Reminiscent of a Downton Abbey set, Hill House is an old English style manor tucked away in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Lush lawns, gorgeous gardens, old stonework at every turn, and breathtaking views of the Berkshire Mountains transport you to another time.
If you’ve ever watched the famed Downton, you know parties at that great family manse are not only an incredible production, but the invitations are highly sought-after. After taking a peek at Hill House, you’ll think nothing less of parties at this grand abode with it's grandiose tree-lined entryway.
History Lesson
This private estate has been in the same family for over 150 years and just recently hosted its first family wedding in honor of the original owners’ great granddaughter and her groom. Calling in Lyndsey Hamilton Eventsto assist with the planning and design, the family ultimately ended up deciding to open their doors for weddings and parties for non-family members as well. This place is a total dream for the romantic and the history buff alike.
A Classic, Elegant Wedding
Following the ceremony in the sunken gardens, the bride and groom hosted a cocktail party reception. The couple wanted their wedding to embrace a sense of a bygone era, grandiose in setting but informal in that there was no seated dinner or strict timeline.
Style for your Venue Setting
Lyndsey’s team set up lounge seating on the terrace and small seating zones throughout the property, encouraging guests to explore the grounds.
The décor for the evening featured many nods to the family’s history, incorporating heirloom vases, antique china, linens and silver. As Lyndsey says, “I wanted to enhance the natural beauty of the property without competing with it.” So, the décor is simple and elegant, a perfect complement to the surroundings.
About Hill House
Upon entering the hundred-acre property, guests are greeted with a mile-long archway of old maple trees. The manor, completed in 1927, features flourishes of art deco details with a mostly French Norman inspired exterior.
The entry hall of the main house is entirely marble and leads directly to the terrace and gardens. The lower level of the home features a large dining room that seats up to 100 guests and a formal living room area, which serves as an ideal lounge zone for the non-dancing crowd, though they can always sneak into the game room for a round of ping pong. The upper level has 9 bedrooms, which are available for guests’ use as part of the venue rental.
For event rentals, there are multiple lawn areas that can be used for an outdoor tent or as open-air spaces for cocktails, lounges, and dinner. There are four gardens on the property, each dating back to the early 20th century.
Inside Scoop
The main lawn behind the house, which features modern ballet dancer sculptures (created by the bride’s grandmother) and a large fountain, could be used for cocktail hour, dinner, and/or dancing.
What types of Events can you host here?
Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Brunch, Group Getaway, Retreat, Dinner Party, Anniversary Party, Vow Renewal, Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Workshop
Around Town
The Berkshires are a huge destination for art museums, shopping, and outdoor activities. Lyndsey says the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is a must-see, and she also loves Prairie Whale in Great Barrington, a restaurant by Mark Firth of Marlow & Sons (Brooklyn). Shopping in Great Barrington is plentiful with antiques, boutiques, and craft stores. Outdoor sports are huge, including kayaking, water skiing, fly and table fishing, horseback riding, and there are a lot of great biking and hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail.
Correspondents
Venue:Hill House | Event + Floral Design, Production :Lyndsey Hamilton Events | Photography: Shawn Connell for Christian Oth
