When it’s time to celebrate a loved one’s decades of hard work and dedication, the event deserves to be more than just another banquet hall gathering. For Long Island families looking for a meaningful and memorable retirement celebration, The Preston Barn in Dover Plains offers the perfect escape. Nestled in the serene Hudson Valley, this rustic retirement party venue provides the ideal setting to honor a significant milestone in a personal, relaxed, and memorable way.
Honoring Milestones in a Special Venue
The Preston Barn, built from reclaimed Hudson Valley barns, offers a genuine, rustic charm. With hand-hewn beams, vaulted ceilings, and barn-wood floors, it’s a setting that feels rooted in history and beauty. Located just 80 miles north of New York City, the venue provides a rural escape, with room for up to 220 guests.
For retirement parties, the barn’s layout allows for a cocktail hour on the 40x50-foot stone patio, followed by dinner, toasts, and dancing inside the barn. Climate control ensures comfort year-round, and the space is flexible to accommodate your event’s flow.
Customized Catering for Retirement Celebrations
All catering is handled in house by Old Drovers Inn, ensuring an excellent experience from planning to service. The chef works with you to create a personalized menu, choosing from options like sliced flank steak with chimichurri, slow-cooked salmon, and eggplant rollatini. Family-style service is ideal for creating a communal atmosphere, while plated meals can suit formal events.
Menus are customizable to suit dietary needs, and every entrée is served with a chef selected starch to complement your entrees, seasonal vegetables, penne alla vodka, and freshly baked cookies. Your retirement celebration includes buffet service as standard, with options to upgrade to plated or family style service to fit your preferences.
Retirement Booking Details
Your booking includes all essential event needs: tables, chairs with cushions, linens, flatware, china, and glassware for up to 220 guests. The on-site coordinator will help design the layout, ensuring smooth guest flow and seamless transitions between event sections.
We also provide a full audio system for speeches, music, and video displays, along with TV screens and Wi-Fi for streaming or virtual participation. Parking is available on-site, with attendants for the first hour, and we offer a golf cart shuttle for guests with mobility concerns (available for an additional cost).
A Rural Retreat & Photo Backdrops
Located just an hour and a half from most Long Island towns, The Preston Barn offers a peaceful setting for your retirement celebration. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, as you leave behind the usual venues for something more personal and unique. Guests can enjoy the surrounding wineries, hiking trails, and natural beauty, making it feel like a destination event without the need for a long journey.
The venue’s peaceful, rural location provides the perfect backdrop for a special celebration, with no distractions from other events or commercial areas.
Expert Planning Support
Our experienced coordinator will help you design a timeline and ensure every detail is covered. Whether you’re organizing a gift tribute, coordinating speeches, or planning a slideshow, the coordinator works directly with vendors, so you don't need to worry about the logistics. Your event will unfold effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy the celebration.
After the event, we handle all the cleanup, so you don’t have to stay late. Simply pack up your personal items, and we'll take care of the rest.
Why Families Drive to Dover Plains for Retirement Parties
The Preston Barn offers something different from typical Long Island venues: a private, scenic space where your family can gather and celebrate without distractions. The 11-acre property provides a peaceful retreat with picturesque views, ideal for capturing photos before or after the event. With on-site lodging at Old Drovers Inn and nearby options like The Carriage House and Preston House, families can extend their celebration overnight, making it even more memorable.
Conclusion
Ready to host a retirement celebration that stands out? The Preston Barn offers the perfect blend of rustic charm, personalized service, and flexibility for Long Island families and beyond. We’d love to show you the barn, discuss the catering options, and help you design the perfect event for your loved one.
Contact us at 845‑442‑3053 or email helene.rosenkranz@olddroversinn.com to schedule a tour and begin planning your event.
FAQs
What is the capacity of The Preston Barn for retirement celebrations?
The Preston Barn can comfortably accommodate groups of 60 to 150 guests, with the option to host up to 220 guests for larger retirement celebrations.
Is catering provided in-house at The Preston Barn?
Yes, catering is handled entirely in-house by Old Drovers Inn, offering customized menus with fresh, local ingredients. You can choose from plated, family-style, or buffet service options.
What amenities are included in the retirement celebration package?
Your package includes an on-site coordinator, tables, chairs with cushions, linens, china, glassware, a full audio system, Wi-Fi, and parking with attendants. Additional services, such as tribute video setups, are also available.
How far is The Preston Barn from Long Island?
The Preston Barn is located in Dover Plains, about 80 miles north of New York City. The drive from Long Island typically takes about an hour and a half, making it a convenient yet scenic getaway for your celebration.
Are there overnight accommodations available near The Preston Barn?
Yes, The Preston Barn offers lodging options at Old Drovers Inn, with additional accommodations available at The Carriage House and Preston House nearby. These provide a convenient, comfortable stay for guests traveling from Long Island.