Celebrate at Hill-Stead
Beautifully unique, Hill-Stead offers privacy, sweeping views of the surrounding meadows and hills with gardens and lawns edged by over 3 miles of dry stone walls. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Hill-Stead boasts a 1901 colonial revival home designed and built by Theodate Pope Riddle (1867-1946), one of the first licensed female architects in America. A classic country estate, Hill-Stead was created to showcase the art and antiques passionately collected by Theodate’s father and to provide gracious spaces for her mother who loved to entertain. Theodate created the Sunken Garden for her mother who loved gardening-in the 1920’s Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959) created a planting plan that is honored to this day.
Endless Possibilities
From business retreats, meetings and entertaining to celebrations ranging from weddings, showers, reunions, dinners and cocktail parties – Hill-Stead makes every event something special. With six distinct spaces at your disposal, you can create an unforgettable occasion.
Indoor & Outdoor Event Spaces at Hill-Stead
West Lawn & Veranda
In the tradition of English Country Estates, Hill-Stead’s sweeping West Lawn is framed by a colonial revival mansion, breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is the site for events with up to 400 guests.
Grass Court
Adjacent to the West Lawn and bordered by leafy trees and stone walls, the Grass Court can accommodate 150-200 guests and is also an ideal space for retreats and team building exercises.
Sunken Garden
A one-acre perrennial garden surrounding the original summer house, the Sunken Garden provides waves of color from spring through fall. From seated dining in the summer house for 16 to standing cocktail parties for 200, The Sunken Garden is a magical space for you and your guests.
Glass Room
With glass walls providing views of the hills and original kitchen garden on one side and the Garmany terrace and stone walls on the other the Glass Room lets you and your guests experience the majesty of Hill-Stead’s grounds in climate controlled comfort. An interior space like no other the Glass Room can accommodate 40-50 for seated lectures or dining.
Makeshift Theater
Originally designed as a community gathering space the historic Makeshift Theater is an airy, rustic, indoor space adjacent to a warming kitchen. With direct access to the parking lot, a sound system and pull down screen the Makeshift Theater can be used for presentations or can be decorted for ceremonies and parties. There is room for up to 100 seated at guest tables, 150 seated lecture style and up to 200 for a standing reception.
Pope Board Room
An elegant, intimate space for meetings or smaller events the Pope Board Room is decorated with antiques and paintings of Theodate and her Father. Adjacent to a small kitchen, is a private restroom and the Stone Porch.
What is included in the rental fee?
The fee is based on a six-hour event and includes use of the museum’s grounds, ample well-lit parking, a bridal suite where the wedding party can get ready and keep their personal belongings for the duration of the event. Hill-Stead also provides a Security Guard and an Event Supervisor to ensure your event runs smoothly. We only allow one wedding per weekend, giving our couples the option to have a rehearsal the day before. Since we are a non-profit, there are no taxes added to the fee.
Does the rental include a tent?
No. Tents and furniture can be rented with the help of Hill-Stead’s Approved Vendors.
Do we need insurance?
Yes. Clients are required to obtain a special events insurance policy, naming Hill-Stead Museum as an additional insured, in the amount of $1,000,000.
Does Hill-Stead have an Approved Vendor List?
Yes. Although you are not limited to using vendors on this list, our vendors have the highest standards and have worked at Hill-Stead numerous times. Please reach out via the form below and our facility rentals staff will provide the list to you.
What is Hill-Stead’s alcoholic beverage policy?
At no time may a bar be “self-serve.” Alcohol must be purchased through the contracted caterer or bartending service. Caterers, Bartending service, and host must provide for liquor liability coverage.
When are weddings scheduled?
Outdoor wedding season commences in May and ends in October. Events in the Makeshift Theater or Pope Board Room can be scheduled year-round.
Hill-Stead is open to the public until 4 pm. Weddings can start at 4:30 pm and music must end by 10:30 pm sharp, in consideration of our neighbors.
Are there any additional fees?
Events over 150 people require the rental of portable restrooms. Providers can be found with the help of Hill-Stead’s Approved Vendor list.
The Town of Farmington requires that all tented events be attended by the Fire Department. The Fire Watch fee is $700 and cannot be avoided.
Contact Us About Hosting Your Event at Hill-Stead
If you are interested in learning more about hosting an event at Hill-Stead please complete the contact form and we will be in touch soon.
If you have specific questions please email [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in Hill-Stead.