As one of the newest venues in the Wachusett region, The 228 in Sterling slid its big red barn doors open in 2016 with one clear mission: pair the exclusive use of this special property and superior customer service with your special event. We are flexible and happily welcome your customization requests for your wedding, family gathering, party, shower, reunion, BBQ, or business event.
At The 228 we pride ourselves on being a unique type of venue; able to think beyond the typical to achieve your event vision. Although we do not offer packages per se, our a la carte options paired with exclusive use of the property allow you to build your event at The 228 in Sterling utilizing as many or few of our services as you require. This helps our clients minimize delivery and labor charges and stress by having items available onsite. But you only pay for what you need or want and can bring your own with approved vendors too.
A women-owned, family-run business, The 228 in Sterling is located on a relaxing and secluded 10-acre property off Route 12, near the Leominster line. We have easy highway access to routes 2, I-190, and I-290. We offer indoor seating accommodating up to 95 guests and an attached covered stone patio furnished for outdoor relaxation. Also on the property is a separate covered picnic area with tables for BBQs and/or outdoor games. The site both indoors and out is handicapped accessible. Parking is convenient and ample. We offer multiple locations for on-site wedding ceremonies and photo opportunities.
History of The 228 Property
The 228 in Sterling property has gone through many metamorphoses over the generations. The property’s history goes back to the early 1900s as a chair factory with a water wheel on the Wikipiki River. Then the land was divided into a farm and a tea house. After a tragic accident and rebuilding a large hay barn and a restaurant, the property managed to stay a separate parcel, to be enjoyed by the public. Since the 1950s, the land had been the Twin Oaks Restaurant, named for the site of an amazing conjoined oak tree. It was a place where countless couples and families celebrated joyous events for decades. The 228 in Sterling strives to continue that tradition of customer service, comfort, and quality in our brand-new modern barn facility.
The 228 in Sterling Gives Back
We are proud participants and supporters of the Pan-Mass Challenge for Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and also charity partners with Why Me & Sherry’s House.