by Kristin Healy | Jun 24, 2015 | blog
The Lyman Estate
The beautiful Lyman Estate, with its thirty-seven acres of lawns, gardens, and historic greenhouses, offers a private and exceptional setting for any social or corporate event. Earlier this month we had the opportunity to plan Lydia and Henrik’s wedding day at the gorgeous venue and had a wonderful experience working with the staff to create a memorable day!
History
The Lyman Estate, also known as The Vale, was built in 1793 by wealthy shipping magnate Theodore Lyman. Originally used as a summer home, the Federal-style mansion was designed by renowned Salem architect Samuel McIntire. The Estate remained in the Lyman family until 1952, when the five Lyman heirs donated it to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, now Historic New England. The property is now a National Historic Landmark and is available for rental for weddings and private parties.
Rooms/Options
The Lyman Estate, open year-round, offers a beautiful and gracious setting for any type of event. From April through October, the flowering trees and perennial gardens are especially lovely, and events may be held outside as weather permits. Use of indoor and outdoor areas gives you maximum flexibility in planning your party. Enjoy a cocktail hour in the garden. Dine al fresco on the covered veranda overlooking the landscaped grounds. Host intimate dinner parties in antique-filled parlors. Dance in the magnificent ballroom where the waltz was introduced to Boston society.
The mansion can accommodate up to 150 seated guests with room for 175 guests reception-style. Tents are welcome on the property with a seated capacity of up to 200 guests.
Six rooms are available for use: The oval parlor with its original, hand-carved woodwork; a dramatic Victorian library; the east parlor and the dining room, where light streams in through bay windows; the ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers, classical columns, and marble fireplace. A grand staircase with a Palladian window provides a perfect spot for photographs.
Vendor Information
The Lyman Estate has a list of authorized caterers of which you must choose from and additional preferred vendors that are optional.
Rental Information
Depending on the day of week and time of year, the rental fees range from $1,200-4,800 and include:
- Use of the historic air-conditioned and handicapped accessible mansion and landscaped grounds
- Private changing room for the bride
- Ample on-site parking
- Use of white garden chairs, in addition to several 60”, 48” and 36” round tables and hightops.
- Use of on-site baby grand piano
Contact the Function Office for more detailed information and to book your next event: LymanFunctions@HistoricNewEngland.org or 617-994-6672.
Happy Planning!
The Swank Team
by Kristin Healy | Mar 25, 2015 | blog
Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation
The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. This unique venue is perfect for just about any type of event. Guests arrive over a quaint footbridge crossing the Charles River where they can view the waterfall that once powered America’s first automated machinery. Inside, your event takes shape with spectacular 50-foot ceilings, exposed brickwork, arched windows, and unique exhibits that will entice all ages. We are thrilled to be planning Sarah and Andy’s wedding at the CRMII this September!
History
Located on the scenic banks of the Charles River in the historic 1814 Boston Manufacturing Company textile mill, CRMII is on the National Register of Historic Places as America’s first factory. It was the first integrated mill in the United States; though many mills existed before the Boston Manufacturing Company, Francis Cabot Lowell’s mill was the first to combine all steps of cotton fabric manufacturing under one roof.
Hands-on exhibits feature American innovation and invention from 1812 to the present day, with exhibits on Waltham’s Boston Manufacturing Company, the Metz Company, the Waltham Watch Factory, and Orient bicycles from the Waltham Manufacturing Company. In addition to the permanent collection, the CRMII has revolving temporary exhibits and plays host to private events throughout the year.
Rooms/Options
With this venue, the possibilities are endless. How about a romantic indoor ceremony overlooking the Charles River or amidst history right in the Main Gallery? Or, you can choose an outdoor wedding ceremony in scenic Landry Park along the banks of the river. The reception can be held in the stunning Jackson Room which has period-style lighting, river views, and space for up to 250 guests theatre-style and up to 180 guests seated with room for dancing.
Vendor Information
The CRMII has a list of authorized caterers of which you must choose from and additional preferred vendors that are optional.
Rental Information
For events occurring Monday through Thursday, the rental fee is $1,400; for events Friday through Sunday, the fee is $2,800.
For more detailed information and to book your next event contact Event Manager, Jen DiSciullo at jendisciullo.crmi@gmail.com or 781-893-5410 x10.
Happy Planning!
The Swank Team
by Kristin Healy | Dec 18, 2014 | blog
Gore Place
Gore Place is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. We planned our first event here in August 2012 and can’t wait to go back! Conveniently located just twenty minutes from Boston, Gore Place has so much to offer; beautiful grounds, a charming estate, free parking, a newly renovated carriage house and it even has a farm (so you can take adorable photos like the one below)!
Photo Credit: Ars Magna Studio
History
Gore Place is one of the finest country estates that remain from the Federal era, with 45 acres of landscaped grounds, farmlands and gardens. The home of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore (1758-1827) and his wife, Rebecca (1759-1834), was in their time an oasis of refined living in the country. It is still an oasis today in suburban Greater Boston. Although conveniently located nine miles outside of Boston, the grounds continue as a pastoral, peaceful setting for any event.
Rooms/Options
The estate’s 45 acres of gardens and lawns provides a beautiful setting for your tented reception, from the smallest to the largest of gatherings. The spacious green lawns allow flexibility in arrangements, so that each function can to be sited in a special place. Surrounded by large evergreens and magnificent hardwoods, the beautifully maintained grounds are an attractive setting for all manner of gatherings. Gore Place maintains an elegant 50×80′ three season tent on the grounds available from May to November. The Gore Place tent has 3 beautiful clear sides for guests to enjoy the amazing view of the grounds and Mansion. The tent is a carpeted tent with a 20×20 wooden dance floor and has electricity and lighting. The rental of the Tent also includes access and use of the Carriage House and access to the Mansion and Museum for a Dressing Room and picture taking. This rental includes the use of tables and chairs for up to 125 guests.
The newly restored 1793 Carriage House is one of the few enduring structures of this type remaining intact in New England. This recently moved and restored building offers a unique setting for smaller gatherings holding up to 100 guests. The rustic feel of this structure will awe your guests while still providing modern amenities such as new restrooms, heating, air conditioning and a caterer’s space. The flexible floor plan allows many possibilities for your set up and is completely handicapped accessible. This rental includes the use of tables and chairs for up to 100 guests. The Carriage House is the perfect location for ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions.
Vendor Information
Gore Place has a preferred list of vendors (that Swank is lucky enough to be on!) who are familiar with the venue and the rules and regulations. Any outside vendors must be approved by Gore Place prior to the final contract. Gore Place highly suggests you choose a vendor from the list. They have all worked on the site and are familiar with the policies. Additionally, Gore Place has a restricted music provider list and no outside services may amplify music.
Rental Information
Depending on day, time of year and amount of guests, rental fees range from $2,500-$5,500.
Contact the function manager for more detailed information and to book your next event: functionrentals@goreplace.org or 781-894-2798 ext. 11.
Happy Planning!
The Swank Team
