London’s most unique event venue: Part 1

When you’re planning an event – whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, private dinner, business seminar, or even a yoga retreat – choosing the venue is one decision you want to get right. London, Ontario is blessed with many event spaces, but there’s one hidden gem you may not have considered: the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate. Here are five things that make it an event venue like no other.

1. It’s all yours.

When you host your event at the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, you’ll have exclusive use of the entire venue. And what a venue it is!

The Estate was given to cookie-heiress Elsie Perrin and her husband Dr. Hadley Williams as a wedding gift in 1905, and boasts a formal Foyer, sun-filled Great Hall, spacious Library, and elegant Dining Room – as well as two comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms on the second level.

There’s plenty of space to host groups of up to 80 for a seated dinner, or up to 120 for a cocktail-style event.

Organizing something less formal? This venue can do it all. We’ve hosted dance recitals, fashion shoots, craft fairs, croquet parties, and the list goes on….

2. It’s surrounded by nature.

Elsie Perrin Williams Estate is a true urban oasis. Surrounded by 68 acres of parkland, the estate is only minutes from Western University and a short drive from downtown London.

Our beautifully-manicured gardens feature a gazebo, a gorgeous canopy of mature trees, and plenty of space for a tent for up to 150 guests.

Explore our walking trails, take in scenic views over Medway River, and see how many birds and butterflies you can spot. Regardless of the season, our grounds provide a perfect backdrop for your engagement, wedding, or family photos.

Our park-like setting also makes us an ideal location for corporate teams looking to escape the hustle and bustle so they can focus on business.

3. It’s a slice of Spain in the heart of Southwestern Ontario.

They just don’t build houses like Elsie Perrin Williams Estate any more. In fact, the estate is the only example of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture in London.

Designed by architect John Moore, the house is famous for its red-tiled roof and white stucco exterior. Other unique design features include wrought iron balconies, a Romanesque portico, beamed ceilings, tiled fireplace surrounds, and leaded windows.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be transported to the elegance and charm of old Europe.

4. It’s been the centre of London’s social scene since the 1870s.

The property now known as the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate was originally used as the summer residence of Colonel William Glass, Sheriff of the County od Middlesex, in 1877. Even then, guests were delighted by the beauty of the setting, and Windermere – as it was then known – was at the centre of London’s social life.

But don’t worry – the estate isn’t stuck in the 19th century! We’ve got complimentary WiFi, a projector and screen, and plenty of on-site parking.

5. It is customizable, because no two events are the same  

Planning the perfect event is easy at Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, whether it’s a wedding, a retirement party, a corporate retreat, or a private team building session.

Our space is fully-customizable, with round, rectangular, and wooden tables (and chairs) at your disposal.

Our preferred caterers can provide an array of delicious menus to suit any occasion, and our on-site concierge will be on hand to ensure that everything goes exactly as planned.

One more thing…

There’s one more thing you may not know about Elsie Perrin Williams Estate: It’s owned and managed by the Heritage London Foundation. That means our rental fees help support the preservation of this outstanding property, as well as Grosvenor Lodge – another hidden gem that we’ll explore in next month’s blog.

For more information about hosting an event at the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, contact Paige at bookings@heritagelondonfoundation.ca