The Hillcrest Estate is an elegant 120-acre property in York, New York. The Estate was developed during the period known as “the Country Place Era” of the 1880s to 1930s. This is a period in which well-to-do families who often lived in impressive homes located in urban areas sought rural locations for seasonal homes to escape the unhealthy conditions often found in cities during warm weather months.
As railroads were the chief means of transportation during this era, these more remote locations were quite accessible. The Hillcrest Estate and its next-door neighbor, Linwood Gardens, were located down the road from a former railroad depot. Built in 1899, the Estate has been under continuous occupation for more than 125 years. Current owner, Kate Wilcox-Rodwell, was raised in the main house while her father farmed the land and her mother hosted numerous events in the ballroom and on the grounds.
Learn more about her journey to take the estate from disrepair to one of the most sought-after event venues in NY, accommodating up to 110 guests in the ballroom all year round and 190 guests under the seasonal open-air pole tent.
2017
Kate and her husband, Matt, begin cleaning, restoring, and renovating the property.
2018
The barn house and original caretaker's home are repaired. The Hillcrest Estate, as an event venue, is officially formed, and the Carriage House is renovated.
2019-2020
The mansion's event space is completed and made more accessible. The overnight accommodations area is restored, and the Carriage House becomes a short-term rental.
2021
Large-scale weddings and events, and major landscaping projects take place.
2022
All major renovations, including the residence within the mansion, are completed, and additional property enhancements are added, including bar service, the Woodland Ceremony area, parking lot, and landscaping and outdoor upgrades.
2023
The venue begins operating as an all-inclusive wedding destination with food provided by The Yard of Ale Restaurant in Piffard. In addition, overnight getaway services launch.
2024
Overnight accommodations expand with two additional bedrooms, hosting up to 16 guests in the mansion and six at the Carriage House. A 3,200-square-foot seasonal event tent on a newly poured concrete pad is added to enhance capacity and flexibility.
2025
Hillcrest transforms the Carriage House garage into a stylish lounge featuring arcade games, a pool table, and a seating area. In addition, the parking lot is expanded to 100 spots, and a nearby shed is converted into the “Smoke Shack” — a unique 1970s-inspired cigar lounge.
2026
Hillcrest will continue to focus on landscape enhancements, expanding off-season and public event offerings in the ballroom, and adding more amenities to the mansion, available as a short-term rental for up to 16 guests.
