Finding the right venue for a smaller celebration. Something meaningful for 30 to 50 guests shouldn’t mean settling for a side room or a space that feels empty. At The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn in Dover Plains, serving Mahopac, Connecticut, and Putnam County, we’ve hosted countless intimate celebrations: anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and small family reunions. What hosts tell us afterward is that the space never felt cavernous, even when there were fewer guests. Here’s why this Hudson Valley barn works for intimate gatherings that feel warm and intentional.
The Preston Barn offers a unique venue for intimate celebrations, with customizable floor plans and a warm, personalized atmosphere. Whether hosting 30 or 50 guests, the barn's flexible layout, scenic 11-acre grounds, and chef-prepared menus ensure a memorable experience. It combines indoor and outdoor spaces to create an inviting, personal setting for your special occasion.
An Intimate Barn Setting in Dover Plains
The barn accommodates up to 220 guests, but its layout allows us to configure it to feel right for smaller groups, whether you’re hosting 30 or 50 guests. We’re not putting you in a corner of a giant room. Our coordinator works with you to section the space using our 10 farm tables and 14 round tables, creating a footprint that matches your guest count. Hand-hewn beams, vaulted ceilings, and barn wood floors give you architectural interest even when you’re using only a portion of the barn.
You have the barn and 11 acre grounds to yourselves. There’s never competition with other parties or noise from adjacent rooms. Interior guest restrooms are conveniently located in the barn, and year-round climate control ensures a comfortable environment regardless of the season. We provide all tables, wood cross-back chairs with cushions, linens in your choice of napkin colors, flatware, china, and glassware, ensuring the setup always looks polished.
The Patio and Grounds: Scaled Perfectly for Smaller Groups
For celebrations of 30 to 50 guests, our 40'×50’ Vermont stone patio is perfectly sized for cocktail hour. It is neither too big nor too small. Guests can spread out comfortably while passed hors d’oeuvres circulate, and the 11-acre property, with its open lawn and mature trees, provides natural gathering spots without anyone feeling scattered. This is where your group reconnects before sitting down together.
After dinner, the fire pit (weather permitting, available as an add-on) naturally extends the celebration. Guests who want to keep talking can move outside, while the historic Old Drovers Inn provides an authentic backdrop for group photos that don’t feel forced.
All-Inclusive Setup for Intimate Celebrations
Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, china, and glassware are included for groups of up to 220, ensuring your intimate celebration receives the same high-quality setup. Our team handles venue setup and cleanup; you are only responsible for removing personal décor. The Board of Health-approved commercial kitchen, featuring a grill area, cold prep, and walk-in cooler, enables our chef to prepare fresh, customized menus on-site.
Your coordinator designs a floor plan that fits your celebration. One long farm table for family-style connection? Clustered rounds for cross-table conversation? U-shaped seating for toasts? We configure the space to match your vision, not a template.
Food Service That Feels Personal
At The Preston Barn, intimate celebrations often begin with hors d’oeuvres or a fresh salad, followed by two entrées with sides. Popular pairings include baby spinach salad with strawberries and Gorgonzola, slow-cooked salmon with citrus, and chicken Francese. Every package also includes penne alla vodka, seasonal vegetables, fingerling potatoes, cookies, and coffee. Bar service is flexible; choose a champagne toast, signature cocktails, or a full open bar, with many hosts opting for a custom drink that reflects the occasion.
A Destination Near Mahopac
The Preston Barn is located in Dover Plains, serving Mahopac and Putnam County, with convenient access from Westchester and Long Island as well. The 11-acre property gives you open lawn, mature trees, and rural surroundings without feeling remote or rugged to reach. Parking is available across from the Inn, with attendants on duty for the first hour. We also have handicap parking adjacent to the barn. A golf cart shuttle is available as an add-on if needed.
Local wineries and hiking trails are nearby if you’re planning a weekend gathering with guests coming from farther away.
Conclusion
At The Preston Barn, intimate celebrations feel personal, not oversized. From flexible layouts to chef‑prepared menus, every detail is designed to make gatherings of 30 to 50 guests warm, seamless, and memorable.
Conveniently close to Mahopac yet offering the charm of a Hudson Valley destination, The Preston Barn is the perfect setting for your next milestone. Contact us at 845‑442‑3053 or email helene.rosenkranz@olddroversinn.com to schedule your tour today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does The Preston Barn make a space built for 220 feel right for only 30 to 50 guests?
Your coordinator tailors the layout with farm and round tables to match your guest count, ensuring the barn feels warm and not cavernous. The patio scales perfectly for smaller cocktail hours, and you have the entire 11-acre property to yourselves.
Why choose The Preston Barn over a restaurant’s private room for intimate celebrations?
Unlike fixed packages, you have complete customization options for floor plans, menus, and timing. The barn offers indoor and outdoor space, a fire pit option, and room for personal touches, with chef‑prepared menus and attentive service.
What seating arrangements work best for intimate groups of 30 to 50 people?
Choose one long farm table for connection, clusters of rounds for small‑group conversation, or U‑shaped seating for toasts. Your coordinator helps design the setup that fits your style.
How close is The Preston Barn to Mahopac, and what makes the drive worthwhile?
Located in Dover Plains near Mahopac, The Preston Barn is easily accessible from Westchester and Long Island. The property offers 11 acres of scenic grounds and reclaimed Hudson Valley character. It is close enough to reach comfortably, yet it still feels like a true destination.