The new presidential suite at the Inn at Little Washington, the Claiborne House.
A Different Kind of Washington
If Air Force One is in the shop and you can’t make it to Hong Kong, there is another presidential getaway just a short motorcade away. The Inn at Little Washington has just opened a presidential suite of its own, the Claiborne House – named for late food writer and cookbook author Craig Claiborne, who celebrated many birthdays there when it was the private residence of the Inn’s chef, Patrick O’Connell. The house features two bedrooms, two and one-half baths, living and dining rooms, a media room and library (plus views of the Inn’s herb and cutting garden). Past guests include Al and Tipper Gore and Warren Beatty and Annette Benning (none presidential, though one got awfully close). Get there: Middle and Main St., Washington, Va., 540-675-3800, www.theinnatlittlewashington.com.
