Scio family turns dairy farm landscape into Castile in the Eden

A Scio family has turned an idyllic pastoral location surrounded by natural beauty into one of the most attractive wedding and event venues in Ohio. Castile in the Eden offers a complete package for the perfect wedding, and it all began with a sudden idea just a few years ago.

“It really began years ago, when we recognized the beauty of the terrain here,” said Kebria Dye of Castile in the Eden. “With the hills and valleys in the foothills of Appalachia and the beauty of Harrison County, it’s really spectacular.” 

The family has operated a seasonal dairy farm in Harrison County for decades, and installed the first New Zealand Style milking parlor in Ohio, a highly efficient system which became the basis for the family’s Colonial Classics Farmstead Cheese. 

“Our daughters were involved with marketing and they posted pictures of the animals grazing in the hills and fields,” said Dye. With the photos posted online, “people from around the world would comment on the pictures and ask ‘where do you live? Those are breathtaking.’ We weren’t yet thinking of a venue at that point at all.”

Then, four years ago, Dye and her husband Bill were presented with the idea by their daughter, Katrina. “She said, ‘you know, we have this building here, why not remodel that into a wedding venue?’” said Dye. “I remember I thought about it for all of two minutes, thinking of all the beauty surrounding us.” With that, the project got underway. “Castile in the Eden” came about from an area in Spain known for its many castles, plus the unspoiled, Garden of Eden like natural beauty of the location which the family was so eager to share with others. “Once we got started, my daughters really got into it. It was a labor of love because we really wanted to share this beauty and offer a memorable place for couples to have their wedding. There are so many opportunities for making memories and beautiful photographs. We saw the streams and the hills and sunsets and the moon. We knew it would be unique and magical.”

With daughters Andria and Tiffany also onboard, the project became a true family affair, with most of the work being done themselves, adding crystal chandeliers, wrought iron elements, fountains and stucco cladding. “We’ve leaned into giving it a Mediterranean flair,” she added. 

“We want to assist with making a couple’s vision for their wedding a reality,” said Dye. The venue offers a complete wedding package, with all the tables and chairs needed to accommodate 350 guests. Private dressing areas for the bride and groom parties are included, along with a portable bar. A prep kitchen stands ready for use by the couple’s chosen caterer. Cheese is provided from the family’s Farmstead Cheese made on site and served on a spectacular baroque table. 

The package is so complete, Dye said about the only optional item offered is a horse drawn carriage. The wedding party has access to the venue on the big day for a full 14 hours, and is available for a rehearsal dinner, a ceremony indoors or at one of the beautiful garden settings outside among the rolling acreage surrounding the property, and reception. An overnight stay for the bride and groom is included in the balconied honeymoon suite. 

Castile in the Eden is also available for other events such as corporate gatherings, bridal showers and more. 

Dye said couples should contact Castile in the Eden at least eight to 12 months before their planned wedding date to book the venue. 

Castile in the Eden is at 37425 Gundy Ridge Road, Scio. Find them online at castileintheeden.com, or call 412-496-9060.