Blending beauty and hospitality: the greenhouse at Pippin Hill Farm

A vision for design and hospitality

Co-founders Lynn and Dean combined their talents to create Pippin Hill Farm in Virginia Wine Country. Lynn’s background in high-end design and Dean’s long-standing experience in real estate and hospitality came together to establish a full-service farm and vineyard that has become a beloved destination along the East Coast.

When envisioning the next chapter for their venue, Lynn and Dean drew inspiration from their travels. A vineyard-to-table dinner in a solarium at Belmond Villa San Michele in Tuscany first sparked the idea of creating their own sun-filled sanctuary. Later, a visit to Heckfield Place in the English countryside, with its expansive sun house used for seasonal dining, further shaped their vision. To bring this dream to life, they partnered with Alitex, renowned for its craftsmanship and reputation as the premier glasshouse producer.

Why Alitex?

For Lynn and Dean, the choice was simple: Alitex’s Victorian style paired perfectly with Pippin Hill’s elevated mountain charm and timeless elegance. The greenhouse would not just be functional, but a defining architectural feature that felt at home within the estate.

The greenhouse design

The greenhouse at Pippin Hill is a traditional custom structure measuring 25 by 25 feet, complete with a central cupola. Finished in olive green, it sits gracefully between two cobblestone walls and is attached to the main building, making it an integral part of the farmstead. Inside, the space is thoughtfully equipped with Alitex benching, a small working kitchen, and tables and chairs for hosting. With double doors that open to the gardens and toughened glass featuring tinted roof sections, the greenhouse is filled with natural light. The design creates a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors while remaining practical for year-round use.

How Pippin Hill use the greenhouse

The greenhouse was envisioned as a multi-purpose sanctuary. It now serves as the setting for private lunches, wine dinners and creative workshops, while still functioning as the working heart of Pippin Hill’s horticultural program. In the winter months, it becomes the central base for the gardening team, extending the growing season for lettuces, greens and other vegetables that supply the Tasting Room. Microgreens in particular thrive in the space and are a constant crop, harvested fresh and used in both everyday dining and special events. Guests who dine inside experience more than just a meal: the greenhouse frames uninterrupted views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and with the doors open, they feel immersed in the vineyard landscape.

A distinctive feature

From the outset, the placement of the greenhouse was deliberate. During construction of the Tasting Room, an empty space was intentionally reserved to house the future structure. This decision allowed the greenhouse to be seamlessly integrated into the property, but it also required meticulous calculations and craftsmanship to ensure a perfect fit. Alitex’s expertise in custom design and precision engineering made this possible.

Transforming Pippin Hill

Today, the greenhouse is one of Pippin Hill’s most distinctive features. It offers guests an experience unlike anything else in Virginia Wine Country, combining rustic charm with refined hospitality. The space has become a signature element of the property – a working greenhouse, an elegant dining room, and a showcase for the farm’s commitment to creativity and connection with the land.

A word of advice

“Think creatively about how to get the most out of your Alitex space when designing it. We’ve used our greenhouse not just for gardening, but also as a unique space for guests to enjoy. It has been incredibly successful, and people absolutely love it.” – Lynn & Dean, Pippin Hill Farm