About Us

A GRAND PAST

The distinguished grandeur of a hilltop Gilded Age mansion, breathtaking views of Hudson Valley sunsets from terraced patios, and acres of lush gardens combine to make Le Chateau an unforgettable destination for weddings and special events.

High on a hillside in South Salem, New York, Le Château was commissioned by J.P. Morgan in 1907 as a gift for his pastor and friend, the Rev. William S. Rainsford. Originally called Savin Rock, the country retreat was designed by Atterbury & Atterbury, prominent architects of the day.

The tudor-style mansion of brick and stone would be virtually impossible to duplicate today, both financially and in craftsmanship. The rooms are paneled in American chestnut, a wood no longer available, cherry and oak. Huge chestnut beams are found throughout, and all of the woodwork was hewn and detailed by hand. Grand staircases and massive stone fireplaces are further reminders of a gracious era long past.

A DAZZLING FUTURE

    Under new ownership, Le Chateau has launched the next chapter of its storied history. Fairfield Catering Group purchased the property in Fall 2016, and invested $10M in a comprehensive facility update and expansion befitting the property’s grand legacy.

    The venue’s updated lobby and cocktail spaces preserve the history of the mansion, with every antique detail and surface inspected and refreshed. To inject a modern New York sensibility to the property, Fairfield Catering Group enlisted preeminent designer KG+D Architects. The fusion of these two visions resulted in a mindfully designed venue, where guests can now experience the romance of the past in authentic spaces, without compromise. This masterpiece reopened in fall 2017 exclusively for private events.

    Le Chateau belongs to the Fairfield Catering Group's family of facilities that have been hosting events since 1986. Our four Connecticut properties include The Riverview, The Waterview, The Candlewood Inn and The Fox Hill Inn.

    “La grâce, plus belle encore que la beauté.”
    ‘Grace, more beautiful than beauty.’

    - Jean de la Fontaine