“The property is like a best-kept secret, which is part of its intrigue for weddings,” explains Bob Hoven of the historic Catskill estate Beattie-Powers Place.
One of the earliest properties in town built overlooking the Hudson River, Beattie-Powers Place is part of Catskill’s East Side National Historic District. The crown jewel of the seven-acre property is a Greek Revival villa, built in 1836.
A formerly neglected site, through the efforts of the nonprofit Friends of Beattie-Powers, the property has transformed into a beautiful park and thriving cultural hub in the Village of Catskill and an idyllic venue for weddings.
The nonprofit’s emergence is a case study in community collaboration. In 1990, designer Mary Deane Beattie bequeathed the property to the village “for the benefit of all.” However, without an endowment for care, the property was in danger of falling into disrepair until 2005, when a group of citizens committed to preserving the integrity of the land came together. The group poured restoration efforts into the house to preserve its historic integrity, stewarded by Hoven.
The massive seven-acre property now offers many free community programs, from recitals to lectures, and has even served as a venue for Upstate Art Weekend installations. Today, visitors can find sculptures sprinkled throughout the grounds.
“The park is an inviting space for visitors to walk the pollinator-friendly gardens, enjoy picnics, and take in iconic Hudson Valley scenery, from views of Olana to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, and the Hudson River. With the river in the background, it’s also a picture-perfect setting for a wedding,” says Hoven, executive director of Friends of Beattie-Powers.
A Wedding at Beattie-Powers Place
For the first time in two decades, Beattie-Powers Place is welcoming couples to host wedding ceremonies or receptions. “Part of what might attract someone to have their wedding here is the site’s cultural significance. It was the dream home of John Powers, who was a lawyer and heavily involved in local politics. It stayed in his family for generations and is now on the National Register of Historic Places, ” Hoven says.
Guests have limited access to the historic villa for weddings—it may be used for bridal party preparation and wedding photos. For celebrations, people can bring in tents or outdoor seating with the Hudson River backdrop. Caterers can set up in a tent adjacent to the house.
“We have held a number of galas with over 100 guests that have been successful events. We’re happy to extend the invitation so others can enjoy the property on their special day,” Hoven says.
While Friends of Beattie-Powers is entirely volunteer-run, they have an event manager on staff, along with a list of recommended vendors in the area.
Because grounds are vast, opportunities to individualize a wedding day setting are, too. “We are thrilled to use the property in a way that brings to life a couple’s wishes and makes unforgettable memories for them.”
Beattie-Powers Place
Prospect Ave and Bridge St, Catskill, NY
