The history of Quercus is a delightful, if surprising, story with Quercus Farm founded in 1977 by Duke and Duchess Visconti di Modrone, who fell in love with a piece of heaven in Gay, Georgia while looking to escape a troubling political time in Italy. They wanted to raise their family on a working farm, surrounded by nature. Initially, the property was a fully functional ranch where they bred Limousin cattle, yet soon became a fertile hunting reserve where the Duke and Duchess hosted European guests, who enjoyed the thrill of hunting quail and white tail deer.
Today, Quercus Farm is guided by the next generation—Chiara Visconti-Pervanas and her husband, Angelos. They have joined forces with Kara Hidinger and Ryan Smith, the acclaimed duo behind the Michelin-starred restaurant Staplehouse – and together the foursome have cultivated a culinary program that highlights the extraordinary abundance of Quercus.
AB DOMO IN DOMUM: Home away from home
Traditional ranch culture and southern hospitality with European flair is now just a 90-minute drive from Atlanta, making for a divine weekend escape from the city! Once you enter the drive at Quercus, you are relinquished of your car and worries. Your care and comfort is placed in the gentle hands of the carefully-selected hospitality team at Quercus.
World of Quercus accommodations feature four luxury cabins in an authentic farm setting. Sizes range from one bedroom (Cypress, Ember, and Sylva Suites) to two bedrooms (Naya Suite) and offer a haven of comfort with meticulous attention to detail. Each accommodation possesses a distinct character and is full of fascinating details – artwork, furnishings, and literature sourced from the Visconti di Modrone family and dating as far back as the Crusades.
A beautiful welcome awaited us in our Cabin – insanely decadent chocolate chip cookies, lovely wines from the owners’ Tuscan vineyard, flowers, and some of the best savory snacks ever!!
The cabins are lovingly and thoughtfully stocked with special amenities, homey touches, and complimentary delicacies….this my kind of “camping”!
The cabins are crafted, designed, and stocked with impeccable attention to detail and good taste – where nothing is overlooked, the quality is regal, and the sense of place in middle Georgia is unabashedly proud.
Walks through the pecan grove, across the cow pastures, or just up to breakfast, give guests a sense of peace, belonging, and relaxation.
If you don’t feel like walking, not to worry, the cabins all come with top-of-the-line golf carts.
Just don’t have too much fun!
The Garden at Quercus is one of the highlights, overseen by the passionate owner Angelos.
Angelos was kind enough to show us what great soils do for the cornucopia of bounty that the team at Quercus grows. At Quercus Farm, they use sustainable and biodynamic agricultural methods to raise their produce as naturally and organically as possible. Biodynamic farms bring plants, animals, and soil together in collaboration so they can support each other in perfect unison. These methods help us restore the soil, replenishing the balance of nutrients while creating healthy produce.
Guests come to Quercus for tranquility, adventure, and connection with nature—but let’s be honest, the true draw is Uberto, the destination restaurant led by Atlanta’s Michelin-starred Staplehouse duo: Chef Ryan Smith and his wife, Kara Hidinger, whom I fondly call the “Queen of Hospitality.”
With just 30 seats, Uberto offers an intimate dining experience centered around a thoughtfully curated tasting menu. Showcasing the farm’s own produce and proteins, along with ingredients from select local purveyors, the restaurant hosts multi-course dinners every Friday and Saturday night. As part of Quercus’ all-inclusive experience, every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—is carefully crafted by the team and enjoyed at various locations throughout the property.
(Photos of Uberto and the tasting menu below were provided by Quercus.)
Guests staying at Quercus on a Thursday or Sunday night will enjoy a “Donabe Dinner” which refers to a meal cooked and served in a traditional Japanese clay pot, or donabe, and our evening entailed dipping some of the most fragrant, colorful, and delicious vegetables I have ever had along with tender and beautiful wagyu beef.
Arriving back to our cozy cottage for a nightcap next to a roaring wood burning stove was delightful, and set the tone for a perfect night’s sleep in the cool spring Georgia night.
Morning at Quercus is divine. Surrounded by the forests and birdsong, I brewed a cup of coffee and retreated to the front porch to watch the farm come alive (did I mention that I snacked on literally the best granola I have had in my life!)
The night before we were given the option of a breakfast delivery to our Cabin or breakfast at the Cottage, where we arrived at The Cottage, where we found a table set for two with a welcome note detailing our menu. It just feels like home here (well, maybe a bit better!)
We are Happy Campers after a quick rejuvenating visit to Quercus, but even a fabulous weekend get-a-way must come to an end…luckily, it’s only a 90 minute drive home to Atlanta!
The Facts
The World of Quercus is a weekend destination currently open Thursday-Monday.
Quercus is open all-year, though it will be closed this summer (2025). Stay tuned for updates on upcoming availability and expanded stays.
The tasting menu at Uberto is currently served on Friday and Saturday nights, so guests booked for these days will enjoy one tasting menu experience during their stay.
The rates are fully-inclusive of in-cabin snacks, three curated meals, and all gratuities. Wines and other alcoholic beverages are selected according to guest preferences, and are placed in the suite for complimentary guest enjoyment. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase throughout your stay.
The property caters primarily to adults.
Fishing, kayaking, garden and farm tours, and equestrian activities are included in the cost of your stay. Wellness offerings are priced per service and currently include yoga, massage, and nutritional consultation. Additional spa services will be available in the near future!
For more information and reservations, contact laura@resorttolauramadrid.com