Welcome to our nature sanctuary and historic estate at Old Mill Eco Island! Our 5 acre mini nature sanctuary is a hidden away, unexpected little slice of paradise- a truly special place that at times can feel almost enchanted. We used to be the site of the old gristmill for the area which stood on an island surrounded by a brook and woodlands and includes 2 historic stone bridges as well as a guest cottage and the main home. The multitude of spaces here at Old Mill Eco Island Estate makes us perfect for production renters for photography and film as well as small private events and gatherings. We've also hosted elopements and micro weddings. We are first and foremost, a nature sanctuary with a sustainability and conservation mission so we do have some special guidelines and love to work with events and renters that align with the mission and will respect the guidelines here that help keep nature safe. We ask renters to please review all the information available to ensure that you'll enjoy your time here! The exterior spaces provide many unique opportunities for our production renters for photography and film. Our exterior spaces include: - shots in the woods amongst the trees or along the brook; -the beauty of old stone and wooden bridges and walls -the fantasy and fairytale feeling in front of the 'fairy pool' -the romantic look of a waterfall running beneath an old bridge -a prairie-scaped yard with grasses filled with butterflies, fireflies, and birds -the old cottage foundation and stone well tucked in the woods -or the curated native gardens offering organic beauty surrounding the patios Our interior spaces include 2 designer remodeled homes which are all about honoring history and nature combined. One, a small guesthouse cabin from 1940 lofted over the water with a midcentury meets art deco vibe in the open spaces and a romantic, relaxing bedroom. The other, our main home, which is contemporary meets Craftsman located on the island across the bridge, is surrounded by water, and has the event patios attached to the home. Both are intentional and efficient spaces that are comfortable and welcoming in their feel. We work with our production renters to determine which spaces need to be included in their rental and offer various tiers of options- some only want the interior of the cottage, while others only want the exterior locations on the island, and some want all the exterior spaces plus the cottage or main home. For photographers doing family portraits, fantasy sessions, engagement photos, or wedding photos, they usually use the exterior locations on the island only. For our event and micro wedding renters: The event space patios are on the island and generally require the rental of all the island- the patios and the home. We work with our renters to make sure your event logistics are well organized for your caterers. Caterers that need to use our kitchen and guests that need to use our restrooms is why we say events generally rent the whole island and include the home rental portion. Depending on the size of your party, you may want to consider renting additional portapotties that can be parked in the upper driveway. Frequently for weddings, bridal couples rent the guest cottage in the nature sanctuary to stay in and have their event hosted on the island. For elopements, it is most common that the couples rent the cottage to stay and have their ceremony and photos performed on the island amongst one of the naturescapes such as under the big yew tree with the waterfall behind them. We only work with small, private events with a max of 20 guests and we generally say adults only as there are too many unique hazards for littles who may get curious. The dining table on the patio overlooking the waterfall seats 10 so for private events if you're hoping to all sit together, this is the most comfortable guest count. We can accommodate larger parties by swapping out secondary dining table where our seating area usually is or if you opt to skip a seated meal and are just doing passed apps or casual buffet style offerings and folks can sit wherever or even stand. The following guidelines are in place to minimize light and sound pollution for the wildlife, avoid waste that could negatively impact the ecosystem here, and out of respect for our neighbors. All renters should review all the information in the rules section to be sure our property is the right fit for you. Square footage differs depending on space. Guesthouse is approximately 800 sf. Garage is 400 sf. Main house is 1800 sf. Patio is approximately 300 sf when dining section and seating areas are combined. The exterior spaces around the island each differ but the island is about an acre. And other various exterior locations in the woods depend on location. You can learn more about the sanctuary, the spaces and the mission here at thecorico.com/oldmilllecoisland