The Inn at Little Washington: A Magnificent Obsession

The remarkable story of the architecture and interior design of America’s most famous country inn and restaurant. The transformation of the internationally acclaimed Inn at Little Washington—from a rural garage into a sumptuous country house hotel—reads like an enchanted fairy tale. Legendary chef and owner Patrick O’Connell tells the story of how this property was reimagined with a team of skilled designers and architects. The inn, which opened in 1978, is considered a masterpiece in American hotel and restaurant design and has expanded to include not only the original main building, but an entire village of cottages, guesthouses, and gardens. British interior designer Joyce Conwy Evans collaborated with O’Connell in creating the sensational English-style ambience. Lavishly photographed and enhanced by Conwy Evans’s watercolor renderings, this gorgeous book features luxurious guest rooms, stunning bathrooms, exquisite tabletop vignettes, floral arrangements, and displays of art, which will inspire every home decorator.

Patrick O’Connell is a self-taught chef who has pioneered a refined, regional American cuisine. A member of the Relais & Chateâux group, The Inn at Little Washington became America’s first five–star inn. The restaurant has won many accolades, including five James Beard awards. Derry Moore was a contributing photographer for Nest. He photographs for Architectural Digest and other magazines, and is the author of In House, Rooms, and The Englishman’s Room. Gordon Beall specializes in architecture and interior design. His photographs appear frequently in publications such as Architectural Digest.