Located less than 20 minutes southeast of Knoxville McGee-Tyson Airport and 45 minutes west of Gatlinburg, this hostelry continues to creative impressive surroundings for its well-heeled clientele. The facilities and spectacular location are the highlights here. Conceived and built by the couple who started the popular Ruby Tuesday restaurants, this intimate and exclusive hotel is the antithesis of a chain brand. Renovations and maintenance are constant. Recent improvements include the addition of 15 new cottage suites, the expansion of the cooking school, a dairy that produces the milk and cheese used in the restaurant (it is also for sale in the shop), the expanded chefs' garden, and anglers' facilities.

On the northern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the unique country hideaway encompasses 4,200 acres of rolling hills, two small lakes, dense forests and miles of trails. After traversing a few miles of routine rural scenery, motorists spot the long run of white fence that skirts the gravel road up to this marvelous hidden gem. Fieldstone marks the entrance and the lighted walkways that link the buildings. Inside the main house, the reception foyer showcases seasoned tongue-and-groove pine, drape-and-sway fabrics and antiques. The sunken sitting room with a fireplace is bathed in soft, flattering light. The library also has a fireplace and elegant overstuffed appointments with throw pillows aplenty.

The gift shop specializes in fly-fishing gear, cheese and farm-fresh products. In a separate building called The Barn, the lavish European-style restaurant is the highlight for many arrivals. A massive stone fireplace adds warmth and drama to the room. Windsor chairs are swathed in lovely handmade slipcovers festooned with blackberry vines, and acres of fabric dress up windows that afford stunning views. The notable chef infuses European flair into delicious dishes. In contrast to a few surrounding dry counties, here martinis flow readily. In the original building, the Main House restaurant is a relaxed setting for the southern cuisine that has built the property's culinary reputation.

Sportsmen flock here for the range of outdoor attractions. Two stocked ponds and a pair of streams run through the grounds, and fishing gear and lessons are provided. Equestrian pursuits are among the offerings, and a paved 3-mile path for jogging and cycling meanders through the scenery. Although most activities exact an additional fee, mountain bikes are available to guests for free, and tennis, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, hiking, canoeing and horseshoes are also included in the rates. Note that except for guests booked into the most expensive cottages, use of the golf carts is not complimentary. In fact, guests who tire of the long waits for staff-chauffeured carts will pay dearly for the privilege of driving their own. The stunning spa and fitness center allow for pampering and exercise when the weather turns uncooperative. Cooking-school packages are offered throughout the year and fill up quickly. Meeting space serves up to 80 in immaculate rooms with views, fireplaces and alfresco space. Valet parking is free of charge.

The main house has 12 guest rooms, and 11 await in the guesthouse (where public areas are comfortable, fireplaces are cozy and rockers line the porch). Holly Glade Cottages comprise lavish, larger rooms in a bevy of cozy forested buildings. The new Singing Brook Cottages are fair-size, though their location on the far side of the property gives them lots of privacy. All lodgings are splendidly appointed with American and English antiques, tartan wing chairs, and rich fabrics and matching drapes in country patterns and colors. The king or queen feather beds are embellished with duvets, down pillows and quilted headboards. TVs and phones are unobtrusive. Some of the fine baths lack tubs. Each of the cottage suites has a fireplace, stocked pantry and a large whirlpool tub in its stunning bath. Each building also has a CD player. The rooms in the popular guesthouse have phones and spacious baths. Turndown service and complimentary daily newspapers add an urbane touch out here in the back woods. Well-behaved pets can be accommodated.

Blackberry Farm perches on a level well above anything else in the state, and it is also one of the warmest and most inviting hotels in the South. It suits top-level business travelers and romantic couples equally well. Room rates allude to paradise, but take note that a two-night minimum and a 15% service charge apply, the cancellation policy is strict, and children younger than 10 are not on the guest list.