Loaded with historic beauty, the club’s 1852 Farm House Bed and Breakfast is all about country charm. From top to bottom, it has seen a few upgrades throughout the years, its most recent occurring five years ago in preparation for its use as a B&B. Guests here are privy to exposed hand-hewn beams and hard-plank flooring, a look that is carried throughout the first and second floors of the house.
Downstairs, a formal dining room that can seat about 40 guests features a working fireplace—a smaller room parallel to it is used for more intimate sit-down dinners and other functions. A Tavern Room with a fully stocked bar (wine, liquor, craft beers) on the first floor is available to all guests. Its usage is based on the honor system. Aesthetically, the handsome space features an electric fireplace, three deep-sill windows, a sofa and love seat and two brown leather chairs.
An entranceway staircase shows the way to three double-occupancy rooms on the second floor. Named after famous golfers, the Betsy King Room—with two twin sleigh beds, a shared night stand and dresser—is situated across from the Arnold Palmer Room, which features its own private bathroom and queen-sized bed in addition to a sitting area and ornamental fireplace. The Jack Nicklaus Room down the hall features a sleigh bed, night table and dresser. A second bathroom with luxurious marble tile flooring, sink, tub and shower is shared by guests—towels and linens are provided. Thick plaster walls, dark trim, gorgeous hardwood floors, ornamental throw rugs and an abundance of natural light with lovely views of the club’s property are standard in all rooms, which are available for either stay-and-play packages or just overnight accommodations.
Guests are treated to a continental breakfast including coffee or tea, fresh juices, bagels and muffins in the morning.
A side porch with red brick pavers, two large overhead awnings and tables and chairs is the perfect seasonal spot for guests who cannot get enough of the fresh country air.
Sit, Stay & Play
Jody R. Folk, principal owner of the club, and his German Shepherd Atticus can be seen most mornings riding side by side in a golf cart perusing the property. Ten-year-old Atticus, who grew up here, is no stranger to the 150-acre course with its manicured lawns, water hazards and sand traps. He sits quietly, almost regally, in the cart alongside his master.
A semi-private golf club with about 250 members, Golden Oaks offers three men’s tees, a women’s tee and a senior’s tee for every player regardless of skill level.
The 18-hole course—with four water hazards and four par-3 holes—was designed by golf course architect Jim Blaukovitch of Quakertown. A 7,100-yard championship Four Star course, Golden Oaks was named one of the top places to play in the country by Golf Digest magazine and was also voted “Best Public Golf Course” by readers of Berks County Living. Nestled in the rolling green hills, stately trees and pastures of rural Oley, it is simply breathtaking.
But you don’t have to play the game of golf to enjoy the ambience here. It’s everywhere on or off the course.
For instance, the restaurant and club house stand in place of a barn which had been the centerpiece of the farmstead. Two thick end stone walls—one in the dining room and the other in the lounge area—as well as heavy wood support beams are all original and echo an important aspect of the restaurant’s past life as an out building. Together they provide a rustic, down-to-earth feel inside the busy space.
A large open deck on the south side is used for dining and socializing in nice weather. The space, which can hold up to 70 people, is heated and enclosed with glass panels in cold weather.
A pavilion above the restaurant and pro shop seats up to 100 people. Both the deck and pavilion offer fantastic views of the golf course.
The club supports about 35 full-time employees, many of whom have been with the club for many years. During the season (May through October) though, its needs double and more people are brought on board. “Our customer needs are always put first,” Jody says.
The only time the course is closed is if there is snow on the ground. Its public restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch, is open seven days a week.
“I always hear what a great deal we have here–not only a great golf course, but a great place to enjoy a great meal and drinks,” Jody shares.
No matter what the season, the Farm House at Golden Oaks Golf Club is always open and ready to cater to members and guests who come here for an overnight stay or a game of golf or both—it’s always the perfect hole in one.
BY MARCIA WEIDNER-SUTPHEN | PHOTOS BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS
