Couple revive Vint Hill mansion
The Inn at Vint Hill has once again become a place where western Prince William’s socialites can gather, rub elbows and celebrate life’s special events.
Manassas residents Scott and Dawn Donaldson purchased the historic mansion along the Fauquier-Prince William county line to expand their catering business while at the same time looking for a place to host upscale parties. The estate had served as the officer’s club for Vint Hill Farms Station until it closed in 1995.
“After viewing the mansion, we immediately knew it would be the perfect match for us,” said Scott Donaldson, adding “you can’t believe how excited we were.”
During the early 1900s, the mansion became a hub for area socialites, hosting elegant parties for fashionable guests.
The Donaldsons held their first event at the mansion on April 29, 2000, an elaborate wedding, after six months of remodeling.
Since that first gathering, the Inn at Vint Hill has been a busy place for corporate gatherings, weddings and special events. Manassas Park High School held its prom there last year and is returning this year.
“We are booked up with something every weekend into July with 40 weddings already reserved,” said Dawn Donaldson.
The mansion’s antique white walls, hardwood floors and grand ballrooms are perfect for creating a unique event, and the Donaldsons can supply everything from the food and drinks to extensive use of the grounds spanning 8 acres.
The Inn is now available only for rental, but the Donaldsons hope to have part of it open as a restaurant within a year.
The couple will have its first open-to-the-public event on Mother’s Day, May 12, when they will offer a buffet brunch. A Father’s Day brunch is also planned.
The Inn, which has three stories and covers 14,000 square feet, also has a pool. The grounds include a carriage house and other buildings which can be used for special events. Future plans call for the upstairs rooms to be converted into suites.
The Donaldsons have moved from their home in Manassas and now live on the top floor of the mansion. They continue to do outside catering in addition to hosting parties in the mansion.
A special celebration is planned at the site next month, marking the 60th anniversary of it becoming a base. The Inn was featured in the movie “Rules of Engagement” along with other shots from the Manassas area.
Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at (703) 368-3101, Ext. 125.