Peaks of Otter 40 miles away; the historically preserved Fletcher's Homestead featuring an inviting oversized hammock on the porch; and Charter House, an expansion of the home originally built by Ann Hutchinson's father. Each accommodation is individually designed by Ms. Hutchinson and richly appointed with authentic and reproduction antiques, fine rugs and works of art that she has collected on her travels around the world.

The result is stunning. Unlike any resort, anywhere, it is a study in contrasts, positioning the intimacy of a rural country manor against the sophistication of old-world opulence. For example, one of the guest rooms features an antique Indonesian hand-carved wedding bed on three-foot pedestals, flanked by a century-old English wardrobe, a hand-painted Italian secretary and an early French settee in fine brocade.

When it comes to amenities, The Merritt Hutchinson lacks for nothing and then some. There is a 60-foot heated swimming pool bordered by a formal English garden, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a complete horseback riding stable,bicycling, hiking, fishing and canoeing on one of three lakes, croquet, volleyball, and a crowd-size outdoor barbeque. In addition, when construction is complete, the resort will feature an 18-hole golf course, along with a sauna and spa. For traversing the property, there can be surrey rides, a 12-passenger luxury bus and a rare 1972 Mercedes limousine that originally belonged to the Kellogg family.

Bird lovers will appreciate 300 birdhouses strategically placed around the property. And what could be more suited to this rural setting than a working farm? Under the masterful direction of the resort's general manager, the resort breeds hundreds of rare, Boer goats, providing a fascinating study in animal husbandry for children and adults, alike. General Manager Gene Cocke, a native of Bedford, VA, with a background in agriculture and botany, also oversees the gardens and landscaping at the resort. One of his helpers is Racquel, a Great Pyrenees who patrols the borders and keeps the goats in check. Two other pure white Great Pyrenees, Bogie and Sasha, oversee the comings and goings of guests, while Bear, is the devoted dog that doubles as an ever-present bodyguard to Ms. Hutchinson. After all, it was she who discovered him near death in a basket at her gate one Christmas Eve and nursed him back to health.

Dining combines continental cuisine with Southern specialties prepared by chefs who have decades of experience in fine hotels, cruise ships and restaurants around the world. Guests may dine in The Great Hall at Charter House, a lavishly decorated hall with a massive stone fireplace, which doubles as a special occasion room; or in The Parlor Jazz Café, where crystal and fine china juxtaposition against the rustic backdrop of the Equestrian Lodge. Photos and memorabilia of famous musicians and singers pay tribute to America's great jazz culture. Guests enjoy intimate dining in its stable-like "paddocks," ideal for families or special occasions. La Julienne, a 200-seat restaurant adjoins the Parlor Jazz Café. Formal Afternoon Tea is presented daily at 3:00 p.m. in the Charter House Tea Room. Private picnics are a special treat. Complimentary continental breakfast is included with all accommodations.

The resort's conference and banquet facilities can accommodate 400-seated guests for dinner in the Equestrian Lodge or up to 750 in the indoor tennis arena. A magnificent ballroom and conference facility features custom-designed French chandeliers, a banquet kitchen, and a state-of-the-art audio-visual system including a movie-size screen.

"The resort will comfortably accommodate conferences and meetings with up to 72 overnight guests, or more than 1000 daytime attendees. Occupancy will expand when the resort is completed. We offer dozens of space configurations for break-out meetings or lectures, complemented by plenty of recreational amenities for leisure pursuits, including custom Wilderness Programs and outdoor barbeques," said Ms. Hutchinson. "It is really an ideal spot for corporations or organizations to gather for meetings, incentive trips, or retreats."

The resort is located in the heart of Virginia's heritage with dozens of attractions within easy driving distance, making it an ideal destination from which to experience America's history.

Vacationing families with an interest in history and heritage will find the resort well suited to their needs with a half-a-dozen or so large apartments complete with a full-size kitchen, laundry facilities, a parlor and a separate bath for each room. A never-ending supply of activities will challenge the most active of children. Children's menus are available.

Sophisticated travelers, honeymooners, family reunions and meeting planners can appreciate The Merritt Hutchinson's luxury, privacy and one-of-a-kind setting.

For information and rates, call 888-713-1203 or send a request for information form from our Web site at www.merritthutchinson.com





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