Historic restoration and expansion on track to make Natirar the new crown jewel of event venues
12/14/2016
500-acre estate in New Jersey’s Somerset Hills to unveil new Grand Ballroom and exquisitely restored Mansion in June 2017
Peapack-Gladstone, N.J. – Dec. 14, 2016 – With its distinctive indoor and outdoor spaces, inspirational setting and storied past, Natirar is the venue of choice for sophisticated business and social events in New Jersey’s Somerset Hills. Soon its profile will be raised even higher, thanks to an expansion, slated for completion in June 2017, that encompasses a complete restoration of the estate’s Tudor-era Mansion and the construction of a magnificent new Grand Ballroom.
Set on 500 acres of protected land along the Raritan River, Natirar hosts events in peaceful seclusion, yet it is less than an hour from New York City and 90 minutes from Philadelphia. Expert planning services, exceptional catering and advanced technology make the estate a natural choice for weddings, social events, corporate meetings and receptions. Natirar welcomes only one event at a time, ensuring exclusivity for each group it hosts.
Coming in June 2017
Natirar’s palatial, 35,000-square-foot Mansion dates back to 1912 and boasts a rich history, at one point serving as a residence for the sons of Morocco’s late former King Hassad II. No detail is being overlooked in its restoration – from copper and slate roofing to fine oak paneling and molded plaster ceilings. The estate’s graceful arches, stone fireplaces, heraldic carvings, leaded glass windows and period lighting fixtures have all been retained.
When the Mansion reopens in June 2017, its Great Room will once again welcome indoor receptions and cocktails while outdoor gatherings will be accommodated on the beautiful brick patio of the Marquee, with its expansive views of the countryside. The formal Dining Room will accommodate smaller gatherings. For wedding parties, a Bride’s Room and Groom’s Room will each offer a private space for last-minute preparations and special moments with loved ones.
Making a highly anticipated debut in June will be Natirar’s new Grand Ballroom, a magnificent space that will accommodate up to 225 guests for high-impact meetings and nights of dinner and dancing. It will be accessed from the Mansion via a connecting Conservatory. Featuring red brick walls, ample windows and vaulted ceilings, these two new venues will blend the Mansion’s elegant aesthetic with a rustic chic style, reflecting the estate’s natural sensibilities.
Current Offerings
Natirar’s award-winning restaurant, Ninety Acres, is set apart from the Mansion in the estate’s original Carriage House and remains open during the renovation. It offers private dining in several appealing environments, among them a glass-enclosed Private Dining Room with views of the Kitchen Garden, accommodating 18, and a Wine Cellar with a private bar and garden patio for 40. Also open is Natirar’s Cooking School, a state-of-the-art venue with a demo kitchen and cooking stations for up to 40 participants. The school is available for one-of-a-kind corporate teambuilding and other culinary-themed group events.
Natirar’s vast estate grounds include several outdoor settings that are ideal for wedding ceremonies and al fresco social and corporate events during warmer months. The Kitchen Garden in particular is a sought-after spot for small weddings, with its wide mulch path lined by rows of flowers.
Catering
Event attendees enjoy the same critically acclaimed “Table at the Farm” culinary journey enjoyed by guests of Ninety Acres. Under the leadership of Executive Chef David C. Felton, an expert catering team plans menus around the available bounty from the 12-acre Farm at Natirar, located just a stone’s throw away from the Mansion. Wines from the Natirar cellar are organized by sommelier Brooke Sabel, who guides event planners through an award-winning 85-page wine menu as well as an enticing list of seasonal cocktails. Jarred local honey, culled from the Farm’s four active beehives, makes a thoughtful parting favor.
Experiential Learning
Natirar offers a variety of enrichment opportunities to enhance meetings and other corporate events. In addition to hands-on culinary classes at the Cooking School, the events team can arrange wine seminars by Ninety Acres’ sommelier and other wine experts, experiential learning opportunities on Natirar’s own 12-acre production farm, and active breaks on the estate’s outdoor fields and trails.
For more information on private events at Natirar, call 908-901-4708.
About Natirar
Natirar is one of the country’s most bucolic retreats, formerly owned by the King of Morocco, and set on a 500-acre estate in New Jersey’s Somerset Hills. It is a public private partnership between Somerset County and Robert Wojtowicz, Natirar’s founder. In 2017 a complete renovation to the historic Natirar Mansion will be complete, including restoration to the 1912 Tudor and the addition of a new Grand Ballroom, ideal for galas, weddings and exclusive meetings. Natirar already boasts one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed restaurants, Ninety Acres, built in the estate’s restored carriage house, which includes a cooking school, a private club and a 12-acre farm. Secluded, yet easily accessible, the Natirar estate is less than an hour from New York City and 90 minutes from Philadelphia. www.natirar.com
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Media Contacts:
Patricia Nugent / Jacqueline Dugas
Eric Mower + Associates
212-284-9935 / 212-980-9193
pnugent@mower.com / jdugas@mower.com
Contacts
Patricia Nugent
Eric Mower + Associates
pnugent@mower.com
212-284-9935