3 Best Hotels in Chadds Ford, Brandywine Valley

With a classic stone house at its center, this historic property with multiple buildings—part of William Penn's land grant to the Hemphill family—carves out a tranquil 35 acres of Brandywine Valley countryside, including a winery. Among the rooms in the 1734 Quaker farmhouse (part of the main house) is the Dormer, once a hospital for the Underground Railroad. Rooms in the elegant 1815 Georgian addition have high ceilings and traditional furnishings; some have fireplaces. Of the 11 "cottages," which are in three buildings, most have kitchens and fireplaces. Both fun and relaxation are bountiful here, thanks to the on-site winery (tasting room is generally open Friday through Sunday; tastings sometimes take place in larger Vineyard Barn) and an honor bar, billiards room, library, fitness room, bocce court, and outdoor pool. Breakfast is served in the dining room or on the outdoor patio, both of which overlook the resident horses and goats.

Centrally located halfway between Longwood Gardens and Winterthur, this three-building B&B on well-tended grounds sets itself apart from others with bright, uncluttered rooms stylishly furnished for modern but still traditional tastes in white, cream, and light gray with mostly wood floors. Besides the 1823–37 main house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn has a more recently built carriage house and a springhouse. The main house has a living room with a fireplace, a hospitality room with snacks like popcorn and cookies, and a room with tables for breakfast. Guest rooms in the carriage house and springhouse have decks; those in the latter have a sweeping view down to the pond on the extensive grounds. The Fairville's excellent breakfast includes a choice of three entrées, such as seasonal frittatas, blueberry compote pancakes, or yogurt parfait bowls.

Part of a collection of independently owned lodgings, this comfortable, modern, three-story hotel with plushly traditional rooms stands out with a fabulous location that provides easy access to the Brandywine Valley's major attractions in both Pennsylvania and Delaware. Wooden headboards and other furnishings, as well as wall-to-wall carpeting and curtains with valances in neutral tones, may make the rooms feel a bit old-fashioned, but the good beds and furniture are restful after a day of sightseeing (or working). The lobby and areas on the upstairs floors have comfortable sofas and chairs for gathering. Although there are restaurants nearby, the bar and on-property restaurant (closed Monday and Tuesday; no lunch except Sunday brunch) offer American fare at different price points (expensive mains, but there are lower-price options). The fire pit outdoors in season is a nice touch.