The question we hear most often after hosting a private party at The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn is: Why didn’t we know about this place sooner? Hopewell Junction, Connecticut, and Mahopac may not be the first names that come to mind when planning a birthday, retirement party, or holiday celebration.
The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn is an ideal venue for private parties, offering flexibility in space, catering, and event flow. With room for 30-220 guests, it accommodates a variety of setups, from formal dinners to lounge-style events. The property features both indoor and outdoor spaces, personalized menus, and full-service support for seamless celebrations.
But once families and groups from Westchester, Long Island, Connecticut, and New York City experience the combination of flexibility, full-service support, and genuine hospitality here, they understand why so many hosts return for their next event. Here’s what makes private parties at this Hudson Valley barn different.
A Venue That Adapts to Your Vision
You will have the entire barn and 11 acres available for your event. The Preston Barn accommodates up to 220 guests for private parties, hosting gatherings of all sizes from intimate celebrations of 30 to larger events that fill the space. Hand-hewn beams, vaulted ceilings, and barn wood floors create warmth without excessive formality. The floor plan is customizable.
The Preston Barn provides 10 farm tables and 14 round tables, and our coordinator works with you to arrange seating that matches your event flow. Some hosts prefer long communal tables for a family-style dinner. Others prefer a mix of dining and lounge zones for mingling. Interior guest restrooms are located in the barn, and there’s sufficient space for a packed dance floor and live band or DJ, should you wish to have music. Sliding barn doors can section off areas for gift tables, photo displays, or quiet conversation zones.
All the Essentials Are Already Here
Tables, wood cross-back chairs with cushions, linens in your choice of napkin colors, flatware, china, and glassware for up to 220 guests are all included. You won’t rent a single piece of tableware. The Preston Barn coordinates your floor plan and handles setup and cleanup of all venue items. You remove your personal decor and any gifts at the end, and we take care of the rest.
Full audio is built in for background music, microphones for toasts, or a DJ setup. TV screens and a live feed device are ready if you’re planning a slideshow, video tribute, or have virtual guests joining remotely. WiFi is available throughout. Our commercial kitchen with grill area, cold prep stations, and walk in cooler and freezer meets Board of Health standards, which means our chef can prepare everything fresh on site, even for larger groups.
Food and Drink That Fit Your Celebration
Working directly with the Old Drovers Inn chef means your menu reflects the celebration, not a fixed package. Using local and fresh ingredients, the chef adjusts for dietary needs or preferences. Service style follows function: buffet for mingling, family-style for connection, plated for structured programs.
Most packages include three hors d'oeuvres or one salad, then two entrées with sides. Popular pairings: tomato mozzarella bruschetta and spanakopita; sliced flank steak with chimichurri and chicken marsala. Every package includes penne alla vodka, fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cookies, and coffee. Bar service scales from champagne toasts and two signature drinks to full open bars, timed to your program flow.
Service That Truly Cares
An on-site coordinator works with you from your first visit through the end of your event. This isn’t someone you met the week before. The Preston Barn is involved in planning calls, vendor coordination if you’re bringing in entertainment or decor, timeline building, and day-of execution. Our kitchen and service team handle all food prep, plating, and table service so you and your guests can focus on celebrating, not managing logistics.
One thing hosts mention is how the entire staff feels approachable and responsive. We’re a small team, and everyone here plays a role in ensuring your event runs smoothly. If your guest count changes after booking, we’ll adjust your floor plan and catering quantities. Final counts are typically due two weeks before your event, and our pricing covers groups ranging from 30 to 220.
From Arrival to Last Toast
Guests arrive and check in on the stone patio, where we serve passed hors d’oeuvres or a signature drink while everyone mingles for about an hour. You then invite guests into the barn for dinner. Depending on your program, you may choose to offer toasts or a tribute between courses, or save speeches for after dessert. If you have entertainment or dancing planned, we’ll help you map out the timing so the night feels natural and not rushed.
For milestone birthdays or retirement parties, many hosts set up a memory table, photo display, or guest book station in one corner of the barn. For holiday parties, we’ve seen everything from white elephant gift exchanges to caroling by the fire pit. The coordinator will help you think through logistics for whatever traditions or activities you want to include, whether that’s a surprise entrance, a cake-cutting ceremony, or scheduled dance performances.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a venue in Dover Plains or the Hudson Valley that doesn’t lock you into a rigid format, we’d like to introduce you to our barn. Every private party we host is unique because we tailor the floor plan, menu, and timeline to meet the specific needs of you and your guests. Request your pricing guide or book a tour by calling 845-442-3053 or emailing helene.rosenkranz@olddroversinn.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of private parties work well at The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn?
Milestone birthdays, retirement celebrations, anniversary parties, holiday gatherings, and family reunions for 30-220 guests. The barn accommodates any setup, whether communal tables, formal rounds, or lounge zones, with hand-hewn beams and year-round climate control.
How does working directly with the chef change the catering experience?
You build a custom menu with local, fresh ingredients, rather than fixed packages. The chef accommodates dietary restrictions and tailors the service style to your group. Popular options include tomato mozzarella bruschetta, spanakopita, flank steak with chimichurri sauce, and chicken marsala, along with signature cocktails.
What makes the outdoor space valuable beyond just cocktail hour?
The 40x50’ Vermont stone patio provides a natural arrival space. The 11-acre property, featuring an open lawn and mature trees, offers photo opportunities and ample breathing room. A fire pit (weather permitting, with a staff attendant) serves as a gathering spot after dinner.
Can we bring our own entertainment or does the venue provide everything?
Yes, you can bring outside vendors (such as DJs and bands), provided they have proper insurance. The barn features built-in audio, microphones for toasts, space for a packed dance floor, and TV screens for slideshows or virtual guest appearances.