Amber Grove

Amber Grove is a beautiful, secluded venue for family and friends to gather in celebration. For over 20 years, we have been dedicated to creating special days that are truly unforgettable. Our primary focus is on weddings, but our picturesque country estate is the perfect setting for any social occasion. We are conveniently located just minutes from Rte. 288, and we would love to be a part of your special day.

Our Story: A Legacy of Tradition and Celebration

Amber Grove has been a cherished gathering place for family and friends for over two decades. The venue's history is deeply rooted in tradition and celebration, and we continue to uphold these values in everything we do. We are more than just a venue; we are a place where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime.

The Place Now Known as Amber Grove: A Brief History

The house and surrounding lands that make up Amber Grove have a long and varied history. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Richmond's premier wedding and special event venues, Amber Grove has come a long way. The farm sits on top of what geologists call the Otterdale Sands, formed at the end of the second Ice Age. Over the millennia, it became covered with vegetation and forest. It was a hunting ground to the Monacan Indians, and it is one of the highest points in terms of elevation in Chesterfield County.

The modern history of this place begins in 1850 when a settler named Vincent Markham migrated up Swift Creek from the present DuPont area of Richmond and bought 350 acres of land including what is now Amber Grove. He and his sons, Vincent Jr. and George, built a house on this site. Vincent Jr. married a woman named Julia Elam in 1854 who died in childbirth in 1856. Her grave marker is in the Inn's courtyard.

After her death, Vincent Jr. lost all interest in the farm and moved to Colorado to prospect for gold. He later became a noted federal judge. In the meantime, Vincent Sr. died in 1859, leaving the care of the farm to George and his wife, Adelaide Cheatham. George borrowed $5000 from his brother-in-law Thomas Cheatham so he could expand his farming operation based on cattle, corn, and tobacco. Ominously, the date on the loan was April 9, 1861. Three days later, Fort Sumter changed everything.

Lee's Retreat came through this area in April of 1865, and it is believed that some Confederate units rested here before making their final journey to Appomattox. In 1866, George defaulted on the note held by Mr. Cheatham. For reasons not completely clear, he was asked to leave the farm never to return. Thomas then had David Mack Goode appointed to be his sister's trustee. Mr. Goode bought the farm from Adelaide and Vincent Markham Jr. in 1871. He owned it until his death in 1883.

The land was then divided up among his four children, the eldest of whom was named Ambrose Goode. Present-day Amber Grove was a part of Ambrose's share. Over the next twenty years, Ambrose bought out his siblings and ran the 350-acre farm as a dairy from 1884 until his retirement in 1946. It is not known what happened to the old Markham homestead, whether it burned down or was torn down. What is known is that Ambrose and his wife, Rebecca Bailey, built the present house in 1884.

It was originally a "two-over-two", two rooms downstairs and two upstairs, with the present suite built behind the house as a separate building for the dining room and kitchen. Around 1900, the Goodes connected the kitchen building to the main house and built an addition on the front where the present kitchen is located. They used the space as a parlor.

In 1946, the Goodes sold the farm to the Franklin Brothers. The Franklins ran what had become known as the Goode Farm as a farming operation and the house itself as rental property until they sold it to Doug Sowers, a local land developer, in 1982. Mr. Sowers then sold the house and 25 surrounding acres to the Craddock family in 1983. The Craddocks completely renovated the house, including tearing out the original pine planks, building a new sub-floor, and then installing new flooring which looked like the old pine. They also rebuilt the back stairway and added the present entranceway to the dining room.

The Craddocks sold the house to the Adams family in 1986 who, in turn, sold it to Jean Thayer in 1990. She bought it for her daughter, Gail Richter, who wanted a place to raise horses. Gail added most of the existing white fencing. Ms. Richter moved away in 1995, and the house became rental property once more until John McBride bought it in 1997. His intention was to operate a country inn where he could host weddings and other social functions.

Amenities and Services: Making Your Special Day Unforgettable

At Amber Grove, we offer a wide range of amenities and services to make your special day truly unforgettable. Our picturesque country estate is the perfect setting for any social occasion, and our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every detail is perfect.

Our venue offers several spaces for your event, including indoor and outdoor options. Our beautifully manicured gardens and sprawling lawns provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, while our elegant indoor spaces offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for any occasion.

In addition to our beautiful venue, we also offer a variety of services to make your event planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our experienced event coordinators will work closely with you to ensure that every detail is perfect, from catering and decor to music and transportation. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring that your special day is truly unforgettable.

Gallery: A Sneak Peek into the Beauty of Amber Grove

Our gallery showcases the beauty and charm of Amber Grove. From our picturesque gardens and sprawling lawns to our elegant indoor spaces, we offer a variety of settings that are perfect for any social occasion. Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, Amber Grove has something to offer everyone.

Menu: Delicious Cuisine for Any Occasion

At Amber Grove, we believe that good food is an essential part of any celebration. That's why we offer a variety of delicious cuisine options for any occasion. Our experienced chefs use only the freshest ingredients to create menus that are both delicious and visually appealing. From classic wedding fare to custom menus for corporate events or family gatherings, we have something to satisfy every taste and preference.

Vendors: Partnering with the Best in the Industry

At Amber Grove, we believe in partnering with the best in the industry to ensure that every event is truly unforgettable. From photographers and florists to caterers and DJs, we work with a variety of vendors who share our commitment to exceptional service and quality. Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, we can help you find the perfect vendors to make your event truly special.