PEAPACK-GLADSTONE, New Jersey — Nine months of restoration and expansion have culminated in the debut of a new New Jersey event venue: The Mansion at Natirar. The 35,000-square-foot Tudor-era mansion, which at one point served as a residence for the sons of Morocco’s King Hassad II, has been transformed into a venue with indoor and outdoor spaces appropriate for high-powered business meetings and events.
The centerpiece of a 90-acre estate in the rolling hills of Somerset County, the Mansion at Natirar is surrounded by another 400 acres of protected land along the Raritan River. Originally built as a private home in 1912, it now boasts an eclectic new design by Los Angeles-based SFA Design. The new look preserves the architectural and historic integrity of the original building while introducing fresh, modern elements that bring it into the 21st century.
The most significant change is the addition of a 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom that can accommodate groups of up to 225. The ballroom’s design connects guests to the surrounding countryside through expansive windows and a 26-foot living wall of local flora. The 10 species of plants were thoughtfully chosen by Natirar’s Master Gardener, Kim Wojtowicz, to be both inspirational and functional, as they clean the air and reduce noise levels.
Also brand new is the conservatory, which connects the ballroom to the mansion. The conservatory serves as a stand-alone space and as a gathering and reception area for ballroom events. A new conservatory patio is available as an al fresco gathering spot for small groups in warmer months.
Set apart from the mansion in the estate’s original carriage house, Natirar’s award-winning restaurant, Ninety Acres, offers a choice of several private dining environments, among them a glass-enclosed private dining room that seats 18 with a view of the kitchen garden and a wine cellar with a private bar and a garden patio for up to 40. Also available is Natirar’s Cooking School, a state-of-the-art venue with a demonstration kitchen and cooking stations for up to 40 participants. The school specializes in corporate team building and other culinary-themed group events.
Food and beverage services at the mansion afford event attendees the same distinctive “Table at the Farm” culinary experience as guests of Ninety Acres. Menus showcase the bounty of the estate’s own 12-acre Farm at Natirar and Kitchen Garden and are complemented by inspired seasonal cocktails and an extensive wine cellar. Natirar’s one-event-at-a-time policy ensures that each group benefits from the full attention of the catering and events team.
