Planning a private event from Long Island usually comes down to one big question: will the venue fit your guest list and your style without creating extra work. At The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn in Dover Plains, New York, we host private events with flexible spaces, coordinated layouts, and in house food and beverage through Old Drovers Inn for barn events.
Here are the types of private events we host, and the on site spaces and inclusions that support them.
Private events hosted with flexible spaces and included essentials
Private events can be hosted in the Preston Barn or in smaller dining spaces at Old Drovers Inn, depending on the scale and feel you want.
Corporate events
We also host on site corporate events for teams traveling from Long Island. The property supports meetings and company gatherings with A/V equipment, presentation screens, Wi Fi, and flexible event space. Corporate groups can combine meeting time with dining and overnight stays, creating a convenient all in one location for planning team retreats, strategy sessions, or company celebrations.
Birthday parties
We host birthday parties, and the barn setup supports shared dining and easy conversation. The space includes 10 rustic farm tables, and for larger guest counts, we can add round tables while keeping the farm tables in the layout. For birthday events, we provide buffet style service.
Baby showers and bridal showers
We host baby showers and bridal showers, and we provide the essentials that help the room feel finished from the start. For up to 220 guests, we provide tables, chairs, linens, flatware, china, and glassware, and we coordinate the seating layout so your setup matches the flow of your event.
Retirement parties
Retirement parties bring together different generations, and the barn’s open layout gives guests room to settle in, connect, and move comfortably. Interior guest restrooms are located inside the barn, which keeps the experience smooth throughout the event.
Holiday parties and seasonal gatherings
We host holiday parties, and the property offers options that work well for a gathering that includes both seated time and mingling. In addition to the barn, the property includes a 40 by 50 foot stone patio and a lawn and tented area that can be used as a lounge option or rain plan.
Other private events and dinner parties
Private events can also be hosted in the barn, Old Drovers Inn Dining Room, or Old Drovers Inn Restaurant, as noted on the Events page. For smaller gatherings, Old Drovers Inn offers two additional on site spaces. The Tap Room Restaurant, also referred to as the Colonial Tap Room, accommodates up to 60 guests for private dining. The Federal Dining Room accommodates up to 30 guests and is described as ideal for rehearsal dinners and small parties.
Food and beverages are provided in house for barn events
For barn events, all food and beverage is provided in house by Old Drovers Inn. Service styles include buffet, family style, or plated. Menu items listed include chicken Francese, Chicken Marsala, eggplant parmesan, eggplant rollatini, herb grilled chicken, filet of sole with lemon butter sauce, sliced flank steak with chimichurri, sliced roasted pork loin with hunter gravy, slow cooked salmon with citrus and pickled chillis, and ratatouille tart with goat cheese. Entrées include penne alla vodka, fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and freshly baked cookies.
Food preparation is supported by a commercial kitchen with grill space, cold prep, and a walk in cooler and freezer, noted as Board of Health approved.
Guest arrival and access
There is a parking lot across from the Inn, with handicap parking adjacent to the barn. A six person golf cart shuttle with a driver is available at an additional cost. Shuttle options, including a Suburban SUV, are available for an additional cost, and bus or coach access is supported.
Lodging and retreat style stays
For groups planning a longer stay, the property is also expanding with the Lake House. This new property offers 12 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, along with a conference room, A/V equipment, and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Groups can add food service or plan special experiences such as wine tastings and private events during their stay.
Conclusion
If you’re planning from Long Island and want a private event space that can flex around your guest list and your format, The Preston Barn gives you options. You can host in the barn for larger gatherings, or choose one of the smaller Old Drovers Inn dining spaces for something more intimate. With coordinated seating layouts and in house food and beverage for barn events, the planning stays focused on your people and your purpose.
To get started, visit our Events page to learn more, request the Pricing Guide, or schedule a tour through the website.
FAQs
What private events can be hosted at The Preston Barn?
Events listed include corporate events, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, retirement parties, holiday parties, and other private events.
Which on site spaces can be used for private events?
Private events can be hosted in the Preston Barn, Old Drovers Inn Dining Room, or Old Drovers Inn Restaurant. The Tap Room Restaurant and Federal Dining Room are also available as on site options.
Is food and beverage provided by the venue for barn events?
Yes. For barn events, all food and beverage is provided in house by Old Drovers Inn, with buffet, family style, or plated service styles listed.
Are tables and place settings included?
Yes. Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, china, and glassware are provided for up to 220 guests, and seating layouts are coordinated by the venue.