Guidelines for Special Event Rentals

Furnishings
  • No furnishings can be moved without approval from the Cherry Hill Coordinator and only under the supervision of City staff.
  • Only the two sofas and black cushioned chairs can be used for seating. There are an additional twenty gold cushioned chairs available for your use. They are stored underneath the stairs.
  • Vases for flowers must be placed on mirrored coasters provided by Cherry Hill.
  • No dishes, cups, glasses etc., (full or empty), should be placed on any furniture except the dining room table.
  • Two butler stands with trays are available for collecting dishes.
  • A protective covering should be used underneath any dining room tablecloth. A pad can be found in the dining room built-in cupboard.
  • No additional heating or lighting fixtures should be placed on any furniture.
  • Electric coffee pots should only be used in the kitchen. Pots are available for your use to transfer coffee or tea brewed in the electric coffee makers.
  • The contents of the dining room sideboard and cupboard are not for public use.
  • The two upstairs bedrooms furnished in period antiques will be closed to the public during rentals.
  • The large upstairs room with adjoining restroom are available for guests.
Food & Drink
  • Food and beverages are NOT allowed in the parlor.
  • All food should be prepared in the modern kitchen attached to the house.
  • Bottles of wine and champagne should be opened in the kitchen. Pitchers, a punch bowl, and cups are available for your use.
  • The white dishes in the tall kitchen cabinet are also available for your use.
  • If kitchen dishes are used please only load them in the dishwasher but do not start the machine.
  • Ice in plastic bags should not be left in plastic bags on the counter or kitchen floor.
  • Trash bags are available for your use. Garbage should be placed in the trash cans directly behind the house in the unlocked shed.
Clean-Up
  • Everything brought to your event must be taken away when you leave.
  • Trash bags are available for your use.
  • Kitchen and dining room floors should be swept before leaving.
  • If kitchen dishes are used please only place them in dishwasher but do not start dishwasher.
Fire Regulations
  • No smoking is allowed in the house.
  • No tables or equipment may block the rear door in the hallway.
  • The Cherry Hill Coordinator must approve lighted candles. No lit candles are allowed on the dining room mantel. The renter must use candles provided by Cherry Hill.
  • If candles are used they should be put out with the candlesnuffer located in the top center drawer of the desk in the parlor.
  • The fireplaces in the house are non-functional and cannot be used.
Decorations
  • Decorating plans should be discussed with the Cherry Hill coordinator.
  • Helium balloons are not allowed, nor are any decorations attached to the interior or the exterior of the house with tape, glue, staples, nails, etc.
  • Confetti is not permitted.
Alcohol
Beer, wine, and champagne are allowed but a permit must be obtained via the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Music
Amplified live and recorded music is allowed at reasonable levels.

Cherry Hill Hostess
For most rentals, a Cherry Hill hostess will be on hand the day of your event. She will open the house and be there during the event to answer questions and assist you in any way she can.

Damage Deposit
A $400 refundable deposit is due at the time of your rental. Please be advised that you will be held responsible for any damages to furnishings that occur during your rental and that damages will be deducted from your deposit. Cherry Hill Farmhouse offers a unique setting. We want you to enjoy the special ambiance that this historic house will lend to your event and hope that proper respect will be given to all household furnishings.