It’s a 70-acre farm with a barn that is half horse stables, half reception hall. A gazebo dots the land as a place to exchange vows. And with a rustic, farm environment that is still elegant, the possibilities are many for Beaufort County’s newest event venue.

Almost 15 years ago, Gina Cantrell bought the land, naming it Fox Hollow Farm, a nod to her passion for foxhunting. But at that time, she had a different idea in mind — a place to board and train horses. The farm served as just that for about a decade, hosting lesson for children and facilities to board horses, another of Cantrell’s passions.

However, as children grew older and took their horses elsewhere, a farm for horse enthusiasts to board and ride was left, leaving half of the barn empty.

“I had this empty facility at this end, and I said, ‘What can I do with it? If all these brides want their photos taken out here, would they not want to get married out here?’” Cantrell said.

Through a trial run, hosting a wedding of a family member on the property, Cantrell received great reviews, she said. That’s when she decided to renovate the right half of the stable barn to accommodate wedding parties and other groups for birthday parties, company retreats and the like.

“People were like, ‘This is fabulous. You’re going to do so well,’” Cantrell recounted. “I’ve had a lot of support from the community. I just wanted to do something creative with this barn.”

Though local contractor Wesley O’Neal handled construction, Cantrell designed it herself, she said. The event hall, with walls of pinewood and columns wrapped in cedar, comes complete with a dance floor and room for a disc jockey; the hall, itself, is surrounded by French doors, leading out to the land; wrought-iron fixtures make for great lighting for photography and setting a certain mood; a partial kitchen is readily available for setting up catering; and four 70-inch TVs, with Wi-Fi and several other technological capabilities, makes it a versatile place for most gatherings, Cantrell said.

Cantrell still houses horses in the left half of the barn, keeping that passion alive and adding to the ambience. She said she loves devoting her free time to hosting groups and parties and helping people make great memories, whatever the occasion.

“I’m excited to share this with people and help them make memories of a lifetime,” Cantrell said. “It has that farm feel, but it’s still elegant. You can dress it down with hay and picnic tables — however you want — but yet, you can still have that elegant feel as well.”

For more information, call Gina Cantrell at 252-943-7016, email at foxhollowfarmllc@gmail.com or visit fhfvenue.com.