the GUEST room: SAM BEALL
PHOTO: BEALL + THOMAS We thought “who better” to be our first INSPIRED GUEST than Sam Beall, the Proprietor of BLACKBERRY FARM? Sam is a master at creating the ultimate guest experience as he steers the world-renowned Relais & Chateaux destination his parents Sandy and Kreis founded in 1988 to exciting new — and delicious! — heights every day. Sam grew up on the property before stints at the French Laundry, the Ritz-Carlton, and Cowgirl Creamery. Likewise he worked at wineries, farms, and markets before settling back in the foothills of Tennessee, where he cooks, raises a family, and oversees the food, wine, and other lifestyle programs of Blackberry Farm. We are fortunate to have partnered with Sam and his talented Blackberry team over the years to create interiors and experiences that further enhance every Blackberry visit. Our collaboration continues today, as we are designing the new Event Center and the Guest Houses on the iconic property. We caught up with Sam at the top of the New Year to talk hospitality, food, style and inspirations...
What inspires you?
A genuine experience or product defined
by the quality associated with it.
Tell us about YOUR favorite guest room
Any room in our Carriage House! The location and room
layout set it apart. The interiors reflect the character of the
building and the view is symbolically Blackberry Farm.
Tell us about your most recent favorite find…
A restaurant in Belguim, Hertog Jan. The food and beverage menu
are simply over the top. It’s 3 Star Michelin but unassuming and a relaxed
environment. The restaurant design is clean, uncluttered and open to the
gardens outside…beautifully allowing the food and service to be the focus.
What is one thing about you that would surprise people?
Probably everything! I am a pretty private person. Maybe the fact I love and collect great shoes. Some of my favorites in the closet are twenty years old now.
What is your definition of TIMELESS STYLE?
First, my focus is always on the architecture and I am not a interior designer. Blackberry Design, my wife, Suzanne or my mother always deliver that talent. However, I truly do love and use the word timeless often as a goal in our projects. If design/style is reflective of the place or person it has potential to be timeless. These deeply rooted characteristics won’t change with trends or fashion.
While I personally might fall to classic furniture, fixtures and fabrics with more neutrals of brown, blues, greys, whites with pops of color, timeless style is certainly not limited to a single situation here. My mother just did a house with tons of pink which I think is beautiful and reflective of her. My wife just finished a 60’s townhouse for us that is a super clean, Frank Lloyd Wright style with all mid-century modern interiors and it is spectacular. All different but timeless!
