Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanine Leeder.
Hi Jeanine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our story as an event venue began in 2012 when my husband, Craig, began the restoration of the Ingenhuett General store which burned down in 2006. At the time time of the fire, the Ingenhuett was the oldest continuously operating general store in the state of Texas. The building sat for 5 years as a burned pile of rubble because the fire was so devastating to the family they were unable to rebuild or let go. My husband loves history, architecture and big projects and he was able to purchase the building and begin the process of restoring at the end of 2011. We had no intention for the future use and worked with the architect to honor the history – not cover it up. This is evident in the charred walls and John Deere parts bins, the original bank vault and the fallen plaster and exposed stone walls. After restoration was completed and everyone in town was speculating what the building was going to be, we hosted our first wedding for a friend. I often refer to our venue as an “accidental ” venue because it was not in the plans but it works so well with the different spaces and architectural features, We have been able to host not only weddings but many community events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The restoration of the building went pretty smoothly though it was a structurally challenging and expensive endeavor.
Learning the ‘ins and outs’ of the wedding business has been an ongoing process but working with the couples and their families is very rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Ingenhuett on High?
Our event venue is unique for several reasons. First, the origin of the business was an accident. After completion of the restoration, a friend’s daughter’s venue closed suddenly and she had no space for her wedding. I mentioned that we were thinking our space could host weddings and she loved it and we had our first wedding! We then decided to officially launch as an event space. Second. I do not run the venue as others do-I do not advertise or market our space anywhere. I really love when clients fall in love with the architecture and history and uniqueness it offers. Third, our little town of Comfort is so friendly and inviting and guests love that they can shop and eat right down the street. No need for buses or itineraries We strive to take care of all the needs of couples that choose our space so they can focus on each other and the commitment they are making!
We have hosted several concerts and the acoustics and vibe are perfect-another surprise that were had not planned!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I do not necessarily believe in “luck” rather hard work, dedication and the willingness to help others along the way seems to work best for us.
Pricing:
- Monday-Thursday $3,500
- Friday and Sunday $4,500
- Saturday $6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ingenhuett.com
- Instagram: the.ingenhuett.on.high
- Facebook: The Ingenhuett in High
