Misselthwaite Manor is a home that welcomes gatherings, rather than a venue designed to host as many gatherings as possible. The historic house, its rooms, its rhythms, and the experience of being welcomed into a home are part of what makes an event here different. We're interested in creating gatherings that feel considered, comfortable, and memorable—not simply providing a room for people to occupy.

Misselthwaite is well suited to intimate gatherings with a little personality. Depending on the occasion, we welcome teas, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, reunions, showers, retreats, workshops, community gatherings, bachelorette gatherings, dinner parties, elopements, and intimate weddings. We're also happy to consider unusual or creative ideas that don't fit neatly into a category.

The appropriate guest count depends on the type of gathering, which rooms you'd like to use, and whether your event is primarily indoors or outdoors. Because Misselthwaite is a historic home rather than a conventional event hall, we work with hosts to determine a comfortable scale for each gathering.

Whole-house rentals may be available depending on the event, date, and nature of your gathering. Some events may be better suited to particular rooms or areas of the property. Tell us what you're envisioning and we'll help determine what arrangement makes the most sense.

Absolutely! Overnight accommodations are available through Secret Garden Gatherings, and some gatherings may be combined with a stay at the Manor. Availability and the number of guests who can stay overnight will depend on the dates and accommodations involved.

Food and beverage arrangements vary depending on the type of gathering. We can talk through catering, outside food, refreshments, and other arrangements when you inquire about your event.

In many cases, yes. We want your gathering to feel like yours, and we're happy to discuss photographers, caterers, florists, musicians, instructors, planners, and other vendors you may want to bring into the house. Certain requirements may apply depending on the vendor and the nature of the event.

We welcome thoughtful decorating that complements the house and can help you understand which kinds of decorations work well in a historic property. Because Misselthwaite is an old house with original and historic features, some materials and installation methods aren't appropriate. We'll talk through your plans ahead of time so everyone knows what's welcome.

Absolutely, within the limits appropriate to the property and the surrounding neighborhood. The type, volume, location, and timing of amplified music may be subject to restrictions, particularly for outdoor gatherings.

Children are welcome at many gatherings, although some areas of the Manor may require additional supervision because of stairs, historic furnishings, fragile objects, and other features of an old house. We'll let you know about any considerations specific to your event.

Misselthwaite is a historic Victorian home, and accessibility varies by area of the property. We want to be upfront about the physical characteristics of the house rather than make assumptions about what will work for you. If accessibility is important for your gathering, please tell us what you need when you inquire so we can discuss the available spaces and any limitations.

As early as you can, particularly for larger gatherings, weddings, retreats, or dates that fall during popular seasons. That said, it's always worth asking—even if your gathering is coming together at the last minute, we may have availability.

Our current focus is on curating the Manor as a beautiful, flexible place to gather, rather than offering full-service event planning. That said, the people behind Secret Garden Gatherings have professional experience planning and executing large-scale events, so we know what goes into making a gathering run well.

For now, we’re happy to help you think through how your event might work at the Manor, and depending on the gathering, we may be able to provide co-hosting or on-site support.

If your event calls for a dedicated planner or other professional support, we’re happy to recommend bringing one in. If you’d rather keep things simple and collaborative, though, we’d love to talk about what we can build together.