Venue Spotlight: The Dane Estate
The Dane Estate
Last weekend, we had the opportunity to coordinate Lorie and Artug’s wedding at the beautiful Dane Estate at Pine Manor College. While this was the first time we planned an event there, we hope it won’t be the last! The staff was fantastic to work with, the grounds are absolutely gorgeous and the historic mansion is filled with charm. Just minutes from Boston, this venue is the perfect spot for your next intimate event.
History
In 1891, “Roughwood” as it was first named, was built and owned by Major William Cox and is now known as The Dane Estate at Pine Manor College. The mansion was built along with two gatehouses, the stable, a barn, a greenhouse and chicken houses. In 1904, the Dane family purchased the estate and all its buildings, and over the years acquired additional land until the estate totaled 120 acres. A wing containing a music room was built in 1909, with the addition of an organ loft in 1916. The estate was designed in the Richardson style of architecture, which is a freer interpretation of the Queen Anne or Old English style and was established in the United States by Henry Hobson Richardson near the end of the 19th century.
A close friend of the Dane family, Professor James Arnold of Harvard University, who established and gave Boston the botanical park known as the Arnold Arboretum, oversaw the planting of shrubs and trees. The only major face-lifting of Roughwood took place in 1951 when the large, planted circle with its dirt and gravel drive was replaced by millstone and paved with cobblestone, which had been removed and discarded from Boston streets after having been used originally as ship ballast. This was necessitated by the demand for automobile parking in lieu of horse drawn carriages. Essentially, the property remained intact until it was acquired by Pine Manor College in 1962.
Rooms/Options
The event spaces in the mansion are comprised of the Ferry Foyer, the Foyer Terrace, the Moncrief Library, the Music Room (Founder’s Hall) and Founders and Commencement Lawns. As you arrive through the grand entrance of the Foyer, take a moment to observe the granite and red polished marble fireplace, dark oak paneling, carved and gilt detail and French doors leading to the terrace which have never been changed. Before heading into the Library, be sure to hang your coat in the hidden room to the right of the main entrance. At one time this room was used as a walk-in-safe, tucked securely behind the mahogany paneling, however it is now used as a coat room.
Off the foyer is the elegant Moncrief Library, the former library of the Dane Estate. Its carved fruited and matchbook paneling of Circassian walnut and period-style furnishings make it ideal for small receptions, cocktail hours, and ceremonies.
In the English Georgian Founder’s Hall, a carved double staircase descends to a generously proportioned fireplaced room. Oak-paneled walls are set below a beamed and gilt ceiling. Jutting stone casement windows and teak flooring add to the grandeur.
The gorgeous Founder’s and Commencement lawns are both fantastic options for an outdoor ceremony or can also hold a tent if planning an event with more than 100 guests.
Vendor Information
Pine Manor College features its own in-house catering with Dane Estate Catering. No outside food and beverage is allowed with the exception of kosher meals (provided by Catering by Andrew exclusively) and wedding cakes. Wedding cakes are included in the wedding packages and provided by a partner bakery.
The Special Events Department can provide you with a preferred vendor list for all other vendors or you can bring in your own. All outside vendors must provide proof of liability insurance.
Rental Information
The Dane Estate Wedding Packages Include:
- Historic setting with 60 acres of wooded estate for photography
- Private Bride’s and Groom’s dressing rooms
- Complimentary bottled water for the bridal party
- Five hours of guest time, two hours of set up and one hour of clean up time in your function room
- Stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres for one hour
- Three-course plated or buffet meal including artisan bread, coffee and tea service
- Waitstaff and culinary staff fees
- Wedding cake, plated and served with coordinating accompaniments
- Elegant floor-length table linens in your choice of white, ivory or black
- Three votive candles for each guest dining table
- Wedding rehearsal prior to event day
- Complimentary parking
Contact the Department of Special Events for more detailed information and to book your next event: SpecialEvents@PMC.edu or 617-731-7639.
Happy Planning!
The Swank Team
