I think I’ll let the wonderful folks from West Manor tell you about their special place – then I’ll share some photos from the grand reopening!

Tell us about the history of West Manor

West Manor was built in 1823 by architect Thomas Poindexter, who also built the original St. Stephen’s church on Perrowville Road.  Thomas lived at what was actually called “Waverly” with his wife and 3 daughters Sallie, Margaret, and Virginia.  Upon Thomas’ death Mrs. Poindexter married Rev. Robert Thomson, who used some of his wife’s funds to start the first Lynchburg College in Lynchburg.  Margaret was married at Waverly and built a house on the property, and Sallie married Capt. Thomas West, a Confederate veteran, at Waverly as well on May 21, 1868.  They later moved into the main house that we currently refer to as “West Manor.”  Virginia, the only Poindexter daughter not to marry, is honored with a statue on our front lawn.  As guests approach she is there to greet them and look over our weddings. 

The marriage of Sallie to Thomas West produced 10 children, and all but one, Eliza Burton West, who died at 9 months, were married on the farm.  The home was passed down from generation to generation until 1976 when Jack Lester purchased the farm with his son Greg.  West Manor was a working dairy farm from 1823 until 1994 when the dairy was sold.  It was at this time West Manor Bed & Breakfast was established.  We began hosting weddings for the public in 1999, built our formal ballroom in 2000, followed by our gazebo and formal garden ceremony site in 2001 and conservatory in 2004.  In 2011 John and Jill Fees purchased the property, renaming it West Manor Estate, and renovated the grounds and interior, adding a completely glass enclosed Atrium for indoor ceremonies or cocktail hour.  Weddings run deep on our history and it is our goal for each family who experiences an event with us to leave feeling a part of some thing special.

How many guests can West Manor accommodate for a wedding?

 We can accommodate up to 225 for a seated dinner, 250-275 for a cocktail style reception. 

 What makes West Manor special/different compared to other place?

 There are so many reason why I love West Manor, but far from that there are just so many great logistical reasons to host your event out here.  The first is that it is quintessentially Virginian.  With it’s red brick exterior, rolling hills, and mountain views, there is no place like it, and with such quick and easy city access, it’s not inconvenient to your guests.  Because it is a home, guests feel comfortable and relaxed in our environment.  I always say it is like having a wedding at home, that you don’t have to cook and clean for!  And of course the space!!  From the gardens to the conservatory, the ballroom, atrium, and house, there are so many places to set up and places for your guests to go, explore, and enjoy.  Instead of being in one room all night, guests are free to have cake and coffee in our comfortable living rooms, situated right off the ballroom so they aren’t missing a thing, or wander the lantern light gardens at sunset.  Best of perhaps is that brides don’t have to worry if they wake up and it’s raining on their wedding day, they know a. West Manor is taking care of everything, and b. we’ve got this amazing glass room for her to move in to that is separate from her reception space, but still allows her to feel outside, minus the wet rainy mess.  Winter brides who still appreciate the scenery and views can have that outdoor feeling ceremony, but with warm guests.  As well as the beauty in the setting we also focus heavily on the quality of the food we produce here at West Manor.  With the new ownership came a new approach to the food that we serve our clients and their guests.  We have partnered with chef Michelle Hamrick from Gerald’s restaurant, and she will be executing the culinary side of our events.

 Is there anything else about West Manor that you would like to share?

I guess if there was anything else I would want people to know is that on top of getting a beautiful venue and great food, you’re going to get great service.  Each wedding is just as important as the one before and the one after.  I get one shot to get this day right and that thought is never far from my mind.  I also know that there are a lot of fabulous venues in our area and I am lucky when a bride books with us.  Picking your venue, especially when we provide the food, can be an overwhelming decision and one that should not be taken lightly.  Just like picking your wedding dress, your site should reflect your style and feel.  But when you do decide to have your wedding with us, you should know that we will take care of every worry, every detail, everything with the same detail and care you would if you had the time.  Weddings have been in the West Manor family for almost 190 years and it is our goal to treat you and your guests as our own family.

Allegra back again! Wow as you can see there is a lot of history in this place! I can tell you from my complete tour before the grand opening that West Manor has been transformed! The home features elegant antiques and now has a much more sophisticated flair. The new Atrium proved itself as the day opened up cloudy and rainy – you’ll see from the pictures how much gorgeous light floods the space even on a grey day!  They have some very limited availability for this year and certainly if your wedding is next year, you’ll want to hop on it!  Give them a buzz at info@westmanorevents.com to learn more!