FACILITIES | Historic Stonehouse ca.1835
The Greensward
The Greensward is the name given to outdoor areas encircling the Historic Stonehouse. These hilltop spaces offer refreshing places to sit and soak up the view or take a stroll, and easily accomodate 200–400 guests for events.
There are various possibilities for utilizing The Greensward for Events, whether combined with The Great Hall and other rooms of the Stonehouse or not. Everything from formal weddings, to picnics or garden parties function well in these outdoor spaces with their wide open view of the Colorado River Valley, sloping pastoral prairie landscape, ponds, grazing cattle, farm houses and the natural escarpment of Monument Hill.
An old, stone well on the west side of the house recalls a bygone era, while petrified wood logs recall the prehistoric past. At the northernmost point of The Greensward is a forty foot tall wooden crucifix from which a walking trail marked with Bible verses extends into the adjoining thirty-eight acre pasture.
The Lawn
Between the cross and the Stonehouse, is The Lawn, an open space of approximately a half acre enclosed by a native stone wall. The wall was built of stone from the second floor of the Stonehouse in the early 19th century after the House burned, and the second floor was demolished.
The Lawn is bordered on the south by the north porch of The Great Hall. The original approach to the Stonehouse was from this location via La Bahia Road, southward up the hill to the broad, covered north porch and formal entrance to The Great Hall and Stonehouse.
The Garden
Existing trees on the south side of the Stonehouse and the east side of the Historic Stone Stable define an area called The Garden. The south porch of The Great Hall borders this open space. In the shaded area sheltered from north wind, a circular drive provides access for guest loading and unloading. Within the circular drive are featured a flower and herb garden, with a small pond fountain.
A century old, Elm reaches its branches from the southeast corner of the Stonehouse, joining with those of other trees to extend the shaded Garden along the east side of the Stonehouse. In winter, its bare branches strike a dramatic silhouette, crystallized and accented by hundreds of tiny white holiday lights.
Accommodates 200-400 event guests