The Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut has long been a weekend getaway destination for city dwellers looking to unwind and connect with nature. With its rolling hills, covered bridges, local farm stands and spectacular fall foliage, this area is the perfect backdrop for anyone who wants to recharge and soak in the scenery.
For the engaged couple or the corporate event planner seeking a truly unique experience that still embraces traditional New England charm, Winvian Farm is an absolute must-see. Noted as being ‘difficult to describe but lacks nothing’, this hidden gem in Morris, Connecticut offers the complete package with a twist – all set on 113 acres of secluded woodlands and meadows.
“Our wedding couples love the exclusivity and peacefulness of enjoying the property with family and friends for the weekend without being restricted,” noted Elizabeth Goslee, Events Manager & Wedding Coordinator. “With our on-property wedding planner they don’t have to worry about the timing for their wedding, so they can relax and enjoy the weekend with their loved ones.”
The main event space at the Gordon Brown House includes drive-up access for deliveries, a full kitchen, two bars and projection capabilities. The large patio area can be tented for an indoor-outdoor flow or additional seating. We used this space to set the stage for our latest on-location photo shoot along with the Winvian team, cake designer Ana Parzych, Honey Bee Paper Co., and Diane Gaudett Custom Floral Designs.
From custom chandeliers and garlands to extended receptions and after-parties lasting into the wee hours of the night, the event team works closely with their preferred vendors to make wedding weekends seamless for their couples. “Our weddings are all different,” Elizabeth told us, “We pride ourselves on creating the wedding weekend about the bride and groom, versus following a set design or aesthetic. We also host various corporate retreats throughout the year.”
Get the look: Cross Back Chair White Wash, Sunshine Velvet Tablecloth, Aster Matte White China Collection, Chateau Stainless Collection, Stockholm Crystal Flute Glass 6 oz., Stockholm Tinted Smoke Glass 15 oz., Classic Grey Irish Linen Dinner Napkin, Brooks Votive Clear
Get the look: Finley Elmwood Walnut Chair, Spice Velvet Tablecloth, White Coupe Gold Border Dinner Plate 10.75″, White Coupe Gold Border Salad/Cake Plate 7.5″, White Rim Demi Saucer 4.75″, Vanderbilt Gold Flatware Collection, Stockholm Tinted Amber Glass 15 oz., Stockholm Crystal Highball Glass 16.25 oz., Classic Grey Irish Linen Dinner Napkins
Get the Look: Bar 6′ Grey Distressed, Venice Highball Glass 11 oz.
Warmth & Treats…and Other Surprises
There are several unexpected surprises which make the Winvian experience truly one of a kind. Designed by fifteen different architects, the Hadley Suite and each of the 18 cottages are completely unique, offering something for everyone, from a modern indoor woodlands setting (complete with rough cut pine fixtures and an interior waterfall) to a grown-up treehouse suspended 35 feet in the trees.
Roaming the grounds and exploring the organic gardens on foot is an option, but bikes are also available outside of each of the cottages for getting to a yoga class at the spa, indulging in farm to table cuisine prepared by Chef Chris Eddy in the firelit dining rooms of the restaurant, or cocktails at the Wine Cellar, curated with 500 labels from 37 regions and 13 countries. “We are honored to have a Five Diamond Hotel & Restaurant rating for the past 10 years,” Elizabeth told us, “This reflects in every meal served on our property – including our wedding dinner service and breakfast room service the following morning.”
Winvian’s “Warmth and Treats” is a signature tradition where guests are welcomed with a bonfire party on the patio – complete with s’mores and hot toddies. A scaled-down version is also offered in a more private setting for the bride and groom, by the fireplace in the cottage post-reception.
History
Originally built in 1775 by Dr. Seth Bird, the white clapboard structure was the Bird family residence on the property for generations. The Smith family purchased the estate in 1948, and turned it into a working farm, renaming it Win-Vian which combined the two first names of the new owners – Winthrop and Vivian. Winvian Farm still remains in the Smith family today, after the renovation and the addition of 18 luxury cottages and the Hadley Suite.
Photographs in the History and Warmth & Treats sections are courtesy of Winvian Farm.
For more information on events at Winvian Farm contact us at inquiries@partyrentalltd.com.
Special Details
Our special thanks to Ana Parzych, Honey Bee Paper Co., and Diane Gaudett Custom Floral Designs.
