Hilltop House Meeting & Retreat Center

The ideal place to bring your work home

The elegant brick-front colonial that has served as home to Drew University presidents and visiting dignitaries like Barbara Bush and Walter Cronkite has opened its doors exclusively for small-group conferences, meetings and retreats. Hilltop House, which sits on the edge of Drew’s majestic forest preserve, offers an ideal blending of off-the-radar serenity and on-the-job productivity, making it the perfect choice for any intimate off-site summit. Perched atop the highest point in Madison, NJ, Hilltop House features three rooms on its ground level that offer boardroom-style seating, high-speed wireless internet and wall-mounted flat-screen monitors—which co-exist seamlessly with the house’s rich traditional décor.

The Living Room

Updated in 2012, this bright space formerly served as a ceremonial sitting room where past Drew presidents entertained distinguished visitors. Period details — including the fireplace, accent furnishings and window treatments — give it a cozy, yet elegant, feel.

• Dimensions: 17’ x 30’
• Capacity: 12 to 15

The Dining Room

A second option for boardroom-style seating is the Dining Room, a space that’s as rich in history as it is in comfort. Modern task furniture — including a mahogany table and ergonomic seating — is surrounded by the artwork and accents of yesteryear, creating a unique workspace.

• Dimensions: 17’ x 30’
• Capacity: 10

The Annex

Originally used as an event space for past Drew presidents, the Hilltop House Annex offers a rustic atmosphere replete with natural-grain wood paneling and complementary decorative accents. The space offers flexibility that ranges from classroom-style arrangements to seating at a boardroom table to setups that are appropriate for dinner and cocktail party events.

• Dimensions: 20’ x 35’
• Capacity: 20 to 25

Food Service

Hilltop House features full-service catering through Drew University’s on-campus food service provider. Options range from hors d’oeuvres to complete meals. The university’s event staff can create menu options to meet the needs of almost any group or occasion.

Technology

Each of Hilltop House’s three meeting rooms features a wall-mounted flat-panel monitor. The house also offers high-speed wireless internet, and local and long-distance telephone service. For conference calls, Polycom speakerphone devices are available. Drew also offers webcam equipment and other A/V devices for an added fee.

What’s Upstairs?

On the second floor of Hilltop House, you’ll find three bedrooms, an office and two full bathrooms (one en suite to the master bedroom). These spaces may be available for overnight lodging.

Rates and Availability

Drew University offers rates for nonprofit, government, educational and corporate clients.