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If you are looking for a unique place to have an anniversary party or other special function in the greater Chicago area, Danada House in DuPage County near Wheaton offers a number of features that will make your event memorable. The house is located on the 825-acre Danada Forest Preserve, a mixture of prairie, wetlands and woodlands. The 19-room brick house includes a formal dining room, living room with fireplace, atrium with a dance floor, library, several large porches and a multi-acre, attractively landscaped grounds with outbuildings. Danada House is owned by the Forest Preserve District and managed by Friends of Danada House, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
History of Danada House and Estate
Danada House today is an award-winning venue for anniversary parties, weddings, receptions, business meetings, and other events. Its historical background as an estate home contributes to the elegant atmosphere and feeling of seclusion although it lies in the midst of a large metropolitan area. The property was originally the home of Daniel and Ada Rice, local business people, philanthropists and thoroughbred racing enthusiasts, who purchased a 152-acre farm tract in 1929. Their home, built in 1939, is known as Danada House, a combination of the names Dan and Ada. Over the years, the estate grew to 1,350 acres and included their home, a stable and outbuildings. The couple established a Kentucky-style horse stable and equestrian center with an indoor training track and start gate.
Danada House and the equestrian center are central features of the Danada Forest Preserve. The two-story home was recently renovated in 2010, adding an atrium and expanding the gardens with care and attention to make sure the additions enhanced the attractive historic and natural elements. The grounds of the house connect by nature trails to the equestrian center, adding beauty, charm and an at-home feel to this elegantly situated anniversary party venue.
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Features of Danada House
The house and grounds accommodate various sizes of groups, making it one of the more versatile anniversary party locations in the greater Chicago area. The capacity easily accommodates a gathering of family and friends for a milestone celebration like a 25th wedding anniversary:
- Climate-controlled atrium accommodates 250 guests
- Formal dining room accommodates 110 guests for sit-down meals
- House accommodates 90 guests for cocktail parties
- Year-round availability, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the atrium bringing vistas of pristine forest preserve to the inside
- Chairs and tables available at the facility
- Linens and audio-visual equipment can be rented from local vendors
- Several approved caterers with menus to suit all diets
- Handicapped accessible
- 150 parking spaces
One of the most attractive elements of the property is the garden and surrounding preserve. The garden features both native and decorative flowers and plants, creating a colorful and sensory-laden summer celebration for any commemoration, be it a 50th wedding anniversary or a bat or bar mitzvah. Even during colder months, the preserve becomes a winter wonderland, the natural beauty well-appreciated from the warm, cozy interior.
Anniversary Party Planning
The enthusiastic staff and volunteers of Friends of Danada House can help with decorating ideas, selecting vendors and party planning to make your anniversary celebration a sure success.
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