Victorian holiday party will usher in new era at former Pillars in Albion

Maison Albion will celebrate grand opening at site transformed for weddings and special events

Photos by Tom Rivers: A Christmas tree is reflected in one of the mirrors in the bridesmaids suite at Maison Albion, which will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday.

ALBION – Kerri and Cole Glover will host its grand opening of Maison Albion with an over-the-top Victorian holiday party on Saturday with a French flair.

Maison Albion had ornaments made in the likeness of the building at 13800 County House Rd., formerly known as The Pillars.

The Glovers have been preparing to open their doors to the public since they purchased the property at 13800 West County House Road, formerly known as The Pillars. They have worked since early July to transform the property.

The public will have its first chance on Saturday to see the new look for the 1878 mansion.

“The first phase of the project is almost complete,” Mrs. Glover said. “The name of the launch is ‘Fête de Nöel,’ which translates to ‘Christmas Party,’ fitting with the over-the-top Victorian holiday party theme.”

To adhere to Covid-19 regulations, Maison Albion will only be welcoming 50 guests at a time in designated two-hour time slots, beginning at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The $25 admission charge will be donated to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

There will be temperature checks at the door and masks will be required to enter. The owners will be monitoring the changing Covid requirement as the situation develops in Western New York and will adhere to regulations as they may change, Mrs. Glover said.

Maison Albion is also offering virtual tickets to the event. Guests can “attend” the party online in the comfort of their home and enjoy everything the guests will via their guest guide from 6 to 8 p.m.

The bridal suite is pictured in this photo. Maison Albion owners Kerri and Cole Glover have transformed the site to give it a style from a late 19th century French estate.

Once inside, guests will be able to celebrate with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and many desserts. The house will be dazzling with holiday decorations designed by the area’s favorite local planners and florists, Mrs. Glover said. The event will include a tour led by a group of volunteer docents who will welcome and lead guests through this historic home.

The site will have nine Christmas trees decorated for the grand opening celebration. The chandelier in this photo was in the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

Fête de Nöel will be an annual fundraising event, Mrs. Glover added. All proceeds will be donated to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. The donation will top off the evening’s events.

Maison Albion is a historic mansion built in 1878, which the Glovers have reimagined to host weddings and events. Guests will be transported to a time of luxurious craftsmanship and lavish celebrations through its breathtaking ballroom and grounds reminiscent of a late 19th century French estate, Mrs. Glover explained.

Tickets may be purchased through their website at www.MaisonAlbion.com.

The Glovers chose a French name and theme for their new venue for several reasons. The couple met in France and they love the French influence, originally from the settlers of this area and from abroad, she said. They created a French design for the interiors in the way Victorians would have enjoyed it – influenced from Marie Antoinette’s apartments at Versailles and Chinoiserie.

“We chose ‘Maison Albion’ because we wanted a fresh start for the venue,” Mrs. Glover said. “‘Maison’ means ‘house’ or ‘home’ in French. Also, Albion was originally settled by the French. In addition, we want our venue to feel warm and welcoming to the community.”

The Glovers plan to host several events for the community annually, and they will also donate the venue 10 times a year to non-profits for their events.

Saturday’s celebration will also include a ribbon-cutting with the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.