Nestled near the riverbank on the corner of Highways 311 and 200 sits an old red hip-roof barn waiting for its second life as a wedding and event centre. Nearby and across a little hand-crafted bridge sits its companion, Marigold Cottage. For years, many commuters have watched with curiosity, wondering about the purpose of the red barn on the hill. For many of us, our curiosity peaked when the old house moved in next door and slowly began its transformation into a lovely, yellow-sided cottage.
Dave and Lori Neufeld are the inspiration behind the up-and-coming event centre, which they’ve aptly named Whitetail Meadow for the many deer that graze on its greenspace. The Neufelds, who live just a half-mile away, pondered the best use of this land. The idea to launch a wedding venue here was sparked years ago when a barn owned by a Niverville family needed to be moved to make room for the Prairie Crossings development on the northwest side of town. The Neufelds purchased the 70-year-old barn, moved it to its new location, and began the arduous journey through legal red tape.
Eight years later, in 2016, they finally received the green light to pursue their dream. Dave Neufeld is more than ready for the career change.
“I’ve done construction for a lot of years. I wanted to mow lawns and take care of flowers for the rest of my life,” says Neufeld.
The long wait gave him plenty of time to pursue the second portion of the event centre, Marigold Cottage. The cottage, too, is a repurposed home, which in this case came from a rural residence near Steinbach.
“They keep knocking these things down and I love to save old buildings,” says Neufeld.
This is not his first foray into old house revival. He designed a lovely red two-storey that sits on land near Tourond Creek, just east of Whitetail Meadow, a testament to the architectural beauty that can unfold from a vision and an old, unwanted dwelling.
Neufeld anticipates the completion of Marigold Cottage by spring, at which time he’ll begin work on the barn. Together, the two units will eventually be made available to bridal couples as a package deal. The barn will undergo a massive restoration, including additions on the north and south sides. In the end, the barn will cover approximately 6,000 square feet and feature an extensive banquet hall, a large caterer-ready kitchen, and a mezzanine floor for additional seating.
Marigold Cottage will complement the site as a honeymoon cottage for newlyweds. The cottage is currently undergoing a complete interior transformation and will include a main floor with a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, a dining area, and a primping room for the bride and her entourage to prepare for the big day. The second level will have two bedrooms. The master bedroom, or honeymoon suite, has a large window overlooking the river and a raised deck with a double glass door facing the grounds. Its angled-roof ceiling will provide a cozy space for a king-size bed, fireplace, free-standing roll-top tub, and private bathroom.
The Neufelds’ goal is to create a year-round facility with a unique grounds design that will provide plenty of entertainment options.
“We want people to come here and spend the day,” says Neufeld. “So many times you go to a wedding where you really want to go home because there’s not a whole lot to do.”
Over the coming summer, the grounds will begin to take shape with a putting green, a horseshoe pitch, walking paths, cross-country ski trails in the winter, and two dug-out ponds which can be converted to outdoor skating rinks. These will be enhanced with plenty of lights and a warm-up shack.
“What we’re trying to do is turn this into an events place, not specifically a wedding place,” Neufeld says. “We want people to be able to come here and enjoy it for what it is.”
Neufeld adds that he’s already got tentative bookings for corporate events later this year. His plan is to rent the renovated barn and cottage separately when needed. Either building or both will be available for any type of party or gathering and come with full accessibility to the grounds. The cottage may also be rented for visiting family and friends who need a place to stay at any time of year.
Once the grounds are complete, Neufeld anticipates that parents may want to bring their kids for a skate in winter. The cross-country ski trails will be groomed regularly. The couple’s goal is to see their property busy and enjoyed all year round. Neufeld also likes the idea of hosting community events such as dinners and dances—but for now, these possibilities remain dreams until the facility is open and some time has passed.
At this point, the Neufelds are planning for a September opening and bookings may begin as early as April. The goal is dependent on Mother Nature, though, and the amount of workable weather they get over the coming months. They’ve already hired an events planner and booking options will be available soon on their website.
