"Thanks to the Barr Mansion's multitude of facility options and its amazing staff, when the rain poured on my wedding day, the guests didn't have a clue this was Plan B."

THE MANSION

Very romantic Eastlake Victorian home built in 1898

Heavily laden gingerbread porches surround three sides of the home exposing old southern extravagance no longer seen. The interior's five large rooms graced with original art, antiques, and l00 year old Persian rugs-feature elaborately carved mantles and staircases made from oak and, now extinct, East Texas "curly' pine. Hand-painted ceilings adorn the parlor and dining room. These rooms may be utilized for different needs such as dressing rooms, cocktails, or intimate entertaining such as rehearsal dinners.

THE ARTISAN BALLROOM

A Green Building with Soul

Massive rough-hewn timbers from an ancient barn built in the 1770's were taken apart, carefully numbered and transported from New York's Catskill Mountains, to form the building's massive framework. The front facade soars over 40 feet, is composed entirely of delicate glass, and allows the beauty of the inside to be a part of the glory of the gardens outside. Two master craftsmen, from the Cotswolds of England, came and thatched the roof a full 12 inches thick. To praise our earth and all her beauty, the creation story is depicted in luxuriant colors on a giant 250 square foot movable mural painted by Austin artist Doug Jaques. An indoor waterfall and grotto at the foot of a church bell-tower accent an all glass wing of the ballroom and makes a stunning location for an indoor ceremony. We constantly considered the environmental-footprint, or impact, of our building on the earth. It is very organic, sustainable, and nourishing.

THE GARDENS

Beautifully manicured setting perfect for ceremonies and garden parties

Each year we plant over 1,000 bulbs which primarily bloom during the winter months, followed by profuse blooms from antique roses, hollyhocks, bridal wreath, bluebonnets, fox glove, iris and other historically accurate flowers. A Zen garden adds to the wonder as you approach the Artisan Ballroom on a path comprised of colossal flagstones. Our new garden, we are calling the Garden of Eden, has a more exotic, tropical feel with bamboos, gingers, hostas and, of course, some apple trees!

FLEXIBLE CAPACITY

Our unique setting allows groups of any size to be comfortably accommodated. The Artisan Ballroom is ideal for groups 50 to 250 depending on the layout of the music, dance floor, number of tables. For large groups the lawn areas are utilized with white canopies. Groups up to 800 have been hosted with tables scattered throughout the lawn and garden areas. Since Austin’s average annual temperatures are very mild, people almost always request to have a portion of the party outside to enjoy our natural surroundings and the romance of a moonlit night.

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