Our Story: Unveiling the Charm of Country Coach House
Our Unfolding Journey at Country Coach House
Back in 2012, the closure of Bruce's automation business marked the closing of one chapter and the opening of a brand new one. Farewell to our bustling Hampshire home, where we raised our seven children, and hello to a thrilling adventure in charming Burlington, IL, just a stone's throw away. Our new house stole our hearts, and the property, complete with a sizable, weathered shed, immediately captured our imagination. Little did we know that this unassuming shed would soon become the beating heart of our lives.
Our journey into the world of weddings began mere months after settling into our new abode.
Picture this:
June 2014, this property with it’s ample space beamed as a picturesque setting for our inaugural wedding reception for our daughter Juiette and son-in-law, Andrew Despite the aging signs of that old shed, it was lovingly transformed. Borrowed vintage decor from a dear cousin adorned the space, creating a vintage charm that, along with the farmhouse, birthed an enchanting old-world countryside atmosphere. Surrounded by beloved family and friends, Bruce expertly manned the grill, a cocktail and cigar in hand, while our grandchildren played joyfully in the yard. Music filled the air, and that day, etched into everyone's memory, marking the beginning of our extraordinary journey.
Growing as a Venue:
Fast forward to 2019, a pivotal year as our son-in-law Kyle proposed to our youngest, Jordyn. Their quest for the perfect venue didn't align with the usual suspects. Instead, the fond memories of Juliette and Andrew's wedding sparked the idea of hosting their special day here.
Their vision set things in motion. While we worked tirelessly to make the space ready, Jordyn and Kyle meticulously curated every detail, from vendors to the finest china and elegant linens. But 2020 threw unexpected curveballs – a shrinking guest list, canceled vendors, and Kyle stepping up as the impromptu catering maestro, utilizing his culinary expertise and chosen field of study. In a last-minute decision, they re-invited guests for cocktails and dancing after the dinner, and the day turned out extraordinary, surpassing all expectations. Before we knew it, six more couples seeking an alternative spot to host their wedding receptions were on the books, marking the inception of our venture into the wedding venue business.
In October of that year, we had the immense privilege of hosting the wedding of Kara (Smith) and Jake Jansen, the grandaughter of Romelle and great-granddaughter of Henry and Dorothy Factly, the previous owners of this property. On this day, the fields and sunsets bore witness to a profoundly significant question: "Did you ever think, in a million years, that you would be back here, at your childhood home, witnessing your granddaughter's wedding?" The unanimous answer, punctuated by tears of joy, was a heartfelt "No."
The farmhouse, a relic from 1884, stands as a testament to days gone by, once serving as the heart of a vibrant dairy farm.
In 1940, Henry Factly and his wife Dorothy became the proud owners of this property, transforming it into their cherished family home where they raised their three daughters, Glena, Patricia, and Romelle. Henry, an enterprising soul, added to the charm by constructing the shed that now graces our landscape, serving as the hub for his awning manufacturing venture, VENTAIRE. Over the decades, this place remained the beating heart of their family life, hosting weekly gatherings after church until Dorothy's passing in 2001.
This story encapsulates the power of love, family, and the enduring connections that link us to the past and future. At Country Coach House, we are privileged to share in these moments with couples who choose our venue for their love stories.
In 2022, our daughter Janelle exchanged vows with Erik, and once again, Country Coach House was chosen as the celebratory venue. The wedding was a sight to behold, with every detail exuding elegance.
Embracing Our Journey
Embracing Our Journey
Today, we are filled with gratitude as we share this enchanting haven with more couples, enabling them to craft magical moments on one of the most significant days of their lives. As proprietors of this cherished wedding venue, we are privileged to witness couples weave their unique personalities into every detail, creating a tapestry that speaks of their love for each other, their families, and their friends.
Creative visions spring to life here, breathing beauty and life into their most cherished celebrations, setting the stage for them to chase their dreams.
Nestled Amid Nature
Nestled amid the picturesque backdrop of farm fields and painted with awe-inspiring sunsets, our rustic setting offers the perfect canvas for these love stories to unfold. With the love and camaraderie of family and friends, each moment brims with joy and excitement, destined to be etched forever in the memory books and woven into a rich tapestry of heartwarming history.
Creating Memories Together
Today, we invite you to be a part of our ongoing story, a story that intertwines the love of family, the rich history of this land, and the joy of celebrating life's most cherished moments. Here at Country Coach House, we offer more than just a venue; we offer a piece of history, a canvas for your love story, and a setting where memories are made. Join us in crafting your unique chapter in the history of this remarkable place.
Country Coach House
334 N Main Street
Burlington, IL 60109
Phone
(224)829-8733