[City, State] – [Date] – Retreat at the Gambrel, a newly restored century-old barn in the heart of Southern Illinois wine country, has established itself as the region’s premier small group event venue. The property combines historic character with modern amenities to serve groups seeking intimate settings for celebrations, creative workshops, family gatherings, and corporate retreats.
The venue completed renovation in 2023 under the ownership of Sue Brewer, a retired RN who turned the agricultural building into a distinctive event space while preserving its historical integrity. The restoration maintained original barn wood and architectural features while installing contemporary bathrooms, a commercial-grade kitchen, and reliable climate control systems.
“We wanted to create a space where people could gather in comfort while experiencing the beauty of a genuine historic structure,” Brewer said. “So many barns are disappearing across rural America. By giving this building new purpose, we preserve the past while serving present needs.”
The property accommodates up to ten overnight guests or larger groups for day events. The open floor plan features high ceilings with exposed hand-hewn beams, original wood repurposed into custom furniture and finishes, and large windows bringing natural light throughout the space. The gambrel roof design creates a loft area that serves multiple functions from additional sleeping space to creative work areas.
Located near Alto Pass at the center of Southern Illinois wine country, Retreat at the Gambrel sits within short drives of more than a dozen wineries. The property also provides access to the Shawnee National Forest, hiking trails, and small towns with local character. This combination of venue quality and regional attractions makes the property attractive for groups traveling from St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, and other metropolitan areas.
“The location matters as much as the building,” Brewer noted. “Guests can enjoy wine tasting, hiking, and exploring during the day, then return to a private comfortable space for meals and evening activities. The rural setting provides quiet and scenery that urban venues cannot match.”
The venue has hosted various event types since opening. Creative workshops including quilting retreats and craft gatherings use the ample work space and natural light. Family reunions benefit from the capacity to keep multiple generations under one roof. Friend groups gather for milestone celebrations. Faith-based organizations use the property for retreats and study groups. Small businesses conduct team building and strategic planning sessions.
The kitchen facilities support different catering approaches. Groups can bring their own food and cook together, hire local caterers, or visit area restaurants. The full kitchen includes commercial-grade appliances, ample counter space, and equipment for preparing meals for ten or more people. This flexibility allows organizers to control costs while maintaining food quality.
Multiple bathrooms with modern fixtures provide convenience rare in historic buildings. The property includes walk-in showers, quality faucets, and adequate water pressure. These amenities demonstrate the commitment to genuine comfort rather than sacrificing function for aesthetics.
Climate control operates reliably across Illinois seasons. The HVAC system heats and cools the large interior volume effectively without visible equipment compromising the historical character. Guests remain comfortable during summer heat and winter cold, allowing year-round event scheduling.
The property maintains competitive pricing compared to conventional event venues and hotel group bookings. Entire-property rental divided among participants often costs less per person than separate hotel accommodations. The kitchen access further reduces overall event costs by enabling self-catering options.
“We wanted this space to be accessible to regular people, not just those with unlimited budgets,” Brewer explained. “Quality accommodations in distinctive settings should not require resort prices. The combination of reasonable rates and memorable experiences makes Retreat at the Gambrel attractive for various groups.”
The restoration process salvaged materials throughout. Original barn wood removed during renovation became vanities, tables, and decorative elements. This reuse maintained connection to the building’s agricultural past while creating functional pieces with character. Hand-hewn beams remain exposed showing tool marks from their creation over a century ago.
The property demonstrates broader trends in rural tourism and historic preservation. Travelers increasingly seek distinctive experiences in authentic settings over generic hotel stays. Agricultural buildings across America face decisions between demolition, deterioration, or adaptive reuse. Successful conversions like Retreat at the Gambrel prove that historic structures can serve contemporary needs while generating economic activity in rural communities.
Southern Illinois benefits economically from quality event venues attracting visitors who spend money at local businesses. Guests shop at area stores, eat at restaurants, visit wineries, and hire local services. This visitor spending supports jobs and tax revenue without requiring resort development that might compromise community character.
The venue accepts bookings year-round with seasonal rate variations. Fall color season and holiday weekends generate highest demand. Spring and summer accommodate outdoor activities and wine touring. Winter provides a cozy retreat atmosphere with discounted rates. Advance booking is recommended especially for peak periods when single-unit availability limits capacity.
Groups interested in booking Retreat at the Gambrel can visit the website at retreatatthegambrel.com or contact Sue Brewer directly. The site includes photo galleries showing interior and exterior spaces, detailed amenities lists, capacity information, and booking calendar. Property tours can be arranged for event planners considering the venue for specific occasions.
The success of Retreat at the Gambrel demonstrates market demand for well-executed historic conversions in accessible locations. The property sets standards for balancing preservation with modernization, maintaining authentic character while delivering contemporary comfort. For groups seeking intimate event settings with historic character, modern amenities, and reasonable pricing in Southern Illinois wine country, the venue provides a model of what adaptive reuse can achieve when vision meets execution.
About Retreat at the Gambrel
Retreat at the Gambrel is a restored 100-year-old barn located in Jonesboro, Illinois, in the heart of Southern Illinois wine country. The property accommodates up to ten overnight guests and serves small group events including creative workshops, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and celebrations. The venue features original architectural elements, modern amenities, and access to regional attractions including wineries, hiking trails, and historic small towns. Owned and operated by Sue Brewer, the property opened in 2023 following extensive restoration that preserved historical character while installing contemporary systems. For more information, visit retreatatthegambrel.com or contact suebrewer50@gmail.com.
Media Contact
Sue Brewer
Retreat at the Gambrel
suebrewer50@gmail.com
535 1/2 N. Main St.
Jonesboro, Illinois 62952
retreatatthegambrel.com
