By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

WESTOVER—Shaded by leafy green trees, the Abbott House is a beautiful piece of Shelby County history. The stately white house exudes old southern charm, with a grand columned front and wraparound porch.

“I just love all the trees, it’s so southern,” Morgan Nordyke said. “I love it.”

Nordyke’s family bought the historic home in August 2015 and turned it into a family business.

The Abbott House was previously used as a wedding venue. Nordyke and her family are continuing in the event venue business, opening the Abbott House to a variety of different events, from rehearsal dinners to family reunions.

“We’re trying it all out to see what works,” Nordyke said. “We’re excited to see where it goes.”

Built in the 1880s, the Abbott House has retained its antique charm. The home has hard wood floors and high ceilings. The first floor has an airy feel, with large sun-lit rooms opening off of the main entry foyer. Up a flight of stairs are four more spacious rooms.

The home’s fixtures and decor are reminiscent of the early turn of the century era.

“The house was built in the 1880s, we try to keep that feel to it,” Nordyke said.

The Abbott House also has ample outdoor entertaining space. Along the right side of the house is a veranda and versatile patio area that can serve as an outdoor dining space, seating space or dance floor.

Just off the patio is rustic white arbor, perfect for a wedding ceremony.

Another sweeping porch complete with a bar runs along the left side of the home, allowing space for an outdoor band, mingling and more.

“You don’t have to pick a room, (when you rent the Abbott House) you get the entire grounds,” Nordyke said. “The great thing is, it’s a blank canvas.”

The Abbott House allows event planners to customize the venue and make it their own. In fact, one groom outfitted the Abbott House’s upstairs groom’s room with his own television and video game console.

Nordyke said she and her family strive to keep prices affordable. The Abbott House can be rented hourly, at $225 per hour on Saturdays and $185 per hour Sundays through Fridays. Special wedding packages are also available.

“My family and I wanted a beautiful place that was affordable,” Nordyke said. “I’m one of five kids, so when I got married there wasn’t an endless budget.”

The Abbott House is located at 9481 Highway 55 in Westover. Anyone interested in using the Abbott House for a special event can schedule a viewing by emailing abbotthouseevents@gmail.com or calling 983-2491. For more information about the venue, visit Abbotthouseevents.com.