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Astor Courts: The Wedding Venue

by habituallychic

07 . 31 . 10

I think we have all had enough of hearing about Chelsea Clinton’s wedding today. Let the poor girl enjoy her day already. But I have to admit that Astor Courts is a pretty chic wedding venue. It’s actually a private home that belongs to Clinton friends Kathleen Hammer and her husband Arthur Seelbinder who offered it up for the nuptials. I don’t think this was a completely selfless gesture as it is currently on the market for $12 million.

Astor Courts was built in 1902 by Stanford White for John Jacob Astor IV in Rhinebeck, New York as a weekend retreat. It was also inspired by the Grand Trianon on the grounds of Versailles which accounts for the long lean lines of the one story building. The building was in pretty bad shape when the current owners purchased it in 2005 and they spent many more millions renovating it with the help of Standford White’s great-grandson, Sam White. There is a great article in The New York Times about the renovation here. Hopefully the 50-acres of grounds will prevent pesky paparazzi from ruining the ceremony and the happy couple will enjoy their special day!


Photos by Bruce Buck and from Luxist

18 Comments
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  1. Teresa Hatfield July 31, 2010 | 2:56 pm

    Heather,
    This is perfect! Such a glamourous home. Will make a beuatiful spot for a wedding.
    Teresa (Splendid Sass)

  2. Tabitha July 31, 2010 | 4:58 pm

    Oh Heather,

    Thank you so much for such a fabulous informative post.

  3. RaynaNyc July 31, 2010 | 5:30 pm

    This is a beautiful estate and thanks for the great collection of photos and history. It’s a near perfect summer day here in NY…. perfect for nuptials.

  4. lindaraxa July 31, 2010 | 8:40 pm

    It’s nice to have “generous” friends. Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing.

  5. The Simply Luxurious Life July 31, 2010 | 9:41 pm

    Heather – Thank you for such detail. While I too have had enough with all of the Chelsea hoop-la, I do hope she has a lovely day and I’ve been very curious about the location. This is perfect.

    I have to include it in tomorrow’s Cups of Tea.

    I hope your weekend is going well. =)

  6. cashmere pearls 'n' boots August 1, 2010 | 2:12 am

    this venue is just breathtaking.

  7. lin August 1, 2010 | 4:48 am

    So beautiful! i really enjoyed reading about the restoration as well. And so nice to read something about the Chelsea Clinton wedding that isn’t snarky!

  8. First House on the Right August 1, 2010 | 11:05 am

    Well I for one haven’t caught up on all the Chelsea Clinton wedding news so your post was the PERFECT way to do so. The house is wonderful, thank you so much for sharing! Nicolex

  9. Carrie Rundhaug August 1, 2010 | 1:42 pm

    Wonderful House! Thanks for the pictures! They are beautiful!

  10. mary August 1, 2010 | 3:41 pm

    It is, indeed, beautiful, but a bit chilly…. I much prefer it to Dr. Phil’s house that is also on the market (and highlighted in Maison 21’s post). Have a great Sunday. Mary

  11. FoundVintageStyle August 1, 2010 | 3:44 pm

    Wow- that is one impressive estate!

    It even seems like a pretty good deal at 12 million…

  12. Sherri Blum, CID August 1, 2010 | 4:13 pm

    Absolutely breathtaking! Perfect place for an elegant wedding! I’m certain this home will sell quickly now.

  13. IVAN TERESTCHENKO August 1, 2010 | 5:24 pm

    The tennis court is really quite beautiful and doesn’t seem to smell fresh paint as much as the rest of the property. Thank God it’s only for a party.

  14. Ijeoma August 1, 2010 | 6:59 pm

    What a spectacular home!

  15. Christa Pirl August 2, 2010 | 12:28 am

    Thanks so much for the photos- I was continually trying to see around Chelsea in the wedding photos posted today to get a better glimpse of the property!

  16. She Wore It Well August 2, 2010 | 11:47 am

    amazing wedding venue, lucky CC!

  17. Diane Bergeron August 4, 2010 | 5:49 am

    What an absolutely stunning house!

  18. The People's Business August 12, 2010 | 2:31 pm

    I love the Hudson Valley, having made two extended vacation trips there.

    Its choice for her wedding says great things about Ms. Clinton. It’s a classic American setting, with some of the most beautiful, traditional American architecture, cuisine, etc. available.

    There’s nothing at all pretentious about it, and the fact that she chose it over better known celebrity venues tells me she had tremendous style and class.

    DC Lawyer