Situated on 80 acres in the scenic hills between New Boston and Troy, Matilda’s Event Barn is now in its sixth year of operations. While weddings represent the core of its business, Matilda’s hosts occasional showers, company parties, or picnics, and has donated the venue to various nonprofits over the years as a way to give back to the local community.

The property, known as the Kleiser Farm, is owned and managed by Jane Kleiser Schipp, the fifth-generation owner, who oversees land originally settled by her great-great-grandparents in 1863. Following her uncle’s passing in 2005, Schipp purchased 80 acres of the original 250-acre farm. Together with her partner John, and daughters — Tara, Brooke, Brittney, and Megan — and their spouses, a slow restoration and renovation of the farmhouse and each of the outbuildings began.

Today, the Farmhouse serves dual purposes as both a bridal suite, where wedding parties prepare for ceremonies, and as overnight accommodations for weekend guests. The former Workshop, relocated with the assistance of a crane, has been repurposed as a dedicated hair and make-up salon.

During the original barn’s restoration in 2015, a tornado destroyed the structure. In 2017, a new barn was constructed, although its initial intended purpose remained uncertain. What was certain was that John had a “book problem” and those books needed a place to land.

The Library was built to house the extensive collection of English and European history, now forming the suite that serves as the Groom’s quarters. The main portion of the barn serves as the reception area, seating a maximum of 250 guests.

Further restorations included the Granary, previously used as an office space, a “Catio” designated for the comfort of the farm’s cats, Max and Clara, and the former pig barn, now used for decor storage.

Named for Schipp’s great-aunt, Matilda, who was the true boss of the farm, Matilda’s Event Barn hosts approximately 30 to 35 events annually and closes from Jan. 1 to March 31. Kailee Burns serves as assistant manager, overseeing daily operations, event planning, and setup, as well as the occasional painting job or weed pulling. A support team of parttime employees works each week to ensure all preparations are completed ahead of every event.