Amber grove
16216 GENITO RD.
MOSELEY, VA. 23120

For over 20 years, Amber Grove has been a beautiful, secluded venue for family and friends to gather in celebration. While our primary focus is weddings, our picturesque country estate is the perfect setting for any social occasion.

The place now known as Amber Grove is a wedding/special events venue established in 1997. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into one of Richmond’s premier wedding and special event venues. The house itself and surrounding lands have a long and varied history. What follows are some of the historical highlights.

The farm sits on top of what geologists call the Otterdale Sands, formed at the end of the second Ice Age. The land once looked like a giant sand dune. Over the millennia, it became covered with vegetation and forest. It was a hunting ground to the Monacan Indians. It is one of the highest points in terms of elevation in Chesterfield County.

The modern history of this place begins in 1850 when a settler named Vincent Markham migrated up Swift Creek from the present DuPont area of Richmond and bought 350 acres of land including what is now Amber Grove. He and his sons, Vincent Jr. and George built a house on this site. Vincent Jr. married a woman named Julia Elam in 1854 who died in childbirth in 1856. Her grave marker is in the Inn’s courtyard. After her death, Vincent Jr. lost all interest in the farm and moved to Colorado to prospect for gold. He later became a noted federal judge.

In the meantime, Vincent Sr. died in 1859 leaving the care of the farm to George and his wife, Adelaide Cheatham. George borrowed $5000 from his brother-in-law Thomas Cheatham so he could expand his farming operation based on cattle, corn and tobacco. Ominously, the date on the loan was April 9, 1861. Three days later, Fort Sumter changed everything. Lee’s Retreat came through this area in April of 1865 and it is believed that some Confederate units rested here before making their final journey to Appomattox.

In 1866, George defaulted on the note held by Mr. Cheatham. For reasons not completely clear, he was asked to leave the farm never to return. Thomas then had David Mack Goode appointed to be his sister’s trustee. Mr. Goode bought the farm from Adelaide and Vincent Markham Jr. in 1871. He owned it until his death in 1883. The land was then divided up among his four children the eldest of whom was named Ambrose Goode. Present-day Amber Grove was a part of Ambrose’s share. Over the next twenty years, Ambrose bought out his siblings and ran the 350 acre farm as a dairy from 1884 until his retirement in 1946.

It is not known what happened to the old Markham homestead, whether it burned down or was torn down. What is known is that Ambrose and his wife, Rebecca Bailey built the present house in 1884. It was originally a “two-over-two”, two rooms downstairs and two upstairs, with the present suite built behind the house as a separate building for the dining room and kitchen. Around 1900, the Goodes connected the kitchen building to the main house and built an addition on the front where the present kitchen is located. They used the space as a parlor.

In 1946, the Goodes sold the farm to the Franklin Brothers. The Franklins ran what had become known as the Goode Farm as a farming operation and the house itself as rental property until they sold it to Doug Sowers, a local land developer in 1982. Mr. Sowers then sold the house and 25 surrounding acres to the Craddock family in 1983.

The Craddocks completely renovated the house, including tearing out the original pine planks, building a new sub-floor and then installing new flooring which looked like the old pine. They also rebuilt the back stairway and added the present entranceway to the dining room. The Craddocks sold the house to the Adams family in 1986 who, in turn, sold it to Jean Thayer in 1990. She bought it for her daughter, Gail Richter who wanted a place to raise horses. Gail added most of the existing white fencing.

Ms. Richter moved away in 1995 and the house became rental property once more until John McBride bought it in 1997. His intention was to operate a country inn where he could host weddings and other social functions. He tore off the front of the house and built a 2400 sq. ft. addition including the front porch and columns. Mr. McBride continues in his role as site and event coordinator.

In its long history, this land has been used as a hunting ground, farm, dairy, private residence, horse operation and now, a place for people to gather in celebration of life. It has become a tranquil island of what once was surrounded by a sea of modern suburbia. One can only hope that Amber Grove can stay that way for many years to come.

At Amber Grove, all activities are coordinated by John McBride. He provides professional assistance in menu design, event planning and execution. He also functions as an accessible resource for information and questions. On event days, John and the Amber Grove staff ensure that you will not have to worry about anything except what you came here to celebrate.

Amber Grove’s preferred caterers offer a full range of culinary options which can suit any taste. Outside catering is not permitted. The standard wedding buffet includes fruit & cheese crudité, two passed hors d’oeuvres, four buffet items, carving station and a food station. Acrylic ware is provided. China, silverware and cloth napkins are available upon request and priced per guest.

If alcohol is desired, client must purchase a one-day banquet license from ABC Board. Client can provide own alcohol. Amber Grove will furnish bar staff and equipment. Kegs are not allowed. There will be a beverage charge which will cover ice, sodas, bottled water and mixers/fruits if full bar. Non-alcoholic weddings will be charged a base rate. Acrylic barware will be provided. Glassware is available upon request and priced per guest. Bar will open after ceremony with last call being 30 minutes before scheduled end of event.

For weddings, space charge depends on day of week and time of year. Brides are granted full and exclusive use of Amber Grove on the day of the wedding. Amber Grove believes that a person’s wedding day should be theirs and theirs alone. Actual event time is limited to five hours. If desired, additional time can be negotiated. For other events, space charge depends on what they are.  

Rental, setup, breakdown and cleanup are handled by Amber Grove.

Vendor services such as photography, music, wedding cakes and floral are client responsibilities. Client can choose own vendors or choose from Amber Grove’s  list of trusted vendors Amber Grove will assist you in coordinating their activities. Decoration beyond what is already provided is also client responsibility but John and the Amber Grove staff will be happy to generate ideas for you and help with setup.

Spacious changing areas are provided for both bridal and grooms parties.

Amber Grove can also be used as a backdrop for wedding portrait photography. This service is offered free of charge for any client.

Amber Grove serves a delicious wedding buffet prepared by its own professional staff.

Amber Grove preferred vendors have proven that they provide clients with superior service at competitive pricing.