Earlier this month Cathy and I embarked on a little journey, we set off to tour several venues on our way to a wedding in the Saugerties, NY area.. we did not anticipate the snow or extreme cold we were dealt but it was worth the meetings, tours and experiences! Take a look at our trip – –

Stone Tavern Farm – The Stone House on the property was built in 1803 and is the oldest house in Roxbury. The Wedding Barn can handle up to 400 or be downsized for an intimate group of 75. Despite the snow storm that was happening while we visited we absolutely fell in love with Stone Tavern Farm and cannot wait to see it in warmer weather! I can only imagine how amazing the Waterside Pavilion is in the sunshine – it is over 1600 square feet and a perfect spot for rehearsal dinners, cocktail hour and brunches!Roxbury Barn & Estate -Bordering forever wild forests in the high peaks of the Central Catskills, our estate consists of 42 acres of stunning natural scenery. The Carriage Barn is what is called a bank barn, getting its name from a simple but clever construction technique: the barn is built into the side of a cliff, thus permitting two levels to be entered from the ground. The lower level, only visible from the backside, is where our caterer has their prep area. The floors above, with a main entrance through the big barn doors with a glass facade, form the main event spaces.

The 168-year-old barn’s interior is both spacious and intimate with its two-level setup, combining silver-gray washed rough-cut walls all around, black-stained original post and beam structure, and state-of-the-art modern Italian designer chandeliers.

Painstakingly restored and renovated, the carriage barn combines old-world grandeur with the comfort of a sleekly designed bar, well outfitted restrooms, air-conditioning and heating, WIFI and audio systems. This solid structure is uniquely redesigned to facilitate flawless events. What an incredible space – we loved seeing this venue as we have followed them on Instagram for quite some time – perfect for more intimate weddings and trend setters! Shakespeare on the Hudson – is unlike any other destination in the Hudson Valley. With its 270° of unspoiled views of the Hudson River’s east bank, sprawling great lawn, and wedding gazebo, the site can accommodate up to 500 guests, with both on-site and off-site lodging available at our sister facility, the historic Stewart House at THE ATHENS HOTEL, which is located on the waterfront less than ten minutes away in the town of Athens. Such a beautiful location – we may not have been able to see all of the view the day we toured but it is a perfect setting for destination weddings, family retreats, etc.

Diamond Mills Hotel, Conference Center & Tavern – truly unlike anything in the Hudson Valley. Diamond Mills is a 30-room boutique hotel featuring luxury accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full service events accommodating up to 400 guests in its spectacular Ballroom perched above the Esopus Falls.We actually had the pleasure of staying here for the wedding that brought us to the Saugerties area – Eric and Cheng Cheng enjoyed an intimate wedding onsite on April 7th.

Saturday while Cathy worked our wedding at Diamond Mills Hotel, I toured North Country Vintage Rentals and A Private Estate! We’ve had the pleasure of working with North Country Vintage but had never had the opportunity to tour their showroom – what a treat! So many gorgeous pieces, we cannot wait to collaborate with them again in the future. 

A Private Estate was my last stop and it was well worth the wait! As a former Livingston estate, on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, the property certainly has the feel that it once had back  in 1856. Located just two hours north of New York City, you will experience an secluded oasis of verdant lawns and grand old oaks, overlooking the Hudson river, with the green peaks of the Catskill mountains across the river serving as the backdrop. The venue comprises three distinct areas. There is the Riverside Grounds, a half-mile-long swath of groomed lawn, dotted by century-old white oaks, and anchored by the landmarked mansion, which faces the river. On the hill behind the mansion lies the Barn Complex, fully modernized to host your reception. Between these two is the Carriage House, one of two houses available for rent. Ample parking, space, the views and an impeccable location – we hope to get the opportunity to work with Ripley and Jack soon!