FAQ
What is The Kester Homestead?
The Kester Homestead is a gathering place founded by Mackenzie and Blaine Vossler of The Local Branch. We open our doors for weddings, farm to table suppers, retreats, photoshoots and overnight stays. You can opt to book the Barn + Grounds or add on an overnight stay of the historic farmhouse, The 1854 House.
Where is the homestead located?
At 5606 Kester Rd. Memphis NY, 13112. We are a private residence in Elbridge NY, located about 20 minutes from downtown Syracuse, 7 miles to Skaneateles. While we would love the chance for you to view the property, we ask that you refrain from unscheduled visits. This is a private property - please email us to schedule a tour or property visit!
What is your occupancy?
Our wedding guest occupancy is ~150. We have tables, chairs and settings for ~150 guests, with 75 parking spaces. While our space is huge, we do adhere to this guest count in order to maintain space for a rain plan.
How many guests can stay at The 1854 House?
The house sleeps 10-15 overnight guests comfortably amongst 7 bedrooms, with 2 bathrooms. Additional guests are required but no additional bedding or towels are provided beyond what is provided for each bedroom.
What is the Pet Policy?
Polite pets are allowed with a $250 fee, and an additional $50 fee applies per each additional pet. Prior approval is required and fees secured before booking. We implemented the pet fee in June 2024 after many experiences with pets ruining bedding, furniture and due to extensive cleaning fees, we now have to charge a fee. We still ask guests to not allow pets on furniture, to use pet blankets and to clean up after pets. Thank you for your cooperation so we can continue this offering to future guests
What does the property entail?
There are ~10 bucolic acres with a grand Victorian Farmhouse, Gambrel Barn (with ADA restrooms, Catering Prep Kitchen, Prop Closet & Bridal Suite), a small Fieldstone Barn, a Woodlands Cathedral, walking trails, chickens, a garden, a bonfire pit, a pool, and farmland for as far as the eye can see. The spaces have been designed and curated by the owners, with the intention of creating dreamy settings for photography. It’s a magical property, filled with grandeur and all the sweetest touches.
What should my guests know?
Guests, please be aware that this is an old working farm with many uneven surfaces and terrain. Most of the happenings will be outdoors on the lawn or inside the barns, so proper footwear is recommended. If the event you are attending is in the fall, please bring layers as the space is NOT heated, so the temperature outside is also the temperature inside.
What about parking?
There is a grass parking field that can accommodate up to 75 cars. Please carpool or use a ride share service if possible. Cars may be left overnight to ensure you have a safe ride home - please pick up your vehicles by 10am the following day.
Can we take a tour before booking?
Yes - however, we are a private residence so we do not allow drop-in visits. Please e-mail us at TheKesterHomestead@gmail.com to schedule a tour.
Do you have vendor recommendations?
Yes! We have our Couples Portal which hosts all of our recommendations and planning tools.
Can the Homestead team handle set-up and clean-up?
Our wedding packages include handling the details around decor set-up. Your catering and bar partners will handle all set-up and clean-up of food and bar needs. We do require you to book one of our Preferred Vendors for Catering and Bar.
What time does the music need to end?
Music on Friday and Saturday nights must conclude by 10:30/10:45 pm to ensure that you, all of your guests and vendors have the proper time to say your goodbyes and conclude the gathering by 11:00pm. Please utilize our prepared wedding timelines to plan your perfect day!
Do you offer flower services?
Yes! We’d love to create the flowers for your special day — please read more about our offerings under our Homestead Flower Package section.
What other requirements do you have?
We require that all couples secure Day of/Weekend of Insurance. We require a contract to be signed and all rules followed, (ie. no fireworks, confetti, rice, pesticide sprays or other hazardous/dangerous/disruptive activities on the property). We require that all couples use our Preferred Vendor for Catering and Bar (NO DIY food or bar service is allowed).
What is the history of this place?
John Kester was awarded this plot of land as a war grant in the late 1700s. It was 600 acres and stretched the entirety of what is now Kester Road. The existing Victorian farmhouse was built by John’s grandchildren, the third generation. The third floor was said to have hosted the most lavish parties and gatherings - they were entertainers! It was also a fully functional working farm.
Harley Glasow and family purchased the farm and grew potatoes here, you’ll notice an Onondaga Brand potato sack in the parlor that we salvaged during our barn restoration. The rumor goes that whenever there was a drought, farmers from all over town would come to the “Kester House” to get water, as we’re tapped into an aquifer that has never run dry.
The Keller Family fell in love with the home and built stables to board horses and Shetland ponies. They raised their family here and put a lot of love into restoring and preserving the character of the old home.
In winter of 2017 we purchased the homestead. We were expecting our first child that summer, so we made home renovations our full time job - peeling back layers of flooring, cleaning and restoring systems, removing wallpaper, updating the kitchen and bathrooms, and the like to unearth and glorify the natural beauty of this space. Now, it is a styled, neutral canvas for guests to stay, bridal parties to gather, photoshoots to unfold.
In 2019 we embarked on a total barn rehab, fixing her up to her glory days, installing electric, septic, bathrooms and building out the lower level to house a catering prep kitchen, office and bridal suite. We’ve carved out the Woodlands Cathedral to host ceremonies, the Wild Garden to serve cocktail hour and the Gambrel Barn for receptions. We built all the tables using the stable wood during our renovations and house an extensive collection of “props” making this an easy, beautiful setting for you to host your guests.
We decided to honor the namesake of the original family — so we named this little spot The Kester Homestead.
— Warmly,
Mackenzie, Blaine, our kiddos and The Kester Homestead Team
Have a question we didn’t answer? Please feel free to e-mail us at TheKesterHomestead@gmail.com!