If the walls could talk at the 120-year-old Scott Hill home in Elkins, they would have many stories. Soon the walls will see even more when the Scott Hill house opens its doors and grounds to the public as an all-occasion event venue.
Siblings and fourth generation owners Logan Smith, Suzi Gordon, Cynthia Gunning, Tamela Irvin and Katherine Wyrosdick, with assistance from their mother, Margaret Ball, are beginning Scott Hill Occasions. The business venture, according to Smith, will provide a threefold uniqueness that no other venue in the area offers.
Smith said that Scott Hill Occasions' uniqueness is threefold: It's a large, historic home, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008; the family will be on the grounds and available to share stories about its past; and the home offers a large outdoor area, which will be used for any type for celebrations and gatherings. On Jan. 1, Scott Hill Occasions will begin accepting reservations for events planned for June 1 or later. Scott Hill will be open to host everything from small company gatherings to children's birthday parties and outdoor weddings for up to 300 people, Smith said. The winter months, he added, will limit activities to inside the home.
"The nice thing in the summer is we're going to be able to have something on the lawn and open up the house so they can flow back and forth," Smith said.
With 100 years of hospitality experience between the family members, those who choose to celebrate any type of occasion at Scott Hill can have the family's expertise at their service. However, Smith said those who rent the venue may use all of Scott Hill Occasions services, which will include catering, tents and decorating; or the renter may bring their own decorations and caterers.
Smith explained Scott Hill Occasions wants to be "friends with the industry" by creating good, working relationships instead of competing with them.
"That way we can all make the industry better and stronger and attract more people to Elkins," he said.
To prepare to host events, renovations have been made to the home and are still in progress. The grounds also received a makeover when trees were cleared and a 70-car parking area was added to the back of the home.
Within the next year, the family plans to turn the rest of the home into a bed and breakfast with as many as 10 guest rooms. There is also some talk of boutique dining.
Scott Hill Occasions is working to develop a Web site and may be reached by calling 304-816-0096 or e-mailing jlogansmith@hotmail.com.
