Featured Venue: The Hermitage

The Hermitage

335 North Franklin Turnpike

Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey 07423-8311

201-845-8311

www.thehermitage.org

Located on five acres of lawn dotted with centuries-old trees, The Hermitage in leafy Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, in Bergen County, is an exquisite example of domestic Gothic Revival architecture. The 14-room historic house incorporates a stone house that was the Revolutionary War headquarters of General George Washington as well as the site of Aaron Burr’s marriage to Theodosia Prevost. Other visitors to The Hermitage include James Monroe, William Paterson, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Alexander Hamilton.

The current house was built in 1847-1848 for Elijah Rosencrantz, but a structure existed on the site since at least 1740. However, the earliest sections of the existing house probably date back to about 1760.

The Hermitage has been preserved as a museum, so rental of the actual house is not permitted. However, across the lawn is the equally historic John Rosencrantz House featuring Jaqua Hall, a 1,650-square ft. meeting and banquet room. French doors open onto the 1,200-square-foot, stone-paved Jaqua Patio while another entryway opens onto the Victorian Terrace connecting the hall to the parlors of the John Rosencrantz House. Jaqua Hall can accommodate events from 20 people up to 150 people.

I can attest to the architecture, landscaping, artistry, and beauty of The Hermitage because my own wedding was held here in 2007. The services were held on the lawn, followed by a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres under a white tent set up on the Jaqua Patio. The reception for our 150 guests was held in Jaqua Hall.

In January 2010, the Friends of the Hermitage entered into an exclusive arrangement with a new vendor, Take Away Gourmet, professional caterers located in nearby Waldwick. If you're interested in securing use of The Hermitage's facilities for private parties, inquiries should be directed to Take Away Gourmet, 26 W. Prospect St., Waldwick, NJ 07463 (201) 612-1111.