A secluded mansion perched atop a bluff on the James River, once reserved for dignitaries and business elite, is now a fantastic luxury rental estate that opens its doors to the public. The Estate at Kingsmill offers elevated accommodations for members or visitors to Williamsburg's very own AAA Four Diamond golf resort, Kingsmill Resort.

The Estate is 7,000 square feet of fairy tale living with opulent upholstery, panoramic views through expansive walls of retractable glass, a private chef, a heated infinity pool, four large en suite bedrooms, and an estate manager personally dedicated to meeting guests' needs. Have a special request for crème brulee at midnight? Consider it done. Forgot to pack a swimsuit? The estate manager can take care of it. Then, when it's time to take advantage of the resort's countless amenities, two luxury SUVs and customized golf carts decked out with technology are standing at the ready. A stay at The Estate automatically comes with resort access.

"As soon as our guests step inside the mansion, their cares just melt away," Elizabeth Grimes, Vice President of Marketing, explains. "The resort is its own little world with dining, family activities- you name it, which we're more than happy to set up for The Estate guests. We can handle the finest details so that all guests have to do is enjoy their experience."

Kingsmill Resort is primarily known for its championship-level River and Plantation golf courses where the legends once trod and where the LPGA continues to compete. Although golf remains a huge draw at the resort, it has expanded to offer a wide range of options. Tennis enthusiasts find 15 top-notch courts that host USTA players. On a cool early morning, bike rentals are perfect to explore the great outdoors among safe, guarded woodlands that are an Audubon sanctuary (be on the lookout for bald eagles). For young families, water sports and the River Pool with water slide gives the kids a chance to burn plenty of energy, topped off with poolside refreshments.

Wedding parties take in gorgeous views of the James River, colorful blossoming trees, well-appointed ballrooms, and customized services for indoor or outdoor ceremonies. The Estate can comfortably sleep a party of eight, with luxury cottages and fully-equipped condominiums also available for lodging.

Then there's the Spa, an environment so lavish that even the wallpaper has Swarovski crystals. Guests ease into a robe and melt their troubles away through a menu of over 50 treatments that cover head to toe. Feel comfortable in private rooms with gender specific services. After receiving massages and treatments based on the industry's cutting-edge advancements, spa guests can retire to a deck overlooking the river as they sip a glass of wine.

For golfers wanting a tasty dinner or a drink to toast the results of their round, Eagles offers an elegant yet down-to-earth dining experience. Elements 1010 serves inspired cuisine using fresh seasonal foods in a casually upscale setting. In the warm summer months, James River Grille opens as Williamsburg's only outdoor riverfront dining destination, dishing out unbelievably fresh seafood. All three restaurants use locally sourced ingredients. At each turn, Kingsmill's staff has thoughtfully elevated the ordinary. It's the result of years of hard work from leaders with a passion for exquisite hospitality. The resort was built 45 years ago by the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch fame. They chose a very special spot for the family mansion on the river: the upper deck in the right conditions offers views of both sunrise and sunset over the water. Around the mansion stood forgotten land that held a wealth of American history, which the Busch family felt obliged to honor. Arnold Palmer and Peter Dye were later invited to design championship golf courses around the exact site of Britain's first settlement stop in 1607.

"The River Course 17th hole situated right on the James River is the most historic 177 yards of golf in America," Elizabeth notes with a smile.

As the resort attracted PGA talent and global media attention, it soon became popular among White House and Congressional leaders looking for a quick break from DC drama. Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama visited. Services rapidly expanded to offer new activities.

The Busch family turned over the estate when the resort was sold. Its new owners saw potential in a renovation that would allow the mansion to become a public treasure. Restoration Hardware, a premier interior design resource, took on the $3 million project. Although some adjustments were made, the mansion's architecture and footprint are essentially the same, preserving its shape as dignitaries remember it.

RH's expert decorators went to work. First comes two gorgeous teardrop chandeliers in the entrance- stunning but not pretentious- with its light reflecting in a mirrored corridor. Guests then step into a living space that's upscale and low-key at the same time. The kitchen is like a magazine cover with its smooth-as-butter quartz countertops and stylish transitional image. Toward the back of the house, movable glass walls open to a deck replete with a grill, hot tub, infinity pool, and modern outdoor furniture.

Each of the four en suite bedrooms offers a view of the river. Beds wrap guests in the unbelievable comfort of 1000-thread luxe sateen Italian linens. Private bathrooms evoke the feel of a personal spa.

The Estate's eight-person party size is ideal for small business investment meetings, family getaways, intimate weddings, and even a fun ladies' weekend. The resort also features riverfront cottages with downstairs master suites which can be separately booked or included for larger parties. Luxury condominiums, all within the resort's manicured property, offer some 400 bedrooms to the public.

Weekends tend to book up fast, so Elizabeth recommends early inquisition. While Father's Day will likely be quite busy, a father-son weekday outing in June can make for an excellent gift.

Elizabeth encourages visitors to come see what the resort has to offer. "We want all of Hampton Roads to know that world-class hospitality is available right here in Williamsburg."