The Harding Allen Estate

*Notice - Are you concerned that your wedding location may not be able to accommodate your guests in 2021? We are now accepting wedding reservations in accordance with the new MA Covid requirements, which includes open-air dining! With open tented sides and large open air flow for events, our main ballroom has been renovated to create an elegant ambiance while still preserving an open airy sense. We will return to our regular room as soon as there are no problems with Covid! Because we are located a little further out in the country from Worcester, Boston, and Springfield, we are often classified as being in the low-covid zone classification system. While learning social distancing, your guests can enjoy our many outside spaces, which include exploring, playing yard games, and relaxing in our gardens. In addition, our dance floor and landscaping work provide enough of space for people to dance without isolating themselves! Check out the photographs on this page! * This beautiful neo-classical three-story palace, which was completed in 1926, is the product of years of meticulous work. The steel-beam construction mansion, designed by Boston architects Blackhall, Clapp, and Whittemore, was built for Harding Allen, the proprietor of the Chas. G. Allen Co., a drilling and tapping machine firm and iron foundry. The company was established during the American Civil War to manufacture Yankee hay rakes. Approximately 742 individuals were employed by the company at its height of operations. The company has shrunk in size over the years, but it is still in operation. When Harding's wife, Carrie C. Allen, passed away in 1946, the estate was auctioned off, and Dr. and Mrs. Richard Fowler purchased a piece of the land, which included the mansion, for a sum of $1.25 million. Until it was repurchased by Steve Goldsmith, the great-nephew of Harding Allen, in 1972, the property remained in the possession of the Fowler family. After he and his wife Ina died in February 1995, the property was purchased by Alain Beret and James Fairbanks who lived there until the present day. Carmine and Grace Gugliotti, the current owners, purchased the property in February 2004 from the previous owners. The mansion is highlighted by its imposing two-story portico as well as exquisite balustraded porches on three sides. The beautiful internal plaster molding, carved millwork, and marble detail, all executed by professional Italian craftsmen, has been preserved in its entirety on the interior walls. The use of original lighting fixtures is prevalent throughout the space.