GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE COTTAGE

 The BB&T/Amelia Wallace Faculty/Alumni Cottage is a 4,000-square-foot facility that serves as a gathering place for Francis Marion University faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Set amidst the oaks, crepe myrtles, dogwoods and azaleas characteristic of the FMU campus, The Cottage is a quiet haven located between the Stokes Administration Building and the Stanton Academic Computer Center.

Constructed in 2003 with private donations, The Cottage is a beautifully landscaped, modern facility with Southern low country charm that preserves the heritage of the original house that was located on the property. Operated by the FMU Foundation as a benefit to Francis Marion University, the facility is named in honor of BB&T, a major benefactor, and Amelia Wallace, whose family donated the first 100 acres of land on which the university is located.

Serving as a focal point for faculty and alumni programs and events, The Cottage is available for use by faculty, staff and alumni or others with FMU affiliation. The perfect tranquil setting and ambiance for meetings, conferences, training sessions, special luncheons or dinners and receptions, The Cottage also may be leased by individuals and organizations as availability permits.

 

 

Directions to the Cottage

 Option 1: From Highway 301/76 heading east, pass through the 4-way intersection at the main entrance to campus, go about 1/2 mile then turn right at Gate #6 onto Wallace Woods Road. Take a right onto Cottage Road (Access Road) which will take you into Parking Lot F. Take a right all the way around the parking lot until you reach The Cottage, which will be the white building on your left.

Option 2: Turn right at traffic light onto Highway 327 (Francis Marion Road) and left at Gate 2. Park in Lot E (directly ahead) and follow brick sidewalk to The Cottage.

An Adobe Acrobat PDF file combining these directions and a map is available through this link.

Cottage Private Dining Room

Private Dining Room

GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING RENTING THE COTTAGE

Rental fees have been established for use of the entire facility or for lease of a single meeting room. Space may be reserved for the entire day, one-half day or by the hour. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

The rental fee is due at the signing of a lease agreement, along with a $100 damage/clean-up deposit. The deposit will be returned within 10 working days of an event, provided there is no damage and if all trash, decoration,s and rental equipment are removed appropriately.

Dues-paying members of the FMU Alumni Association, faculty and staff who wish to lease The Cottage for private functions are eligible for a discounted rate (excluding the guest rooms). Full refunds will be made on cancellations made to the FMU Foundation Office at least 48 hours prior to a scheduled event. Cancellations made after that time will be subject to forfeiture of the $100 deposit.

Based on an agreement between the university and the FMU Foundation, all university-related special events scheduled at The Cottage are covered through an annual fee paid by the university and will not require individual departmental reimbursement for rental of space (excluding the guest rooms).

For more information, please contact  The Cottage Line .

 

 
The Cottage Rental Rates

Rates

 

Member Rates (Faculty/ Staff, Current Alumni Members)           

                                                                                    Full Day                      ½ Day

Entire Cottage             

            Meeting                                                $500                            $300

            Event                                                    $800                            $400

By Room

            Large Meeting/ Dining Room                $250                            $150

            Small Meeting/ Dining Room                 $150                            $125

Library and Bar                                    $100                            $50

 

Individual and Corporate (Nonmember Rates)       

Full Day                      ½ Day

Entire Cottage 

            Meeting                                                $750                            $400

            Event                                                    $1,000                         $600

By Room

            Large Meeting/ Dining Room                $350                            $175

            Small Meeting/ Dining Room                 $300                            $150

Library and Bar                                    $150                            $75

 

Guest Suites for Members:                                            $50 per night

Guest Suites for Non-Members:                                    $75 per night

                                                                                   

Damage/ Clean-up Deposit:                                          $100

 

Notes:

            Full Day: Equal to or great than 8 hours

            Half Day: From 4 hours to less than 8 hours

Rates are for normal set-up. Changes to the set-up will result in additional charges.

Rates are subject to change.

 

Room Details:

Large Meeting/ Dining Room can accommodate up to 64 people seated.

Small Meeting/ Dining Room can accommodate up to 12 people seated.

The entire facility has a standing capacity for 200 people.

            All rooms include tables, chairs, and linens.

 

*Rates effective October 1, 2011