It’s not too often that you get an entire mansion at your disposal, but when you book an event at Cairnwood Estate, the whole National Historic Landmark is yours. Built in 1895 by John Pitcairn, this Beaux Arts French chateau was just named one of the top 25 best historic homes in America by Traditional Home magazine. While the event venue, which has been open since 2001, is most often associated with weddings, this Gilded Age landmark isn’t just for brides and grooms. “Cairnwood is ideal for corporate retreats or board meetings where attendees really want or need privacy,” says Shannon Walko, director. “What’s extraordinary is you’re getting a private castle, so you have access to all rooms on the first floor and many upstairs, so you can settle in, feel comfortable and really use the space.”
There are six rooms on the first floor, while the former bedrooms upstairs have been transformed into “classically beautiful” breakout rooms, according to Walko. There is also a 120-foot flagstone terrace that can be tented to accommodate up to 240 people. Since Cairnwood Estate is a house museum, the third floor is home to a gallery detailing life in the late 1800s. The history and education department is a great resource and can supply an added element to any event, “from docents in Victorian costumes to tours of the carriage house, containing restored carriages and a 1928 Packard,” Walko says.
