Our Story
Two blocks from charming Main St. Warrenton, NC, sits an old cotton gin. Long-since a fixture of the town’s landscape and agricultural past, the gin is now restored as an inclusive destination for weddings, events, and community gatherings.
The Old Cotton Gin was originally constructed as a tobacco prizery in the late 1800s and used by the Warren Cotton and Fertilizer Co. throughout the mid-twentieth century. It was badly burned in 1947 and rebuilt with American steel as the structure you see today. The property sat unused and overgrown for many years until 2015 when locals Anne and Tommy Satterwhite rescued it and began restoration. As a child, Tommy, a Warrenton native, played with friends in the overflowing piles of cottonseed stored in the siloed barn; now called The Seed House.
Today, The Old Cotton Gin is a welcoming and inclusive place for memories to be made. The metal buildings create a unique backdrop or interior for your ceremony, reception, or event. For overnight accommodations, The Seed House and Franklin St. House have you, and up to 11 of your guests, covered. During the spring and summer months, Anne’s gardens are full of jaw-dropping blooms that inspire a magical feeling. With copious indoor and outdoor space, The Old Cotton Gin is the perfect venue for any couple or organization that loves rustic beauty and Americana.
The Old Cotton Gin is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space to people of all types. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We believe diversity is human and will treat all people equally with fairness and respect.
We will not rent our space to hate groups or organizations that discriminate, harm, slander, or oppress people. We will not tolerate bigoted or hateful language and symbols on our property.
The Main Hall offers soaring ceilings, vintage sanctuary lighting, concrete floors, restrooms, and a warm industrial vibe. The large outdoor overhang previously sheltered the weigh station and scales for trucks filled with cotton. Now, the overhang is the perfect area for a covered reception or intimate ceremony, with string lighting for a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
The Seed House, which outdates the metal buildings by half a century, was formerly connected to the Main Hall via a system of pipes and ductwork used to transport cotton and cottonseed between buildings. There is a massive industrial vacuum still housed in the top of the center silo that made the movement of cottonseed possible. When walking through the Main Hall today, you can still see the remnants of the cotton gin machinery, which provides a unique industrial feel.
The Seed House is fully restored and available for nightly rentals on AirBnb or as part of our weekend venue rental packages. It is the perfect little getaway home or lodging for your wedding party to get ready for the big day. It features octagonal living at its finest with a small kitchen in the center silo, a living room with TV and streaming, a dining area, lounge, yoga gear, two bedrooms with full beds, a queen sofa bed, day bed, bathroom with shower, and covered deck. Sleeps 6.
The Breezeway, connecting the Main Hall and The Porch, is a great covered space for the bar, food service, or cake table. It can also be used for dancing or small gatherings.
The Porch is a long covered space for a reception, cocktail hour, or small event. Outdoor fans are installed to keep you cool. We offer many covered spaces so if your day turns out to be rainy, we are still prepared!
The Franklin St. House, adjacent to The Old Cotton Gin, is another historic home restored by Anne & Tommy. The renovation creates the perfect suite for your wedding party. Fit with antique furniture, beautiful natural lighting, three bedrooms, one bath, front porch, yard, washer/dryer, large living room, dining room, and a small kitchen. Sleeps 6. Soon, the outside of the home will also be undergoing renovations to bring out its natural beauty.