Washington, DC, October 21, 2024 – Historic Hotels of America is pleased to announce that Molly and Robert Hardie will be honored as recipients of the 2024 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award this November. The award recognizes the Hardies' significant contributions as owners, preservationists, and philanthropists dedicated to revitalizing historic places, including The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, and Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels.
The 2024 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Molly and Robert Hardie at the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala during the 2024 Historic Hotels Annual Conference at The Omni Homestead Resort on November 21, 2024, in front of an audience of owners, general managers, and other senior decision makers representing many of the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence honors historic preservation and timeless hospitality at historic hotels in various categories each year.
The 2024 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the Hardies’ enduring commitment to two landmark properties. The Hermitage Hotel, an architectural jewel that opened in 1910, is celebrated for its pivotal role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020. Under the Hardies' stewardship, the property underwent a multi-year restoration that preserved its historic Beaux Arts architecture and elevated the guest experience with two new restaurants by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, reaffirming its status as Nashville’s premier luxury destination. In 2019, The Hermitage Hotel was recognized by the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence as the year’s Historic Hotels of America Best City Center Historic Hotel.
Similarly, Keswick Hall, a historic estate dating back to 1912, has been revitalized to blend its storied past with modern elegance. Situated along the Monticello Wine Trail, Keswick Hall now features a dual-level infinity pool, the acclaimed Full Cry golf course by Pete Dye, and Marigold, a renowned restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This transformation, focused on sustainability and locally sourced dining, underscores the Hardies’ vision of honoring heritage while providing luxurious amenities. The property offers guests a unique gateway to Virginia’s natural beauty and historic sites, complementing the Hardies' dedication to preserving cultural heritage.
"We are truly honored to receive the 2024 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award," said Molly and Robert Hardie. "This recognition is a testament to our deep commitment to preserving the rich history and legacy of The Hermitage Hotel and Keswick Hall. For us, it has always been about more than ownership—it is about stewardship and a responsibility to ensure these remarkable properties continue to inspire future generations."
As dedicated philanthropists, Molly and Robert actively support numerous nonprofits through the H7 Foundation, focusing on education, cultural preservation, and community service. This November, they will host Keswick Hall’s inaugural Harvesting Hope weekend in partnership with No Kid Hungry, furthering their impact on combating child hunger. Their broader philanthropic efforts demonstrate their commitment to fostering community growth and enhancing the cultural vitality of the regions where they live and work.
Molly Hardie, a University of Virginia Medical School graduate, serves on The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Board of Trustees (the private nonprofit organization that owns and operates Monticello) and other local nonprofits, bringing her passion for design and sustainability to the Hardies’ ventures. Robert Hardie, who holds three degrees from UVA, serves as Rector of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, where he leads strategic governance efforts. Through H7 Holdings, LLC, they ensure that Keswick Hall and The Hermitage Hotel remain premier destinations that honor their storied pasts while embracing the future.
“Historic Hotels of America is pleased to recognize Molly and Robert Hardie for their integral role in ensuring that every detail of The Hermitage Hotel and Keswick Hall reflects their unique histories while incorporating luxury elements for today’s guests,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Through their creative vision, Molly and Robert have created spaces that respect and honor the past, offering guests a sophisticated and welcoming experience that connects them to each hotel’s unique story. Their approach has transformed these historic sites into vibrant icons that continue to enrich their communities both culturally and economically.”
Tickets for The 2024 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala are available. The 2024 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala will take place at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7 pm. Ceremony and Gala Tickets are $500. To register for the ceremony and gala, click here.
About Historic Hotels of America
Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across the United States of America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949 and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save the places where our history happened. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historical significance. Of the more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 44 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, all historic hotels faithfully preserve their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org
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