Use of Riverby

Receptions  ♦  Weddings  ♦  Business Meetings  ♦  Seminars  ♦  Reunions

Birthdays  ♦  Anniversaries  ♦  Tea Parties  ♦  Bridal/ Baby Showers

This page will guide you through the areas available for use, brief descriptions of the rooms and gardens.  The total fee depends on how much space you use and for how long of a time period.

For specific questions or available dates, please contact the FAC at 740-446-3834.

“Riverby”


» The home features a floating spiral staircase that extends from the foyer to the third floor, providing an excellent site for photos.

» The Library features a solid oak table and includes a collection of art books housed on shelves from Dr. Holzer’s original study.  It is a charming place to hold meetings.  (6-10 people)

» Our galleries are open to the public during regular hours; however they are available, for an additional fee and terms**, during special occasions.

» The Board Room is defined by a large table set that was formerly used by the Commercial & Savings Bank.  (approx. 6 people)

» Two classrooms are available and are an excellent site for meetings, classes, and receptions.  (1st Floor classroom= approx. 20 people, 2nd Floor classroom=approx. 40 people)

» The Dining Room features an antique table and walnut paneling.  It is a dignified site for receptions and light buffets.  This room is located between our kitchen and 1st Floor classroom.  It is often used as a serving area during receptions.

» The Kitchen was remodeled by the Holzers’ to reflect the ambiance of Williamsburg.  Dark-stained pine paneling runs along the walls and ceiling, with stainless steel countertops.  Minimal refrigeration space is available, and catering staff often use it for food preparation and setup.

» The southeast lawn features a large open-grass space and shade trees, perfect for large tents or outdoor games.  A brick patio is also available for use, and is an optional exit from the kitchen, dining room and first floor classroom.  The FAC parking lot is accessible from this side, for catering or DJ’s to easily load and unload.  Three outlet receptacles are available along this side of the house.

» The northwest lawn area is bordered by trees and shrubs, and can accommodate up to a 40X40 tent.  A large dogwood tree nests against the stone wall, blooms each spring, and creates a lovely backdrop for events.  A wooden arbor greets visitors as they descend into the Williamsburg-inspired garden at the back of the grounds, with a reflecting pool in the center and tiers of flower beds.  A small deck on this side of the house welcomes visitors into the dining room, and the porch door runs from the kitchen, allowing catering staff to exit this side of the house as well.

Useage Fees: Calculated on a sliding scale, depending on how much space you use and for how long. Rental time is based upon TOTAL TIME, including clean-up. Your party must supply their own tent(s), tables, linens, silverware, etc.

Deposit/Balance: There is a minimum security deposit of $100 (non-refundable) to reserve the date and function specified.  This will be applied to the balance of your total event, but non-refundable should you cancel.  All scheduled events must be paid in full one week prior to the reserved date.

Damages: The FAC will be reviewed prior to your event for facility/ grounds current appearance and physical state.  Your party will be charged for any damages to the facility and/or grounds as a result of your function for the amount needed to repair and/or replace the damaged item(s).

Staff: A charge of $15.00/hour is added per FAC staff member during rental/set-up/clean-up.

Tables/ Chairs: A flat-rate charge of $50 is added for any table/chair use. Four (4) six foot tables and approximately forty (40) chairs are available. (Tables are typically used when a buffet dinner is served inside)  If any of these items are used, it is the responsibility of the lessee to set up and return the items back to their original location.

Clean Up: The interior of the FAC will be cleaned prior to your event.  Parties are expected to remove all personal belongings and debris by the end of the event, leaving our site in the same condition.  A flat fee of $50 is charged for any event.  Grounds are serviced (weather permitting) prior to outdoor events.  The French Art Colony maintains its lawn by mulch mowing, any party wishing to have grass clippings removed will be charged an additional $50.  Any party wishing to have leaves removed will be charged an additional $75.  For events with attendance of 75-150, an automatic clean-up fee of $75.00 will be charged.  For events with attendance over 150, a clean-up fee of $100.00 will be charged.

Indoor Guest Limit: Capacity is limited, due to our historic residential layout.  Please request a consultation and visit to our site prior to planning your event, to ensure we can properly accommodate your function.

Outdoor Guest Limit: If a reception event is over 150 people, additional portable toilets will have to be provided by the lessee, due to stress on our historic home’s plumbing.  Please contact FAC for further information.

Galleries: Food and drink are prohibited in the galleries.   Use of the Steinway piano for PROFESSIONAL USE is allowed.  If the lessee  wishes to have the galleries viewed (during normal gallery hours) at their event, and beverages and/or food is served to guests within that time period, an additional FAC representative will be brought in at the stated hourly rate.  If the request falls after gallery hours, a flat rate of $100 will be charged for up to 4 hours viewing with an additional FAC representative to solely monitor the galleries.

Liability: A waiver, which holds the FAC harmless, must be signed when the rental contract is signed.  All groups assume their own liability for their guests, both in terms of their personal safety and/or any damage they may do to the facility. (*Any use of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES must be incidental to the intended use of the facility. Serving of alcohol and the results wherefrom are the responsibility of the Lessee*)

Event Rehearsals: Parties wishing to host rehearsals outside may do so, during normal business hours, free of charge.  Otherwise, a fee will apply for staff to be present while your party is on site.  If the lessee wishes to reserve the house during rehearsal time, a fee will be charged.

Available for Use: Lawn and Gardens

1st Floor-  Classroom,  Dining Room,  Kitchen, Galleries**

2nd Floor-  Classroom,  Library, Board Room

*** Contact the FAC for available dates and rates at 740-446-3834 or fac-office@att.net ***