If you know Sebastopol, you know it is a quaint town with sweet shops and good eats that is an easy drive over to the beach. What you may not know is that Sebastopol was recently blessed with a new development set in the heart of an old apple cannery, bringing a very San Francisco industrial style open market with a brewery, bakery, fantastic restaurants, a hotel, shops, and a scene to not be missed as you stroll through town. Welcome The Barlow!

One of the many fabulous modern corrugated metal sided barns you see along The Barlow houses a gem of an event space. You might even miss this private venue as you stroll along as from the street you may only see the classy office and greeting foyer, but tucked next door is a unique event space perfect to hold your next celebration. You will also be surprised to find an outdoor patio, grassy garden area, 100 year old oak trees, plus a second, more intimate, interior barn style space. The architecture of The Warehouse at The Barlow has the modern industrial feel with the dreamy touches of Restoration Hardware.

The primary event space, called The Station, is large and can hold up to 250 guests. With grey stained concrete floors, industrial lights, wood paneling, fabric framed sound dampeners over head, a wood vaulted ceiling, and four oversized garage doors that roll up to bring the outside in, this space is ideal for any party. New fabric drapes slide across the back wall to hide the interior from view of the patio space if you want to add the element of surprise for your guests when moving an event from the outside in for dinner and dancing. You choose the configuration and use of the space and the options are endless! If an outdoor ceremony or cocktail space is desired, The Warehouse has a couple of wonderful options. Immediately outside The Station is a large patio with horizontal wood fencing, wisteria crawling up the wall, and all set to the backdrop of the corrugated metal siding of these fabulous buildings. A full, manicured lawn continues off of the patio space and offers old oak trees as the backdrop and various artichoke plants, strawberries, a full garden that supplies the local restaurant, and a living willow fence along the edge. Tier drop lights hanging from the trees in this space offer beautiful, ambient lighting for evening events. This space can be used as a ceremony lawn, cocktail hour, and much larger outdoor events. A special permit is required, but this venue has the option of increasing its guest count much higher than the recommended 250.

The Shed is the final surprise at this remarkably rustic venue. A transitional cocktail event space is available between the main Station and the Shed if you like, but a sneak peak through the wood barn sliding doors of The Shed is breathtaking. A fabulous chandelier hangs center to this space and is wrapped in an oversized birdcage designed perfectly for The Shed. This more intimate event venue has a similar feel to the entire facility, but offers an option for smaller groups, more space for larger groups if rented along with the other spaces, a pre-party option the day before, or even a great late night dancing spot. The Warehouse at The Barlow, and specifically the rooms called The Station and The Shed, is a wonderful new venue option near the Sonoma coast with everything you will need for your next event. A caterer’s dream, client’s needs covered, and to be a guest at their next event would leave an impression for sure. Add this spot to your list of must see venues!

~ Vixen Catrina, with great photos taken by our pal for the weekend, Rebecca of Ford Family Photography. Thank you.