Prince Edward County, VA – Herberton Prince Edward Development LLC announced that The Manor Resort, Spa and Residential Estate—formerly Poplar Hill and now under development in Prince Edward County—has embraced a new brand name as the means to honor local and regional history and tradition while simultaneously bringing to the foreground the Manor House (formerly of Poplar Hill Farm) that, when restored, will become the centerpiece of the new community.
On July 10, 2007, Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced the development of Poplar Hill (now The Manor Resort, Spa and Residential Estate), a $77 million, multi-purpose recreational community that will boost the economy of Prince Edward County and the surrounding region. The project, located south of Farmville on U.S. Route 15, is expected to create 180 permanent jobs in the area.
“The Manor House, an extraordinary 19th century mansion, is centrally located in our site plans and is set to become the showpiece of the community. It truly is the logical brand name for the development,” said Michael Heffernan, managing partner of Herberton Prince Edward Development, LLC. “With so many Poplar Hill communities across the U.S., it became necessary, at this early stage in development, to consider another brand name that more thoughtfully evokes not only the property’s history but the new community’s physical presence, amenities and lifestyle profile.”
The Manor Resort Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course designed by Robbins and Associates, a respected team that has served as designers and master planners of golf courses around the world.  Nestled among the rolling hills of south central Virginia, The Manor Resort features spectacular settings for golf. Club memberships are available and the course is now open to the public.
The Manor Resort, Spa and Residential Estate is a 1,060-acre master-planned resort and residential community.  The Manor Resort will feature the fully-restored 1840 Manor House, adjacent to which will be The Manor Resort Hotel (140 rooms), The Manor Resort Conference Center (20,000 square feet) and a full-service Spa.  Other amenities at The Manor Resort will include a Fitness Center—with swimming and tennis facilities—an equestrian center, riding trails, walking/hiking trails and a 100-acre nature preserve.
"This project is an excellent example of successful collaboration," said Governor Kaine. "Public and private partners—including Hampden-Sydney College, Longwood University, Prince Edward County, the Town of Farmville and the developer—have joined forces to increase tourism while providing a great source for workforce training and employment in the hospitality field."
The Manor Resort will offer home sites on the golf course, the lake and the nature preserve, with lifestyle options to fit single family, retirement and second home buyers. Home sites will be made available for sale in the late Fall of 2007.
"We have created a formula, through the creative mix of public and private finance, to catalyze economic growth and development, tourism and strategic partnerships in education and training so as to build a lasting legacy for Southside Virginia and Prince Edward County,” said Mr. Heffernan. “The Manor Resort, Spa and Residential Estate will generate more than $47 million in taxes for Prince Edward County over the next 25 years."