Welcome to The Homestead 1854

AN INTIMATE WEDDING AND BOUTIQUE WELLNESS RETREAT VENUE UNLIKE ANY OTHER

The Homestead 1854 is a hidden oasis nestled in a Plano, IL neighborhood that has hosted dignitaries and guests for over a century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the restored property was established in 1854 by Lewis Steward, a businessman, politician, and philanthropist. Today, it serves as a two-acre intimate wedding venue. With its charming and historic architecture, The Homestead 1854 offers a truly exclusive experience for those looking to escape the ordinary.

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WHERE WE’VE BEEN FEATURED

Weddings

Escape the ordinary and celebrate your special day at an intimate wedding venue in Illinois. The organic beauty of our setting serves as the idyllic backdrop for your most special day. Outdoor ceremonies, open air dinners, dancing under the stars – it all awaits you here.

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A property that boasts a rich and varied history.

The Homestead 1854 is a unique property that features an elegant mix of old and new.

The Homestead 1854, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a historic gem located less than 60 miles from downtown Chicago in Plano, Illinois and is a place friends can laugh and enjoy much needed time together, family can gather and share stories and individuals & teams can be inspired, create and re-energize.

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The Story

SINCE 1854

In 1854, Lewis Steward, a founder of the town of Plano, built his home to be patterned after the picturesque country cottages that are reminiscent of rural Tuscan villas.

In the early 1850s, the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad began expanding westward from Chicago. Seeing an opportunity for business growth as a result

of the railroad’s expansion, Lewis Steward offered the railroad access across his family’s farm and proposed to build a town around the railroad.

In 1853, Mr. Steward plotted the town of Plano, configuring the streets, planting trees, subdividing his property for new settlers, and donating land to build the town’s twelve original churches. For the next several years, Lewis Steward focused his efforts on the growth and development of Plano, supporting its industries and maintaining the city’s economic strength. Steward was a lawyer, farmer, merchant,

manufacturer, horse breeder, philanthropist, and served as the area’s Representative in the 52nd United States Congress.

Mr. Steward was known as a man of integrity, always with an eye for the welfare of the residents of Plano. He provided the town with its water system, developed a park and built an opera house. Mr. Steward expanded the house in the early 1860s and again in the late 1870s, and the house remained in the Steward family until 1954.

Chet and Mary Kay Sergo purchased the Chicago area property in 2012. Chet and Mary Kay reimagined, redesigned and revitalized the property, now known as The Homestead 1854, as a petite venue for intimate + refined, unique + inspiring and unforgettable wedding, retreat and event experiences.

Brenda and Stephen

“I recently got married at The Homestead 1854. As this was my second wedding and I’m a busy working Mom, it was important to me to find a venue that could really provide a turn-key experience. Mary Kay, Amy and the whole staff are wonderful. I sent inspirational pics of the flowers, colors, cake, etc. and Amy and Mary Kay did the rest. The day was beautiful and every little detail was taken care of by Mary Kay and her team. I’ve received so many comments on how lovely the venue was and how unique! If you are looking for a gorgeous garden wedding, this is the place for you!”
Audrey and Bill

“MOST ROMANTIC VENUE EVER! Words cannot describe how amazing our experience at Homestead 1854 was. Never once did the staff make us feel like it was just another wedding day. They made everything easy and completely stress free. Mary Kay and Amy put so much love into our day that they walked away family. The house is beautiful and even though our pictures were amazing, they don't do the venue any justice. I hope to spend anniversaries there as our little get away and have more summer date nights at their Corks and Caps events. I cannot recommend this place enough!”
Regi and Celia

“We cannot say enough nice things about our experience with Homestead 1854. From start to finish, the staff was an absolute pleasure to work with and overwhelmingly accommodating. Our special day was made possible by the incredible staff and we would absolutely choose them over and over again. We are so glad to have found this hidden gem and can’t wait to continue visiting for their public events.”
Carie and Michael

“From the minutes we walked around the property, it was our wedding dream come true. It was everything we wanted, everything we didn’t know we’d want & need and so much more.”
Annah and Jonathon

“The Homestead 1854 is an amazing hidden gem that was the missing piece to our wedding plans. The house itself is beautiful, and we love the original flooring, but even more than that we love the grounds. The property is large but cozy at the same time so you can have a wide range of guests without the space feeling too full or too cavernous. We love how the fire pit area is tucked away from where the labyrinth is (where we had our ceremony), and how the front lawn was set up with vintage conversation pits for our cocktail hour!”
Shelly

“The venue is beautiful! The yoga was life changing! From the minute I walked in I felt the peace and felt welcomed. From the wine tasting to the four course meal, coffee bar the next morning, and breakfast served to us all! I can’t thank everyone enough for the much needed girls weekend. I would give this 1000 stars if I could. I have already recommended The Homestead 1854 to a few friends already! Loved everything.”