Pleasant Hill House, located in Pomfret, Maryland, is a venue loaded with historical significance. Its origins trace back to the 18th century when the Spalding family established Green’s Inheritance as a farm and later began the construction of Pleasant Hill Manor House in 1760. The house underwent several phases of construction and renovations, evolving from a single-story, two-room home with a full cellar in the 1760s to the grand structure it is today.
The land on which Pleasant Hill stands was originally part of a larger tract known as Green’s Inheritance. In 1713, John Spalding purchased a portion of this land, naming it “Pleasant Hill.” The house itself was constructed in multiple phases, with the first phase initiated by Basil Spalding in the 1760s. Subsequent modifications and additions were made over the years, reflecting the architectural and cultural shifts of the times.
The current caretakers, Travis and Tig, have a deep appreciation for old homes. Their journey with historic homes began with the restoration of a circa 1890 shotgun-style house in Cincinnati. Their passion for preserving and sharing the beauty of these homes led them to Pleasant Hill. Recognizing its potential, they decided to open it up to the public as a venue, allowing others to experience its charm and history.
Today, Pleasant Hill offers a unique venue for various events, especially weddings. The property provides multiple picturesque spaces, allowing couples to design a custom experience for their special day. One of the standout features of the venue is its commitment to hosting only one wedding event per weekend, ensuring exclusivity and attention to detail. This approach ensures that couples have full access to set up and enjoy their time at Pleasant Hill without any rush.
Pleasant Hill offers a diverse range of areas that cater to various event needs. The historic home serves as a centerpiece, providing an elegant indoor setting. Adjacent to the home is the English Tea Garden, a serene outdoor space perfect for intimate gatherings or ceremonies. For those looking for a more relaxed setting, the Nantucket-style pool area offers a refreshing backdrop, while the tavern-style basement adds a touch of rustic and a thematically appropriate setting for groomsmen to prepare for a wedding. Additionally, the wildflower meadow can accommodate larger gatherings, especially when paired with a tent. For bridal preparations, Pleasant Hill House offers dedicated spaces, ensuring comfort and privacy. With such a rich canvas of indoor and outdoor spaces, the venue provides a picturesque backdrop for any intimate event, be it a wedding, corporate gathering, or a casual get-together. The venue also offers an integrated online portal for planning, access to the historic home and garden areas, and a preferred vendor list to assist couples in their preparations.
Pleasant Hill does come with certain considerations for event planning. One of the primary concerns is the use of live flame candles. Due to the historic nature of the house, such candles are not permitted indoors, although they can be used in the tented reception area. Decorative elements that are hard to clean up, like glitter or tinsel, are not allowed, ensuring the venue remains pristine for every event. Time constraints are also in place, with events firmly limited to the hours between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm. This means all setup, event activities, and breakdown must fit within this window. While Pleasant Hill provides a list of preferred vendors to ease the planning process, clients wishing to use outside vendors must seek approval, ensuring that the high standards of the venue are maintained. Lastly, given the unpredictability of weather, especially for events planned outdoors, having a backup plan is crucial. The venue recommends using the reception tent as an alternative space in case of inclement weather, ensuring that events proceed smoothly regardless of external factors.