A landmark was reborn when Le Chateau, a historical Tudor-style mansion in South Salem, re-opened in the fall of 2017 exclusively for private events. We sat down with Sarah Schiller, Le Chateau's Director of Sales to ask her a few questions about the re-imagined landmark.
Wow! Where old-world charm meets modern day amenities. Tell me about the 10 million dollar renovation that has preserved the historical beauty of Le Chateau.
It was very important to the owners and our team that the character, craftsmanship and integrity of the original building remain. This is a very special property with details people truly admire. Many of the clients who walk in compliment the way the new ballroom seamlessly fits, saying it looks like it has always been there. The venue flow allows you to have this beautiful, original area for your cocktail reception, and when you walk around the corner, it is a lovely, light-filled walk to a truly stunning ballroom. The new ballroom is spectacular. The chandeliers are one of a kind, and when you couple that with the western wall of windows overlooking those amazing uninterrupted vistas, it is awesome. There is a built-in granite dancefloor, 23’ ceiling, up-lighting all around the perimeter of the ballroom.
Upon entering the Tudor-style mansion, there’s a feeling that you’ve arrived - home. Tell me about the vibe.
Exactly! Clients always tell me how comfortable they are at Le Chateau. It is very important to our team that our clients feel at home, and it starts with their very first visit to Le Chateau. Everyone who works here feels very passionately about this building, its history, and we love what we are doing. That makes for a great vibe. When you add in events with phenomenal food and service, it’s the full package.
Le Chateau was commissioned by J.P. Morgan in 1907 as a gift for his pastor and friend, the Rev. William S. Rainsford. Any secrets uncovered during the renovation?
You bring a great deal of experience in the event management business to Le Chateau. Tell me a bit about your professional background.
I grew up in the industry. One of my sisters is an event planner, one of my brothers is a CIA graduate and I started working with him when I was 13 at his catering company. I was hooked from the beginning! I have been lucky enough to work for a James Beard Award-winning chef in California where I did private events at his fine dining restaurants, off premise catering in NYC, ran the event department at the Intrepid, and most recently, I did a lot of event production work all over the country.
You are part of the Le Chateau story - your sister was married here! Favorite Le Chateau memory?
My sister was married here 17 years ago! When I was interviewing for the job I was laughing when I walked into Le Chateau because I specifically remember having a drink at the bar with my uncle. I also recently found a photo of my entire family in the West Garden. My dad had won an award at work and we went to Le Chateau to celebrate. That’s something I really love about my job. I get to meet so many wonderful people, potential clients, who have fond memories of the building as well. Some of my meetings are very emotional!
From fundraising events, galas, wedding and bat/bar mitzvahs, to smaller gatherings. Tell me about some of the events that have been held thus far at Le Chateau.
We had a fantastic opening season and have hosted weddings, baptism celebrations, baby showers, celebratory dinners, holiday parties, fundraisers and corporate events.
How does one go about booking an event?
You can contact us via phone (914)–763–1410 or via our website (www.lechateaubanquets.com).
Le Chateau is located at 1410 Old Post Road (Rt. 35) South Salem.
*Images courtesy Le Chateau