After a few lovely days in Decatur, Georgia, I packed my bags and continued on to Rome—Rome, Georgia, that is.
I was headed to the WinShape Retreat Center, and this visit meant joining my husband for a weekend of quiet and reconnection.
The journey began at the bustling Atlanta airport, and soon the bus had left the city behind, following quieter roads until we turned into a long, winding driveway about two hours later.
This expansive property has a deep history and a unique character. Beyond functioning as a retreat center, the site is part of a larger campus once connected to a college and its agricultural operations.
The driveway stretched for some time, shaded by a tunnel of trees and lined with gently rolling fields where small groups of deer grazed—an immediate invitation to slow down.
The retreat buildings themselves are unlike many modern conference centers. They began life as part of a dairy farm for Berry College and were carefully repurposed into warm, welcoming spaces for rest and reflection.
Large white brick buildings sit around a central courtyard, their traditional proportions softened by landscaping and thoughtful detailing.
The buildings were designed with intent, and many of them were actually constructed brick by brick by college students years ago. Each structure carries at least one spire on its roofline, giving the campus a distinctive silhouette.
I noticed little birds perching on those spires, filling the air with bright, cheerful songs that felt perfectly in tune with the setting.
When the dairy operation ceased, the property might have been lost to neglect if not for the vision and resources of the family behind the Chick-fil-A chain, who recognized the site’s potential and invested in its restoration.
The transformation from farm buildings to an elegant retreat took dedication and care. Walking the grounds, you can see how thoughtfully every space was planned—both functionally and aesthetically.
There is a distinct pleasure in being surrounded by a place that has been lovingly restored—where small details and intentional design choices combine to create a peaceful atmosphere.
From the delicate finishings and curated decor to the carefully planned arrangement of buildings and walkways, every element contributes to a cohesive sense of calm.
The dining areas reflect that same attention to detail—graceful lighting, inviting furniture, and chandeliers that add a touch of elegance without feeling out of place.
One of my favorite moments was simply sitting beside a pond on the grounds, breathing in the stillness and enjoying the soft sounds of water and bird song. The space invites quiet reflection and restoration.
For us, the retreat offered a welcome pause—a chance to step away from everyday life and be refreshed by beautiful surroundings and meaningful company. The setting was ideal, and the people we shared it with made the experience even more memorable.
As we drove back down that winding driveway, our hearts felt full and content. The stay at the WinShape Retreat Center in Rome, Georgia, left us grateful for thoughtful design, restorative space, and the chance to slow down.
Our time in Georgia wasn’t over yet—next stop: Savannah.
(PS: While looking into the history of WinShape, I found myself pulled into a wealth of interesting information. You can read more about the retreat center’s background here and about the WinShape organization here.)
