as the virus rolled on , and the wedding business limped along .
“ In January 2020 , we had 20 weddings scheduled ,” Bill says . “ We anticipated opening in May , but 10 of those weddings either canceled or postponed until 2021 . We did book five during last year and ended up with 15 weddings , which wasn ’ t too bad . We probably would have ended up with 25-30 had it not been for COVID .”
Because the team embraced the down time , The Gaines Estate simultaneously overcame the COVID-19 crisis and a 2018 fire , and renovations took place in earnest and without interruption in the empty spaces .
The estate now boasts a full bar and commercial kitchen that can serve more than 200 people ; a new , 4,000-square-foot pavilion that is fully enclosed , heated and airconditioned ; and three guest rooms . The space includes several wedding ceremony sites . This unique , 192-acre estate is now the grand venue its owners envisioned , and business is bustling . The estate has opened its arms to the community , even hosting a weekly farmer ’ s market .
“ We have hiking trails , and we have opened up the pasture to local residents to walk their dogs or bike when we are not having an event ,” Bill says . “ We try to program community events when we aren ’ t booked for a private event . Community response has been great .” •
Is your smile ready to unmask ?
Comprehensive care since 1948
Photo by Kendra Harper .
Services Include : Implant-supported teeth Cosmetics - facial aesthetics Full-service , in-house lab Full mouth restoration All-natural fillers
( 304 ) 342-6162 www . wvsmiles . com
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SUMMER 2021 39